I've been at this for 10 years, but...sm

I've dealt with 3, but the best/worst of them... [2008-11-16]
...was my neighbor just about 2 years ago. She must have thought I enjoyed having that just rolled outta bed look every morning running my kids off to school and rushing back home for work, the lack of sleep from working 2 jobs and barely leaving the house; ya know, all the PERKS of working at home. Such a glamorous life of leisure I lead making 100K+ a year transcribing inside my mansion with maids and servants cooking and cleaning for me during the day, taking moonlit cruises on my 100 foot yacht every night. Oh yes, look out for me being featured on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and Better Homes & Gardens as I'm just rolling in dough here and have got it made with this life of leisure. NOT. After explaining what an MT is/does, she gave the standard OHHHH! response. She must have absorbed very little from our chat: Typing, paycheck, work at home. She was convinced this was an easy way to make money from home and if I could do it, then she certainly could excel at it. So, disregarding my advice, she took a $700 terminology course at the community college. She bought a Vera Pyle book, foot pedal and headset and was ready to work from home. She even had a job waiting for her after completing the terminology course. The job was being handed to her at 7.5 cpl from her friendthe largest MT company. It was also this same woman advising her she ONLY needed a terminology course. Shame on her! I tried to warn my neighbor, guide her, offer my help to get her started properly, help her through a file if needed, but she never took me up on any of it. My neighbor it really wasn't even a day, I would say it was more like 30 minutes. She heard 1 actual dictation and ran away from the computer. When I asked her how it was going with MT, she told me what happened and gave several excuses: She decided she couldn't sit here all day just typing. She couldn't understand anything the doctor was saying. She didn't have time for it any longer. Her excuses just went on and on. I really felt badly for her seeing as she chose to believe the wrong person's information regarding this field and also the fact that she gave up so easily after spending all that money. For weeks afterwards I would ask her if she was going to try it again or further her MT education to at least have a better chance of succeeding. She now had a better understanding that MT is an actual job and it involves a lot more than just owning a computer and simply typing. Her answer to this day remains no way. When I that too gets the OHHHH! response, but it also sends them a message my job is not easy without having to explain more.

What I've done...sm [2008-11-15]
With the experiences IWell, ANYBODY can do what you do. You just type. Most people are fascinated when they find out what I do and ask a lot of great questions and then say, Well I could never do that. Then there are the handful that have the attitude that makes DH say what he says. Itype without training. Of all the people I've given the website info to, only one actually came to my house and looked at my office setup and looked through my course materials, took the course, graduated and is now a working MT. She GETS IT. My DH and my family GET IT. I don't know how you explain it to someone who probably won't get it. You know? It's tough when people think anyone can do what you do.

On-the-job - 25+ years ago. [2008-03-26]
x

I told my husband we should've stopped at one! (nm) [2008-01-30]

I've been at this for 10+ years, but...sm [2008-01-25]
have no MT credentials, only OTJ training. Like you, I have a bachelor's degree. Now I make 10.125 cents a line in my speciality, but in other fields I'll work for as low as 7 b/c I don't know it as well. I think the real key here is getting more lines for yourself, not particularly more cpl pay. I, too, work for an acquaintenace, but make no bones about it when work is slow with her, that I take on other assignments on my own. I think that keeps her on her toes as well, to keep me around. Likewise, with the other jobs I take, I make sure they know I'm committed first and foremost to this other account. Never had any problems so far! I look for overflow work, even in nonmedical fields, and I give calls to other local transcriptionists who will use me from time to time. I've had years go by without hearing from some of them, and then in a pinch they'll give me a call. At this point for me, being a local Transcriptionist and networking with other locals, has been the way to go. Good luck!

18-year MT Mom of 4 for 25 years [2008-01-15]
My heart goes out to you for the situation that you The thing that stands out most in your message, much more than the financial issues, is where you said that if it were not for your kids, you It is in fact FOR your kids that you should be gone -- and sooner rather than later. I took my own advice, and to this day, my only regret is that I didn I believe in leaving for the sake of the kids, not staying. I truly know how hard that it is to do, but your overall well-being (and that of your kids)will benefit in so many ways. You won Gee whiz! What My very best wishes are with you. Best of luck -- just remember -- we make our own, at least to some degree. p.s. I am not the anon who posted above.

