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But I learned to forgive. I learned to practise empathy and understand the 7-year-old, I knew she hadn’t intended to hurt Betsy. We never told her that Besty died but I am sure she would have been mortified and filled with remorse for a long time. That idea of empathy, the understanding that people have different values, priorities or ethics and behave in different ways has always helped me to forgive. I did not believe in carrying grudges, life was too short to be resentful.</p><p id="b8f5" type="7">That same idea of empathy and forgiveness was also the reason I stayed in abusive relationships</p><h2 id="1ccb">Abusers use forgiveness against you</h2><p id="ff7a"><i>“You are not being fair, people make mistakes!” “Come on, that was ages ago, have you still not forgiven me?” “I said I was sorry, what more do you want?”</i></p><p id="3167">These are some of the things my ex would say when I got upset about his behaviour. When you are in an abusive relationship, the concept of forgiveness can quickly become a weapon the abuser uses to keep you trapped. The idea that you must forgive them is like permission to continue with the abuse. Lundy Bancroft, who has worked with over 2000 abusive men writes:</p><p id="7386" type="7">“My clients demand forgiveness while continuing to insult, threaten, demand immediate responses, attend only to their own needs, and more.” (Why Does He Do That? p. 217)</p><h2 id="f5de">Forgiveness requires remorse</h2><p id="9234">I always thought forgiveness was unconditional. Although I am not religious, I was brought up going to church and reading the bible. The concept of forgiveness I had was influenced by the phrases and sermons I had picked up at a young age. <i>“Bear with each other and <b>forgive</b> one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. <b>Forgive</b> as the Lord forgave you.” </i>I thought it meant that you have to forgive everyone and anyone no matter what they had done. But there is one point I never knew: This idea of forgiveness is based on the assumption that the person I am forgiving shows remorse.</p><p id="c92b" type="7">Overlooked in common Christian understanding of forgiveness is the necessary part of repentance by the wrongdoer. John McKinley</p><p id="d22c">One of the most difficult concepts to understand after <a href="https://readmedium.com/13-signs-i-dated-a-narcissist-44d1db6ee3e4">my relationship with a narcissist</a> was that there are people who are incapable of feelin

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g remorse. He never apologised or cared about what happened to me. When he left, it was as if he had turned off a switch, his new victim was all that mattered and I never existed. Part of me was hoping for a long time that I would receive an apology. But I know that it will not happen. Although I understand now <a href="https://readmedium.com/how-a-narcissist-prepares-you-for-the-abuse-6383e7c92873">how abusive he was</a>, in his mind, he has done nothing wrong. <i>He does not seek forgiveness.</i></p><h2 id="5d37">Forgive yourself</h2><p id="46a4">I don’t think I need to forgive him to lead a happier and healthier life. I do not believe that forgiveness is part of the healing process unless it is directed at myself. <i>Forgiving yourself is key</i>.</p><p id="7171">Forgive yourself for not seeing it, for staying longer than you should have. Forgive yourself for moments you were weak and for moments when you might feel week again. Forgive yourself for ways you have behaved or things you have said. Forgive yourself for all the things you feel remorse over. Forgive yourself for never being able to forgive those that show no remorse.</p><h2 id="2210">More from Kara Summers:</h2><div id="b84b" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/do-you-feel-like-you-are-constantly-upsetting-your-partner-b1e9f5fcd6df"> <div> <div> <h2>Do You Feel Like You Are Constantly Upsetting Your Partner?</h2> <div><h3>Make sure you aren’t the one who is the real victim.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/0*7hsqJBnmFY3IjI7k)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="fc43" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-toxic-relationship-ffb487a213ec"> <div> <div> <h2>A Day in the Life of a Toxic Relationship</h2> <div><h3>Many don’t recognise narcissistic abuse when they are caught in the middle.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/0*ul7zBaj8k26PDM4k)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div></article></body>

TECHNICAL WRITING | EDUCATION

How Much Education Is Needed to Become a Technical Writer?

10 universities with technical writing certification programs

Photo by Keira Burton: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cheerful-diverse-classmates-studying-in-park-6146970/

Most technical writers have a college education. However, there is no minimum educational requirement for this position.

Some people start with only a high school diploma — they are usually excellent self-learners and high achievers. Others have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or even a doctorate in technical communications or another field.

