| There are three ways to get a job as a technical | | | | similar agency and I liked the experience very much. |
| writer: | | | | However, if you do not like your job, the agency might |
| 1) On your own, as an independent freelancer. | | | | not have another and better one for you in waiting. So |
| 2) Through a job agency, as a contractor. | | | | there is a danger of getting stuck with assignments |
| 3) As a company employee. | | | | that you don't like. |
| Each offers different benefits and advantages, | | | | There are many employment agencies that you can |
| depending on your skills as a technical writer, your | | | | query as a technical writer. Just search for them on |
| background and your personality. | | | | the Internet with the key words "technical writing jobs" |
| 1) To be on your own is perhaps the ideal of most | | | | and "technical communicator jobs". |
| freelancers and it certainly has its allure. That's the | | | | As to the benefits, most major agencies cover your |
| good old American dream, isn't it ? | | | | medical insurance and other side benefits for a fee. |
| But I wouldn't recommend going 100% freelancing if | | | | The amount you end up paying is less than what you'd |
| you don't have advanced "social engineering: skills, | | | | pay as an independent freelancer but more than what |
| including heavy-duty networking. | | | | you'd pay as a full-time employee. |
| A second point is, yes, freelancers make more money | | | | 3) Working directly as an employee for a company is |
| when there's work to do but their expenses are also | | | | the best in terms of long-term job security, on-the job |
| much higher. They pay all their (and their family's) | | | | training opportunities, paid annual vacations, |
| medical insurance, disability and life insurance (if any), | | | | medical-dental-vision coverage, and a variety of other |
| Social Security and FICA contributions (for U.S. | | | | side benefits. |
| workers), etc. | | | | I highly recommend this alternative since it usually |
| 2) Job agencies fit you into the projects they secure | | | | comes with generous 401(k) retirement plans and even |
| from the companies where you actually do the work. | | | | (which is rare these days) an additional pension plan. |
| In a way, they lend you to this other company for a | | | | During my technical writing career I have worked for |
| fee. They take their share from the top and pass on | | | | 10 years as an employee for major Fortune 500 |
| to you the rest. If you are good at what you do job | | | | corporations and I never regretted it. |
| agencies can be a steady and lucrative source of | | | | Good luck with your job search and let me know if |
| income. | | | | you have any questions. |
| I worked briefly for Fannie Mae back in 2006 through a | | | | |