I've always done extremely well. sm [2007-12-21]
I've done MT work now for just over 20 years. I've worked in the virtual environment for more than 15. Since going home, I increased my income drastically and the last 6 years have earned in the mid $50s to low $60s each year. It depends on a variety if things: How well you can utilize the information you have used; how much you consciously learn on the job; how tenacious you are at projects; how in control you are of your work environment - meaning your family life, your desk, anyone or anything intruding on your work life. It also has to do a little with accounts but with good experience you can do the toughest of accounts. I think my best characteristics for doing so well include my attitude that I'm going to get the pay I want regardless of what others do. I don't care how much anyone else whines or complains or what their personal opinion is of the company I work for, the accounts I do, this field, etc. It works for me and I'm going to make what I want. I am also fiercely protective of my work time. If you want to integrate child-rearing and housekeeping and family accessibility with work, you'll never ever make any decent money. Put the kids in daycare, tell the relatives not to call or drop by during your work hours, get caller ID and don't answer unless it is a death or limb-threatening situation. Not everyone will have the talent to be in the top at this craft or any other but you can certainly make an excellent living at it. Final piece of advice: Do not become cynical. If you feel yourself gravitating toward negative feelings -- and you've already expressed that -- stay away from the sources contributing to those feelings -- chatboards and people with negativity. You'll do just fine!!

Honestly, it'd depend on who hires you, the pay, and the accounts. I've been doing this 15 yea [2007-12-04]
and I can make $40,000 a year but it means working like a dog. I think realistically starting out you I never run out of work and don't have to sit there some days for 15 hours to make a buck. I'm guaranteed $18 x8 hours and I get to go home. I like that part of it.

I've been trying to figure that out too... [2007-10-11]
I guess this is a kind of an old post, but hopefully you I work as an IC for a smallMTSO making 8 cents per 65-character line, and I really like the company, but I really need to make more money. I am doing some work for a local counselor and am charging her 10 cents per 65-character line. I would really like to make 12 cents per line as well, but 10 cents for psych reports is actually paying pretty well. I got a call from a local nurse practitioner Her office manager said she paid the last lady 8 cents per line, but I From my own rough estimate, 8 cents per gross line is equal to about 12 to 13 cents per 65-character line for the clinic reports that I I think they are calling me next week, so I will let you know what happens. I guess they are very unhappy with their current Transcriptionist - she is backed up to June, and she has a 7-day turnaround time that she can I could definitely make their lives waaaay easier if they are willing to pay me a fair amount. Iknow I'm worth it! Anyway, I think you need to take a lot of things into account, i.e., do you have to use your own paper and ink, do you have to drive far to pick up tapes every day or every other day, what kind of turnaround time do they want? I would be willing to charge a little less if I didn I would say just make sure you have a great resume that emphasizes professionalism and skill, and prove to them you are definitelyworth a decent wage! The docs also need to realize thatif you are an IC they do not have to pay taxes on you, so that also saves them money. Imake sure to give them a copy of my IndependentContractorI am legal.I hope some other people reply because I would really like to see what people with a lot of experience have to say about this. Sorry for the extremely long reply btw!

I have to tell you both that I've been there. What we did sm [2007-05-27]
was cut my hours to about 15 hours per week so I could dedicate my time between the kids, home, work, and my free time. Is there any way possible you could work a whole lot less so you are not as stressed out? It would do a world of wonders for you, your kids, your mind, etc. You said you don't have time to read - well, as an avid reader and writer, I put my kids in bed no later than 9 and then I clean the kitchen, take a bath or shower and am in bed by 11 - I work from 7-10 so I have to type in between these things. I make sure I read every single night and it does a world of good for both me and my family. But, I couldn't do these things working all day which is why I asked if you could cut down your hours? Is your paycheck vital? A friend of mine sold her huge house for a little one, went down part-time. She has 3 kids and they are thriving now. Good luck to you. email me if you need any help

It will take you 2-3 years in the best of situations [2007-02-15]
This is not a shortcut to staying home and being paid. This is a true career and it takes time and effort invested beyond any MT education program to learn it. It is paid on production and you can simply expect to make about $12K to $15K your first year, if you're good. The poster above who claims $25K their first year out: I have serious doubts about. Been doing this over 20 years. I see all the newbies come into our company and they are hardly making minimum wage and many get frustrated and quit. It's a toughie, no doubt. Good luck.

