WritePoint started a salary survey about two years ago.
Our first was done in December, 2009 and set the standard for the months to come. We already knew what was going to happen and by running frequent surveys, we were able to track the economy crashing down. Our next survey was in February, 2010. Just in those few months, we saw a huge rise in unemployment (from around 3.4% to 11%). It was shocking to see such an incredible crash, so fast, almost unstoppable. We took another snapshot three months later – in June, 2010 and saw that the unemployment rate had stabilized at around 10%…but what also became clear was that companies that weren’t firing their workers, were slashing salaries and benefits.
The next survey showed that the rate of decline had slowed, but was still there. A few weeks ago, we ran our latest survey and once again, the results showed what we were feeling and expecting. There’s been a swing up in the economy. Many people reported that they were starting new jobs and the rates had increased as well. We have someone working now to correlate and fine tune the results so that we can get a better sense of rates based on location, title, experience and will post those soon.
But here at WritePoint, we’ve got our own trends going. It’s been a great few weeks. A writer placed on a full-time, long-term contract, over 500 hours in upcoming contracts signed, several new projects, an exciting new development line opening and of course, we’ve gone into full gear in terms of organizing the upcoming MEGAComm Conference that will be held February 20th at Kfar Maccabiah.
I guess what I’m trying to do is give everyone hope. For the first time in two years, I can say that I believe the tide has turned. A few months ago, there was a “burp” in a bad economy – some projects came in, some placements, etc. but it lasted only a brief time and didn’t take hold. Almost daily, people are posting job openings or calling us about projects.
We have some amazing people still looking for work, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and more, we can see that there is so much happening in our industry. I went to a great networking event yesterday and walked away a bit hoarse from talking so long to so many, but I came away smiling.
It is an exciting time to be a technical writer in Israel – yes, the industry hasn’t returned fully, but there is life, commitment to more development, projects, hope.