Technical writing vs. bookkeeping, who will win?
When I left the military and moved to Germany to live with my wife in 1990 it was not an easy decision. My wife made it easier because she had a good job in a printing company as a digital media designer. This allowed me to work at low paying jobs for several years while I finished my Bachelor and Master degrees in the evenings. My wife also took care of most of the housework as well so I had adequate study time.
This week my wife has been offered two opportunities from the unemployment office for retraining. The first, you may remember me talking about, is a two month bookkeeping course which would prepare for an entry level job as a bookkeeper.
Yesterday she was offered an 8-month schooling in Technical Communication, or as it was formerly known, as a Technical Writer. This latter training would strongly utilize her experience from the printing company, requires extensive English, would be more challenging and demanding, and ultimately would pay much better.
From the job market perspective, generally speaking currently there are more bookkeeping jobs being offered in Germany than technical writing jobs, but according to the company offering the Technical Communications program, 80% of the last 4 classes found work in that profession.
I work as a general engineer with my company and my duties include Documentation Management, Translating, Internet Design and Technical Communication. I have at least given my wife some idea what to expect as a Technical Writer. I think that my wife would excel in this field.
So now my wife is faced with a major career decision, should she wait and hope that one of her job applications works out, or should she take one of the schoolings that is being offered, and if so which one? She has until next Thursday to decide…
I offered my opinion last night when she asked, but I know that she needs to make the decision. It is my opinion that when the unemployment office is paying for the school, the transportation and sending the unemployment check each month then she should take advantage of this.
So with all that in mind I find myself thinking back to my first several years living in Germany and it is becoming clear what I need to do, namely keep the path free for whatever route my wife decides to take. I guess this means I need to spend less time tweaking my running schedule and start figuring out how the washing machine, stove, vacuum clean and iron operate…does housework count as crosstraining?
Comments
this is crazy. is it still this bad in Germany? Gee. I am a designer, too and can only imagine what a difficult decision this must be to switch to something so different.
the good thing is, that she can always go back to her job once some opportunity comes along, nope? Sometimes the path leads strange ways, but to the intended goal.
Posted by: steph | March 23, 2007 9:12 AM
I have great respect for you for allowing your wife to come to her own decision and for supporting her by doing the day-to-day chores.
Mom raised you right!!!!!
Posted by: Lora | March 23, 2007 12:21 PM
Believe me, operating the washing machine, hoover, iron and cooker are no hindrance to high mileage. Honestly, I can testify.
Posted by: Thomas | March 23, 2007 1:11 PM
Alright Jack! You can manage all those household things and run too - some of us have been doing that for years! Up early, multi-tasking. It can happen. And, what an awesome opportunity for your wife. Is she German?
Posted by: backofpack58@yahoo.com | March 23, 2007 4:51 PM
Take free classes while still look for jobs, even if part-time. never pass on a free learning for new future career. My imput:)
And yes, household...add kids...add husband who is not very crazy about training...you'll be fine, you got nothing coming! :)
Posted by: olga | March 23, 2007 9:30 PM
I'm lucky hubby doesn't run and since I"m the one always out running he does a lot of the chores around the house. Mind you it was in our vows that he had to do the dishes...lol.
I think your wife should definitely do the training and if it was me I'd go the route of the technical writer. For me I started out in bookkeeping and got bored with it so I switched to computers. The bookkeeping and accounting have come in handy but I enjoy software support so much more. I wish your wife good luck with her decision.
Posted by: Dawn - Pink Chick | March 24, 2007 2:53 AM
Good luck with the job situation.
Posted by: Rich | March 25, 2007 7:48 PM
what a very supportive husband you are. I know she has already chosen but it must be a relief to her to know she has you standing behind.
Posted by: jeanne | March 27, 2007 10:12 AM