I've been working at home since he was 5 [2006-09-04]
and it's very difficult. If I could afford it I would hire a babysitter to come here. It's hard when you really have to focus. People are clueless unless they are employed. My favorite folks are the ones who knock on your door (even with the sign (Do Not Knock) or call you to chat like you are watching soaps or something all day!

That does help - thanks! I've been trying to find other places anyway (sm) [2006-07-26]
because I didn't like the idea that we couldn't have cake & ice cream and all that. Thanks for your input!

You are the 1st I've seen that spells Kayleigh the same as I [2006-07-21]
I love that name, too

I've been a WAHM for 10 years. Started working from home when my son was three cause he SM [2006-07-06]
had severe asthma. He's 13 now, almost 14 and my daughter will be starting kindergarten this fall which means for the first time in years I will be working at home with no interuptions during the day until the kids get home from school! I wonder what I'll do with all that extra money I'll be able to make! Probably gymnastic camp and basketball camp for the kids. Maybe I'll get myself a little treat! This is a great idea for a board, by the way!

New Grad Help [2008-12-04]
Help! How did everyone get their start in the MT business? I just graduated from Penn Foster and I have a medical office background and have worked as a medical claims insurance analyst for 14 years. I have applied to every online MT business I can find, but with no luck. Does anyone have an ideas? Thanks Kim

I've dealt with 3, but the best/worst of them... [2008-11-16]
...was my neighbor just about 2 years ago. She must have thought I enjoyed having that just rolled outta bed look every morning running my kids off to school and rushing back home for work, the lack of sleep from working 2 jobs and barely leaving the house; ya know, all the PERKS of working at home. Such a glamorous life of leisure I lead making 100K+ a year transcribing inside my mansion with maids and servants cooking and cleaning for me during the day, taking moonlit cruises on my 100 foot yacht every night. Oh yes, look out for me being featured on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and Better Homes & Gardens as I'm just rolling in dough here and have got it made with this life of leisure. NOT. After explaining what an MT is/does, she gave the standard OHHHH! response. She must have absorbed very little from our chat: Typing, paycheck, work at home. She was convinced this was an easy way to make money from home and if I could do it, then she certainly could excel at it. So, disregarding my advice, she took a $700 terminology course at the community college. She bought a Vera Pyle book, foot pedal and headset and was ready to work from home. She even had a job waiting for her after completing the terminology course. The job was being handed to her at 7.5 cpl from her friendthe largest MT company. It was also this same woman advising her she ONLY needed a terminology course. Shame on her! I tried to warn my neighbor, guide her, offer my help to get her started properly, help her through a file if needed, but she never took me up on any of it. My neighbor it really wasn't even a day, I would say it was more like 30 minutes. She heard 1 actual dictation and ran away from the computer. When I asked her how it was going with MT, she told me what happened and gave several excuses: She decided she couldn't sit here all day just typing. She couldn't understand anything the doctor was saying. She didn't have time for it any longer. Her excuses just went on and on. I really felt badly for her seeing as she chose to believe the wrong person's information regarding this field and also the fact that she gave up so easily after spending all that money. For weeks afterwards I would ask her if she was going to try it again or further her MT education to at least have a better chance of succeeding. She now had a better understanding that MT is an actual job and it involves a lot more than just owning a computer and simply typing. Her answer to this day remains no way. When I that too gets the OHHHH! response, but it also sends them a message my job is not easy without having to explain more.

