I read that book long ago...

I read that book long ago... [2008-05-21]
Really helped me understand why they are the way they are, but some stuff will not happen that she has me doing. They do need to be told things out right. I have found that my husband and I usually have very poor verbal communication skills, but using the computer to talk can help if you are trying to get away from the screaming and pointing. You need to stay on task when typing what you need from him (don't start ranting and raving). Words do come through on the screen, and since that seems to be his medium of choice it may just work. If all else fails, leave him alone with your children for a few days, if you trust him. Like you say he is home on the weekends. I know that it can be hard since you are nursing, but get a breast pump and get that baby use to a bottle. They still get all the benefits of you without you needing to be there. If he still belittles you than maybe marrying him was not the right thing to do and you need to search yourself to see what needs to be done. Beginning MTs have a lot of work to be done and the schooling work is not easy if you truly go through a good program. Do let him know that you are having second thoughts about this marriage as you thought you were getting a life partner, not a dictator. Hope this helps. My husband knows better. I can go forever without cleaning if he pisses me off. I started by not washing his clothes. He wanted clean clothes he could wash them himself, that was before children when we were both working. He got the picture then.

Just read 'em how they are posted and respond [2008-01-19]
x

I'm giving up and I'm sad. . .(kind of long) sm [2008-01-08]
I have decided to give up my dreamof beingan MT. I have worked for approximately 6 months with 3 different companies. The first 2 lost contracts or didnmy husbandoff my back. I knew they weren't hiring, but I thought if I at least made the effort to get my old job back, he would leave me alone. My old boss was very glad to see me and said she had wanted to call me and ask me to come back, but she didn't want to make me feel bad. She said she didn't have any openings, but she will hire me anyway because she didn't want anyone else to snatch me up first. That made me feel really good, but I was kind of hoping she would have just said she didn't have anything for me. So, I start back next week. Anyway, I did not mean to make such a long post. I don't have anyone to talk to because all people see is how much money I could be making at my other job. No one cares that I love the work I am doing as an MT. Thanks for listening.

As long as she is isn't crying, I would say she is fine.... [2007-10-17]
I have a 8-1/2-year-old son and a 14-month-old daughter and my son stopped taking naps completely at 2 years old...and I am sure I will be in the same situation as you with my baby because she is getting to the point where she is tired but fights her naps...if she doesn't get her afternoon nap she is one cranky baby for the rest of the evening...good luck and it sounds like you are doing everything just fine....

Is this bad??? (long msg) [2007-10-16]
My daughter will be 2 1/2 in 2 months. She has always been a really awesome sleeper. Since she was 8 months old, she has been going down at 6:00 p.m. and sleeps until 5:30 or 6:00 the next morning. My 8-month-old daughter is following the same pattern. Nowmy 2-year-oldis getting to the point where she either will not take naps at all or not be tired when I used to put her down (11:00) but then gets very tired around 2:00. I really don I don She is a very good girl, but very demanding. She is going through her terrible two Not to mention I have my baby. Anyway, for the last 2 weeks or so, my oldest will go down at 6:00 if she does not take a nap, but by that time she is very tired. If she does take a nap, I only let her sleep for about an hour and then put her down at her regular time, and sometimes she will sit in her crib for an hour just talking... I feel so horrible about leaving her in there when she isn Not to mention, I feel like I Should I be fearful of that? I realize this board is for people towrite their opinions, but please refrain from being nasty...I already feel guilty enough.

IC MTs, how long was/is your maternity leave? [2007-09-17]
I just had my son not long ago and it was a c-section. I was alternating between being in pain and drugged up the first 2 weeks I could hardly stay away. I work for a large company (non-MT) and my doctor signed me out for 2 months -- meaning it was highly recommended I stay home 2 months while I recovered.

Not long enough sm [2007-08-24]
With my first son, I worked in-house and got a standard 6 weeks with pay. It was awful going back and I couldn't pump well, so going back also sabotaged breastfeeding for me. With #2, I was a Medquist statutory worker. They would have let me take off up to 3 months, but we needed the money and I went back to work after 1 week. My son was high-needs and it was really hard, but I did it. With #3, I again was working at home. Since she was born at home, I took off only the day of her birth and then did a little transcription the very next day. She was an easier baby so this was possible.

IC MTs, how long was/is your maternity leave? [2007-08-21]
I already posted this question on the main board, but I just realized that I might get more answers on the WAHM board. If you are an IC MT and had a baby while being an MT, how long did you take off for maternity leave? I'm just trying to get an idea of what is the norm. Since I'm not an employee, I don't really have restrictions on how long or short my leave is (of course, it's unpaid leave). The MTSO that I subcontract for is very cool and flexible and would not have a problem with any leave that I request within reason. Thanks!

