| Topic Name: |
Looking for work |
| Message Name: |
IT/Technology Desert |
| Date Posted: |
04/22/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
I know that I've posted two big boo-hoo messages here. It is hard to stay optimistic in my position. One other skill I do have is that I'm an excellent technical and training manual writer. I have a portfolio. This is something I could do at home while I get my physical self back into shape. My friends are all very supportive of me but no one I know can think of any I/T openings at any company around here. The hotel casino business here is very cutthroat right now because our tourism has dropped off. I wouldn't know what to charge for such a service, but if anyone is interested in viewing some of the documents I've created, I'd be glad to show you. We could even do it long distance as I do have a nice scanner and could fax to you. It's something I just thought of. I could do the initial work, sell you the document and you could print/distribute it as you saw fit, only giving me credit for writing and creating it (in case others needed a similar service). Is anyone interested? And thanks again to all of you who have so kindly posted replies. |
| Message: |
Nevada pivots around two industries: service (ie, hotels, gambling, hospitality) and mining. If you are not in either of these, you have a steep, uphill climb of a job search ahead of you. You are in the middle of a technolgy desert.
This may be a long shot but check into the local tech recruiters. Go to Google and look for "Nevada" and "recruiters." You should get several hits. Contact them all and make your pitch.
Check out realrates.com or salary.com to get an idea what you might be able to charge. But understand that Nevada doesn't really understand the value of technolgy beyond what is inside a slot machine. Maybe it's a backlash from the non-event that was Y2K (anyone even remember this fizzle?!) that the casinos, who are the big employers, are loathe to spend any more in this area.
Technical writing is well suited for a work-at-home arrangement. Your challenge is to convince your employer to allow and support it. Check into being a contract writer. Vault has articles on the subject. Also, check out stc.org.
If you haven't already, check out your local job board sponsored by the city. There should be a "workforce resource" organization near you. Their career counselors should be able to point you to more contacts.
On the financial side of things, you may want to consider contacting your local utility companies or charitable organizations and clarify your position. You may qualify for assistance programs, which may tide you over until you're back on your feet, literally and figuratively.
As you are doing all this, remember to be kind to yourself. Stay positive as you take each small step towards your return.
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