What I've done...sm [2008-11-15]
With the experiences IWell, ANYBODY can do what you do. You just type. Most people are fascinated when they find out what I do and ask a lot of great questions and then say, Well I could never do that. Then there are the handful that have the attitude that makes DH say what he says. Itype without training. Of all the people I've given the website info to, only one actually came to my house and looked at my office setup and looked through my course materials, took the course, graduated and is now a working MT. She GETS IT. My DH and my family GET IT. I don't know how you explain it to someone who probably won't get it. You know? It's tough when people think anyone can do what you do.

yup...possible [2008-11-13]
I don It does take time to get into the swing of things though. When I first started, I was averaging about $5 an hour, but after a month or two started to see more financial progress. I have been an MT for about 2 years now and work about 15 hours a week, but if I worked FT, it would average out to about $35,000, and that is with taxes taken out already.

hard, but can be done! [2008-11-12]
I started working from home when my daughter was just under a year old and my son was 3. I have been at it for almost 2 years now. It can be very, very hard at times, especially when my husband doesnbad days. However, I can say that after the first few months it got a little easier. I try to have activities for them to do while I work, and I just plan on having LOTS of interruptions. My job is not very flexible and I have to work set hours, so there are definitely days where I don't meet my quota...I usually make it up later in the week though.

how do you describe MT work... [2008-11-12]
I donbecause it sounds like fun or those who don I can How can I explain this job to them? Most people do not realize that I had to actually complete MT school, which takes 18 months to 2 years+, and that even though I had a doctorate, it did not matter in this field, I still had to do the MT school because I did not have MT experience?? I have one friend in particular, who is a medical assistant and thinks she can just jump right into being an MT and will be great at it because she has experience. However, I had experience as a PA and have a doctorate and STILL learned quite a bit...seriously it just drives me crazy lately when someone says oh, you work from home...can you get my sister a job? She wants to work from home too... or something along those lines. Sorry if I Thanks in advance!

I did it - it is possible! [2008-11-05]
I started working from home when my son was just almost 2-1/2. Before that, I worked at a hospital and he was shifted from babysitter to grandma to daddy four days a week. I know you said you canmommy sitter. That's where a child (they say ideal is 8-12 years old) comes to play and entertain the children while mommy has something else she needs to get done in the house (or take a bubble bath!). It wouldn't cost much to pay a child so young and the child's parent would be reassured by your presence. Plus, a child that age with no younger sibling might truly enjoy playing with a 1-year-old. That might work until your husband comes home. Keep working at it. Sometimes it just takes a while to adjust and kids go thru periods of straining at the confines of a schedule. Work at figuring out a schedule until you find one that works. You CAN do it! And it's worth it!!

Home's cool! =o) [2008-09-20]
Married for 18 years, secular homeschoolers of both children, 10 and 5, and have been an MT the entire time. Amy

Here's a good school I have found [2008-09-16]
I looked around for a school as well. When I enroll in an MT school it will be with career step. It is endorsed by the ADHI as well as several big MT companies. Those companies will even waive the 2 years experience if you attend Career Step. As soon as I save up the money I will be enrolling.

Financial Assistance??? [2008-09-15]
I am currently a full-time-college-student-but-otherwise-SAHM. Pretty soon we'll be needing more money, but I have neither time nor resources (day care around here is INSANELY expensive) to work outside the home. I've been doing the reasearch and have come to the conclusion that MT is a good job option for me. The problem is the training is sooo expensive! I mean,if we didn't need the money I wouldn't be looking for the training to begin with--so obviously I don't have $1600-4000 up front for the training. And most of the payment plans I see aren't looking much better--like $1000 up front, $350 every month after that. Right now that's just not feasable. Are there any MT schools that offer reasonable financial assistance? Or, I'd even be cool with a payment deferment plan or something! Anybody know of a school that's willing to help the financially strapped?

I changed careers and changed [2008-09-08]
my life. Itherapy as it could be quite hazardous to marriage, but I sure feel alive ... Much more effective than antidepressants, that's for sure.

No regrets however my kids are now older (sm) [2008-08-04]
so I I liked being available for them (still do) during school holidays, summer time, those days when they're sick, etc. and wouldn't have traded it for the world. I don What I like best about doing this from home is the flexibility I have to schedule doctor's appointments, manicures, etc. Good luck!

AMEN Eileen!! That's why I work like I do also (sm) [2008-08-04]
However, in the 17 years I I've always gotten up, had a shower and gotten dressed ... transcribing in my PJs would just lead to depression I think ... I made showering and dressing a priority when I first had babies too ... especially after I read that new moms who didn't take time to do that small step had more problems with PPD. I try to get some sunshine every single day too, even if it However, I need to find more time to exercise but I It's so easy to let yourself go but I've always scheduled manicures, etc. at least monthly and try not to make transcribing my life (some weeks it's harder than others).

