The Scratching Post: A New Job Marks a New Phase for Scratch Writing

Well, friends, it’s been a little while since I last posted, hasn’t it? But trust me when I say there’s a good reason for that. I’ve had some big, exciting changes on the work front—drumroll, please—I’ve landed a full-time job!

Starting a new chapter, I’ve joined General Dynamics Mission Systems as a documentation specialist. I'm now part of a talented team of over 45 systems, electrical, mechanical, and software engineers supporting the MK 48 Advanced Capability Torpedo and the MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo, both of which are widely utilized by the U.S. Navy. It’s definitely not your everyday coffee shop freelance gig, but this exciting role offers a whole new level of challenge (and torpedo puns for days).

This marks a new beginning for Scratch Writing, too—a pivot, if you will. And I’m thrilled to share what’s next for both my career and my craft.

Diving Into a New Career at General Dynamics Mission Systems

When I say the job is cool, I’m not exaggerating. My focus now is on creating, maintaining, and organizing documentation that supports cutting-edge technologies. The engineers I collaborate with are the real deal—true experts designing, building, and improving advanced naval solutions.

A quick fun fact for those unfamiliar with General Dynamics Mission Systems: They specialize in defense and communication solutions on land, air, sea, and space. From cybersecurity to underwater technologies, this company is shaping the future of innovation.

At GDMS, I’ll be working within their Progeny Systems, a tech-forward GDMS business that provides innovative solutions for the defense industry. Their input plays a crucial role in supporting the advanced torpedoes we develop. Yeah—we’re talking James Bond meets science fiction levels of tech here, people.

What Does This Mean for Scratch Writing?

Here’s the big question—what happens to Scratch Writing amidst all these changes? Well, the good news is that I’m sticking around! I just won’t be building out the business like before.

I’ll continue working with my existing clients—University of Pittsburgh, SAE International, and System 123—on a part-time, as-needed basis. Think Batman, but instead of fighting Gotham’s criminals, I’m creating pitch decks and content strategies. When they need the Dark Knight of content development, I’m just a signal (or email) away.

But here’s the really exciting part. With a steady 9-to-5 income supporting me, I can finally double down on Scratch Writing’s long-term creative projects. Over the years, client work has been the base of my creative pyramid—it’s what kept the lights on. Now that I don’t have to lean on freelance gigs as much, I can shift my focus to the middle and top tiers of the pyramid.

• At the middle, there’s my dream of growing Across Pittsburgh and Scratch Magazine into true web magazine successes. I see incredible potential here to explore new stories, voices, and perspectives.
• At the top, it’s time to crank out more books—blog-based, indie-published, and full-on novels. From thrillers to fiction that grabs readers by the collar, I want to keep building Scratch Writing into a publishing powerhouse.

This full-time role allows me the time and stability to focus on these personal, creative goals without the financial stress of chasing constant freelance work. If I play my cards right, I’ll have all these moving parts working together in perfect harmony.

A New Daily Routine = A New Identity

Of course, as much as I’m excited about all this, adjusting hasn’t been the easiest. My life has gone through a bit of a reboot. After years of working from home, I’m now commuting daily to an office, and that shift alone has been a huge change. Goodbye pajama productivity; hello getting dressed every day.

Last month, I even traded in my trusty Jeep Wrangler—perfect for my work-from-home, coffee-shop-writing days—for a sleek Kia K5 that fits my new commuter lifestyle. If you’ve seen me stuck in traffic, please wave!

It’s a new identity, a new schedule, and a new way of working entirely. But with every adjustment I make, I grow more confident that I’m heading in the right direction. Change, while slow, has a funny way of making you a better writer and person.

The Plan Forward

If you’re wondering, “What happens now?” here’s my plan in four short words: keep writing, keep going.

This new job is giving me room to breathe and rediscover parts of Scratch Writing that I’ve been too busy to enjoy the past few years. Sure, it’ll take time to adapt to this new rhythm and balance the web magazines, the books, and now, my daily responsibilities at General Dynamics Mission Systems. But I’m going to make it work.

One blog post, magazine issue, and chapter at a time, things will move forward—and I can’t wait to see what’s next for this new adventure. Wish me luck, folks, because I’m giving it everything I’ve got.