During the time of my unemployment - between last November and February - I submitted regular blogs, but since I've been back in employment the frequency has been less. Nevertheless, I don't forget about my blogspot - perhaps someone somewhere even reads it..!
I've been working as a temp for the same agency - and in the same department - since I started in February. The work involves creating instruction documents for cosmetics display units, which are used by various well-known cosmetics manufacturers in equally well-known chain stores and supermarkets. What worked in my favour in being selected for this work was my previous experience in an engineering environment - especially my prior knowledge of CAD (computer-aided design) and work with technical writing. My interest in language certainly helps, as I'm sorting out documentation for a variety of European languages and liaising with a translation agency.
When I started the job, we carried out all our work in Microsoft Word, and these documents were converted to Adobe Acrobat pdf files for the clients. Embedded Autocad images and coloured graphics were used in the illustrations - along with general instructions pictures for standard procedures. However, Word isn't primarily a desktop publishing application, although it was used as such. So now we are working with new Apple Power Macs and doing the work in Adobe InDesign, which is powerful and quick, though rather quirky. I've soon discovered that Macs and their applications have their own idiosyncrasies.
So, what's the future as far as employment is concerned? I've been told that I will still be here for the rest of the year (where has it gone..?), and there may be a permanent position opening up. Naturally, I'll believe it when I see it. I may working for a pittance - but that disadvantage is counterbalanced by the fact that I'm working with likeable people in a workplace with a relaxed but hardworking ethos. We'll see what develops.