Been there...done that [2008-07-24]
Please don't beat yourself up. I've been exactly where you are and it's not a hard place to end up. I could have written your post. I lived in my PJs and sometimes wore them for days, no make-up, and the same issues with even basic daily hygiene, i.e. showers. The best advice I can give you is what worked for me and that is to GET OUT OF THE HOUSE! I had to put MTing on the back burner and actually took a job close to home as a waitress! Believe it or not, it did wonders for my self-esteem. Most people would consider serving the public a degrading position or demotion from what I had done before. I needed the structure, a time-clock, and just basic interaction with other human beings. After close to a year, I am back at home working once again as an MT. Public service can be difficult, but it was just the boost I needed to get my mojo back and appreciate the fact that I'm in a field that allows me to work at home. Believe it or not, I miss the people so much, I'm considering going back to waitressing a few nights a week. I actually even made more waitressing than being an MT! Give it a shot. Waitressing may not be your first choice, but I would definitely advise finding any type of job that will get you out of the house. It will give you a reason to fix yourself up and dig the make-up bag back out. Please feel free to email me if you'd like to talk. Good luck to you!

Truthful advice [2008-07-23]
I just recently got married and I am working in-house at our local hospital. I LOVE getting out of the house and going to work every day. I love what I do and want to stick with it. We will probably not be having children for at least a couple of years as my husband has a year left in college to get his business degree. I want to be able to stay home and raise my children, but I have seen what it has done to my mom. She sits at home all day in her PJs and type, type, types. I am just wonderng if any of you have any regrets about deciding to do transcription full time from home in order to be there for your children? This may sound a little selfish, but I donsometime to think about it, but it has been a topic that I have really been thinking about lately.What I would really like to do is stay at home with them until they are all in school and then try to get a job out of the house while they are at school. Have any of you made this transition? Any advice would be appreciated. I would just like a heads up before making any decisions. Thanks!

LET MYSELF GO [2008-07-22]
First, I I have 2 teenage kids. I And then, I sleep most of the day, in my PJs of course. By the time I get up, it's time to make dinner and I might go outside with my teenage kids, but most of the time, I clean the house - and, why should I get dressed for that? Well, most of you can guess what has happened....I All I do is wear PJs. I I haven I My hair has grown out and there is no shape to it. Sometimes, I can My checks are direct deposit, so no need to go to the bank. Really, the only thing I do is go to the grocery store - and sometimes I don I am on anti-depressants - and I do believe there is an element of depression/stress going on here. How do I start getting myself back from this?

I am in shock. Are you living in 2008 or [2008-06-25]
1958. Is this real? Every able body in the household should contribute. You do work. You just do it at home. You need to take some time out for yourself and decide if the verbal abuse is worth the trouble. You must remember your children will see and hear how he treats you and this is abuse to them also. Don't you think you are worth so much more? You must think of your children and your mental well being. I refused to live this way years ago and my two daughters and I did just fine and with no child support. I raised two wonderful women, now 24 and 30, and both college graduates.

Good news and bad news [2008-06-22]
There are 2 on-line schools that are excellent and would prepare you for the real world: Andrews and M-Tec. The bad news is that from my reading, MDs have a goal of changing over to electronic check-off systems to control costs and take over control of quality. I read they wanted the change to happen within 2 years. I've changed careers already, and I really couldn't recommend anybody start down the path at this point. Just suspicions, of course.