What I have said for so long, here it is again [2007-02-01]
Irregardless if a single mother, married mother, divorced mother- you are supposed to have a job. Your employee a lot of the time is not concerned about your personal life/situation. You are supposed to do a job for them- you have to make any and all arrangements for any outside interference in order to work. It is that simple. What in the world would you do if you did not have this job of working from home?? Think about it. You would make the necessary moves in order to support a family, would you not or just have a pity party?

I thought the same thing when I read that post... [2007-01-30]
It is obvious she does not have little ones or she keeps them locked in a closet! LOL! When you have little ones around while working, you have to be able to learn to go with the flow so to speak! In other words, learn to multitask and be flexible. My schedule changes almost daily between my 3-year-old son and 18-year-old son who is a senior this year and constantly in and out of the house. Just do what works for you and those little ones. Remember, they are only little once!

I read a great book on this subject [2006-10-13]
It's called Raising Kids with Love and Logic. They have some wonderful techniques. They'd be giving your son room time which is not exactly time out. It goes Uh, looks like a little room time coming, this is so sad. and you quickly walk him to his room, say Have a nice little fit. We'll see you later! See this is all said real nice and cheerful. And then you have to have a way that they can't get out of the room. After you've done this a few times, all it takes is the Uh-oh part and they straighten up real quick. There's a lot more. They have a website, books, tapes. I really recommend it.

Learn to Read sites [2006-09-11]
www.starfall.com There is a downlaod section to print off the books and worksheets. My son loved this site when he was 5!:) http://www.internet4classrooms.com/prek.htm

Aubrey...From a book I read and also a song by "Bread" [2006-07-20]
nn

Wow! All this time I thought I was the only one who worked full-time [2008-11-28]
transcription and homeschooled my kids!! I have to do a lot of juggling around with my work hours to make it work, but I For those of you who are making it work, approximately how many hours a day do you spend with school? I also wonder if your husbands are good about helping out. My husband seems to think his day is over at 5:00 sharp, when he comes through the door and puts his feet up in his Lazy Boy. My day ends at 2:00 in the morning! How do you all manage to juggle this life? If anyone out there would like to correspond, please do! This life can feel a bit lonely. I mean, it I'm becoming a bit like Howard Hughes - minus the long nails and the germ phobia...

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.

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!!

Yes...takes some strong will though!! sm [2008-10-28]
I have 5 childen at home of ages 2, 4, 13, 14, and 16. I have been doing transcription their entire lives. Your best bet, if you do not need the insurance, is to work on a part-time basis and go from there. Try the minimum number of hours and see how it works. Usually you can start adding hours. Being part time also relieves a lot of the stress and pressure we put on ourselves to achieve full-time status. It gives you the option to work 4 hours or more each day, but at least you know if you got your 4 hours in you will not lose your job! Most companies will gladly have you work extra hours if you ask. I always keep the little one contained close by. I gate off or close/lock doors to keep them contained nearby. I try to work facing whatever direction they are playing in. I try to find activities etc that keep them occupied. I cannot tell you how entertaining a roll of tape is for a child. They will go around taping up everything, including themselves, but provides a long period of entertainment and thus an uninterrupted time to work. If you want to do it, you can. Good luck! Email me at jerrilynoliver@yahoo.com if you want to talk more.

chalkboard paint... [2008-10-27]
I used it on the end of an older desk that used to be my desk but I got myself one that fit better in my small room, and he is 7 and LOVES IT. It works fine, I put about 3 coats on an area the size of about 1-1/2 x 2-1/2 ft, and I still have a ton of a can left and trying to think of what else to use it on. As long as he doesn :)

Working at home while caring for 1-year-old son. Can it really be done? [2008-10-21]
Seriously . . . Can it? I work second shift. Most the days I am starting once I lay my son down for his afternoon nap (around 12:30 p.m.) and then working until the end of my shift with a lunch in the middle. My husband doesn My son has recently decided he needs less sleep, which is understandable since he is getting older now. He has cut his naps down to about 1 hour a day. That means I have to try to work from about 1:30 p.m. until my husband gets home trying to take care of my son at the same time. He usually is pretty good about playing on his own or sitting on my lap watching me, but he is teething now and is very, very needy. He won I just switched jobs, so I can Any suggestions or help or tips would be greatly appreciated. I wish I didn I am just totally stressing about not making enough to pay the bills and trying to keep my son and husband happy all at the same time. Tips and suggestions would be very, very much appreciated. Thanks.

