Name: Sandra Kay Miller
Title: Freelance Technology Writer
Company: www.sandrakaymiller.com
Web Site: http://www.sandrakaymiller.com
How I arrived at my present job (academic and other influences): After cooking my way through college, I entered the technology industry in the late 80's. During the rapid growth period over the next ten years, I had my hands on a lot of technology. I also was the one stuck writing the user manuals, training materials, marketing collaterals, etc. when those job functions were lumped into the IT department because we were the only ones with computers and who knew how to work the darn things. Writing has always been a part of my life, so writing about technology just came naturally.
How I organize my day: Last year I traded in my commute up California's 101 freeway for 45 minutes of barn chores and a walk with my dogs in the morning. I check my email, do my east coast work, take a few hours off in the afternoon, go back to work for a few hours tending to my west coast contacts, make dinner, spend my commuting home time doing more farm chores and then back into the office to finish up the day.
Amount of time spent working daily (at home and office): I find that I actually work more now that I work strictly from home so my day is usually eight or nine hours. Longer in the winter when it is really cold outside or the weather is bad.
What I do to get myself thinking creatively: I spend an afternoon on a long horseback ride alone. Plenty of time to think up new ideas.
My problem-solving strategy: Take a deep breath and tackle it head on in a methodical and calm manner.
What I do to relieve stress: Sit in the loft and watch the barnyard politics. Yoga and meditation.
My hero, mentor, or person I most admire and why: Wilma Melville, founder and president of the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation. She never takes no for an answer and has a way of achieving the impossible.
What I do to mentor those who work for me: In the past when I had employees working for me, I went out of my way to make their job fun. If they were laughing about it, they would remember it.
How a negative event changed my life in a positive way: I was married to an abusive individual and I left him. I gave him the business we had started together, most of our possessions and walked away with my dignity. I've learned that no matter how bad it gets, you have the power to change your life for the better and that there is more to life than 'things and stuff'.
One event or decision in my life I wish I could go back and change: Not spending enough time with my Grandma Anna.
What values are the most important to me and what I value in others: I value honesty, integrity and compassion. I admire business leaders who put the well-being of the 'little people' before their bonuses and bottom lines.
What inspires, motivates, or gets me excited about my job on a daily basis: I am motivated by the fact that I have achieved the lifestyle I want to live and work hard to maintain it. By that, I don't mean financially, but inspirationally. As a technology writer, I am exposed to leading-edge materials and thinkers. Its exciting to listen to others.
Biography: Sandra Kay Miller is a multi-talented individual who has dedicated the last twelve years to developing and deploying leading edge technologies throughout the petroleum, manufacturing, luxury resort and software industries. She has also used her technology and writing talents for the non-profit National Disaster Search Dog Foundation for which Network World Magazine put her on the cover of their July 1999 issue. After living in southern California for 18 years, in April 2000, Sandra made a monumental decision and moved from the west to the east, settling near her family in south central Pennsylvania. "I have spent the last twelve years of my life setting up remote access and developing new technologies for a mobile and remote work force. I decided it was time to join them." Sandra now writes full time from her Civil War era farm in Newburg, Pennsylvania. When she is not sitting in front of her computer, she likes to ride her horse and tend to her farm where she raises organic fowl, rabbits, goats and grapes. She has recently launched her syndicated column, Tech Talk, answering technology questions for everyday people.
Month/Year this survey was filled out: October 1st, 2001
Last Modified:
Location: www.acm.org/crossroads/dayinlife/bios/sandrakaymiller.html