You're responding to him as if you are a child [2008-06-04]
This man is your husband, not your father. Either you were brought up to think you had to had a place for everything and everything in its place or you're trying to please him WAAAY to much. If he can't accept that you have enough to do with two children and the day to day housechores, then that's his problem. Why make it yours? If you keeping acting like his maid and servant, he will continue expecting it, so, I say to you, you need to change that behavior NOW. You will forever be treated like a child if you continue to act like one. You do not need his approval. Actions speak louder than words, so if he makes a comment about something being in the wrong place, etc., just say, Yea, I see that. My husband used to do this (been married over 27 years) without really thinking how he sounded. I put an end to that when my daughter was a baby. Did I want her to grow up to be someone servant? If he ask if a certain shirt had been ironed, I informed him he had many others in his closet and if that one was an emergency, he knew where the dry cleaners was located. Feeling guilty over failure to do dishes (too tired or exhausted)or leaving something cluttered is something you have to realize isn't an emergency, and he sees you constantly jumping around pleasing him, believe me, he will take advantage of that. You sound like you are trying to justify being a mom and staying at home. I have a daughter and a niece who before they were married, I certainly never left it a mystery as to my feelings on this matter. They both work hard jobs and neither husband EXPECTS everything to be spotless or at their beckon call. They know they can easily pitch in and do it themselves or they can shut up. The girls didnperfect little wives, whatever that is. You get over it and I guarantee, he will get over it, once he comes down off his high horse.

Thank you for your advice everyone. I am lucky in that my job is one where I have the full 24 hours [2008-05-30]
to do my line requirement and no set in stone schedule, so it has been doable. Also, line counts have been down and I I had my DH go in the attic and pull out the swing, which I had almost forgotten about, and that has helped a lot. Also, we hadn

That's exactly what I would say [2008-04-02]
I've actually said it to my husband a few times. He's actually really good and cleaning the house so it's not really a problem, but every once and a while it happens.

God knows when I need Him! [2008-04-01]
He definitely planted the seed in my heart that said to go to church... many times I've resisted arguing because I don't want to be angry all day, but according to what we learned Sunday, we can't control our spouse's actions, we can only control our own. Therefore, I should be the kind of person I want him to be and by my example he will be led to do the same. So, I'm going to do everything in my power to make him feel like I want him to make me feel, and do for him what I'd like him to do for me. This is a step toward progress... and I would never even consider separation or divorce, that's not in our vocabulary. Too many people throw other people away when they're unhappy instead of working on it. Now if he was a wife beater, or hurt my kids... I'd get out ASAP ha. Thankfully that is not the case.

God knows when I need Him! [2008-04-01]
He definitely planted the seed in my heart that said to go to church... many times I've resisted arguing because I don't want to be angry all day, but according to what we learned Sunday, we can't control our spouse's actions, we can only control our own. Therefore, I should be the kind of person I want him to be and by my example he will be led to do the same. So, I'm going to do everything in my power to make him feel like I want him to make me feel, and do for him what I'd like him to do for me. This is a step toward progress... and I would never even consider separation or divorce, that's not in our vocabulary. Too many people throw other people away when they're unhappy instead of working on it. Now if he was a wife beater, or hurt my kids... I'd get out ASAP ha. Thankfully that is not the case. Thank you for your encouragement!

I'm stunned [2008-04-01]
I can And he does it because he gets away with it.I was a SAHM with 3 kids as well as other kids that Ibabysat. If my DH had EVER come home and pointed out that something wasnwellenough for him, he would

update [2008-03-31]
thank you all for your encouragement and advice. we haven't been going to church regularly lately and i've realized maybe we need it, so i packed the kids up and we went to church (he came too, usually i get up and get the kids ready and tell him an hour before i leave that if he's not ready by then i'm leaving without him -- he sleeps in on weekends, as i said before). so we go to church and guess what the sermon is about... marital disharmony. our pastor listed some things that cause disharmony and one of them was unrealistic expectations. i listed mine as expecting him to be home more often to spend more time with us. he asked if i wanted us to spend more time together, and i said yes. so he convinced his mom to take the girls and then took me out to dinner, and told me he would try to do something with me once a week. another thing the pastor said was not to criticize differences, to embrace them and celebrate them. he didn't make any comments about it but i'm hoping if he paid attention to the expectations part that maybe he paid attention to this too. i've told him before that i can't take constant criticism, it breaks me down and makes me feel worthless. i do realize keeping my mouth shut for the sake of peace and quiet isn't going to get us anywhere. one day it's all going to add up and i'm not going to know what i'm doing here anymore. if he can keep making little steps like he did yesterday, then i can keep setting an example and look forward to his slow maturity. i do have some childhood banks my mom gave me recently, filled with coins -- i'm going to take them in to be counted asap.