The important thing is that you have an interest in learning more about writing technical documentation. Most of the learning will be done on the job anyway due to the fast-changing hi-tech landscape.

If you want to become a technical writer, you can get started by taking courses at community colleges or local universities. These classes usually cover basic grammar rules, punctuation, and sentence structure. You can also learn about different types of writing styles and how to communicate effectively with different audiences.

Another resource is the thousands of online courses and books available for all prospective tech writers. Feel free, for example, to have a look at my comprehensive best-seller course created for those considering to enter the tech com field: https://www.udemy.com/course/technical-writing-and-editing/

STC has a great certification program which I can recommend without any hesitations. (www.stc.org)

Once you feel comfortable with these basics, you can move on to more advanced training programs. There are many options available, including certificate programs, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Online courses are another option, but they tend to be less structured than traditional classroom settings.

Once you finish your coursework, you will need to apply for jobs. Most companies hire technical writers through staffing agencies. These firms place job seekers with various employers based on their skills and experience. Jobs vary widely depending on the industry and company. It is possible to find work as a technical writer even if you do not have any previous experience.

Here is a selected list of schools in the USA that have technical communication or technical writing programs:

1. Carnegie Mellon University

2. University of Minnesota

3. University of Washington

4. Michigan Technological University

5. University of Central Florida

6. University of Colorado Boulder

7. Rochester Institute of Technology

8. North Carolina State University

9. George Mason University

10. Drexel University

The Bottom Line

Technical writing is one of the most popular careers today. As long as you have a passion for learning and communicating technical content, you can make a good living doing this kind of work.

The Tasks that Freelance Technical Writers Perform

Technical writers often work independently, writing documentation for software developers.

They are responsible for explaining complex concepts and technologies to people who use those systems every day.

In addition to writing user guides and how-to guides, you may also interview clients, and manage projects.

Some freelance writers even provide training sessions for companies looking to hire someone else to do what they used to do themselves.

There are several different types of technical writing jobs, such as copywriting, technical editing, and technical communication. Each type of job has its own set of skills and requirements.

If you want to become a technical writer, it helps to understand the differences among the types of technical writing positions.

New Positions Created Due to Retirement Of Older Workers

What Technical Writers Must be Able to Do

Technical writing is one of those jobs that many people think are easy to learn, but it takes practice and experience to become proficient.

A technical writer must be able to write software documentation, operations guides, installation guides, online documentation, specifications, manuals, white papers, web content, and even training materials and style guides, depending on the specific company you work for.

You might work directly with engineers, product managers, graphic artists, marketers, salespeople, customer support representatives, and others. In some cases, you might be responsible for creating documents that will go out over email or social media.

In addition to writing, all writers must of course know their grammar and style rules, vocabulary, and formatting requirements. They often use specialized tools like Adobe FrameMaker, Madcap Flare, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and PowerPoint.

Selected Technical Writing Tasks

  • Create and edit technical documents (specifications, design documents, integration guides, even journal articles, etc.)
  • Write API Guides
  • Write White Papers
  • Write articles on topics related to technology
  • Edit technical books and magazines
  • Provide technical assistance to customers
  • Work and meet with internal teams
  • Work with marketing teams to develop new products
  • Support engineering staff with technical questions
  • Develop instructional videos and animations
  • Manage project timelines and budgets
  • Conduct interviews

The Job Outlook is Positive

The number of technical writing Jobs will continue to increase through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

As of 2022, the number of technical documentation jobs is estimated to grow by 3% over the next 10 years, again according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is expected to come primarily from the continued expansion of online information products and services.

There are currently about 5,450 job openings for technical writers across the United States. These numbers are projected to rise to 7,100 by 2031.

New Positions Created Due to Retirement Of Older Workers

As workers with technical skills retire, there will be fewer people qualified to fill those roles. For example, the average age of technical communicators is 47.6. By 2031, it is projected that there will be about 4,300 vacancies for technical writers.

It’s a good time to become a technical writer.

To learn more about this solid and lucrative writing niche, please visit How to Find a Technical Writing Job today.

Another resource is my Technical Communication Bookstore which offers free courses and downloads as well.

Technical Writing
Writing
Careers
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Education
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