getting out [2008-09-11]
you certainly have gotten yourself into that gerbil cage and going no where. You did not say how long you have been on anti-depressants, but if longer than 6 weeks you need to try a different kind. Getting stated with making changes is the hardest thing to do but obviously you want a change otherwise you wouldn I think baby steps is the best approach and only you know where those baby steps can be. Someone said go get a haircut, but if you are not feeling good about yourself and can Baby steps would be like going for a walk outside. The trick about baby steps is not going backwards. One path has to lead to another. It does not make any difference how long you on that one path. You Maybe you can join weight watchers and that will be your outing or join WW on line and do something else that will take you down that path. I get caught up too in the in-the-house thing and it is not good. Is there any way you can change shifts? then you can join an adult ed class at night. Good luck. Diane

Really possible? [2008-08-18]
I am not an MT (yet) but before I make the final step enrolling in M-Tec I wanted to ask a serious, point blank question. Can a new person, after completing M-Tecs course, make 20k a year at any point after getting a job (while working no more than 40 a week as well). Is this an at all reasonable expectation? I am looking long term career choice if I commit to the training but I have heard from working MT's in my state that they were working 80+ hours for about $500.00. If this is the reality then I will have to consider another option and that would be OK, just not optimal. I THANK you for any help you can give.

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).

I totally agree... [2008-07-22]
This is what I would do: In the morning either before or after your sleep time, go ahead and get a shower and get dressed even if that is in sweats or comfortable clothes. Wear these same clothes to cook dinner and into your shift. I think the problem is that you're working 3rd shift and I think that is the cause of the PJ situation. I read a book that my 8-year-old wrote around Motherpajamas. I had not really looked at it that way, but I guess she does see me in lounge clothes moreso than everyday clothes. I also work full-time at home, but not third shift. You may also want to consider getting involved in something even if it is a painting class or something you like to do. I know this costs money, but your sanity will be saved in the long run. I am fortunate enough to have gotten involved with some of the parents from my kids Even though it is not over and beyond socializing, it is something, i.e., coffee for an hour on a weekday. It is very, very easy to get homebound in this profession. I cringe at the thought of going out on a Friday night with all of the traffic. I am only 37, this is not right. So, I am also letting you know that you are not alone. Hang in there, and like the other poster says get a haircut. Plan a dinner out if possible with your teens and make it a point to step outside a few times during the evening just to gulp some fresh air. I water the flowers. Is there something that needs done outside that you could do this? Hugs to you...

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?

Love the boyish girl names [2008-06-27]
I love the boyish girl names. Of course mine have names that are 10-foot long (haha). We have Alexandria Thurstin LinDee who is (Alex or Allie) and Jackilyn Tylar Jesstine who is (Tylar).

internship or not? [2008-06-23]
....I am a newbie, and as most of you already know, it is incredibly hard to find work as a newbie. I just wanted to get some opinions on internships with companies. I have also been offered a paid position with a medical transcription company that will monitor my work until I am able to go at it on my own. Is an internship more beneficial or should I just take the paid job? I know some may think this is a stupid question, but I want to make the right decision, as this will be a huge step toward the career I have been wanting for a very long time.

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.

I was one of the lucky ones, on a decent schedule after about 3 months, although definitely not back [2008-05-28]
to where I was used to producing, at least I was getting some sleep. He LOVED his swing, and would stay in it as long as I would allow. With other kids at home, hats off to you, because any little noise would throw him completely off schedule at that point. Have fun with it!

1-month-old schedule [2008-05-21]
Hiya. I have 8-year-old twin boys and an almost 1-month old girl. It has been a long time since the boys were on a napping schedule, so I was wondering if someone could refresh my memory as to when a nursing newborn can be set up on somewhat of a sleep-at-night, nap-by-day schedule and what a typical schedule might be. I went back to work one week after she was born, but am finding it really difficult to work consistently and get enough sleep for myself (homeschool the boys, one with special needs) with the baby up about every four hours. My boss is very patient anddoes not mind lesser line counts at this point, since I came back after only one week (despite emergency c-section), but I really want my line counts and paycheck back to normalas soon aspossible! Thank you!

?'s about balancing work and kids [2008-04-02]
I would love to hear what others do in the same situation... In the past few months I have picked up more work. I am now working a minimum of 5-6 hours a day although usually more. I figure if I have to I can most of the time get my work done in 5-6 hours. So... I have a 2 yo, 9 yo, and 10 yo. My job is flexible. I can work the hours as wish as long as I get my required work done. I have two dilemmas... Summer vacation: All kids home. Will be bringing older two to a summer camp from 9-12 daily. It involves getting them up and ready from about 8-9 and dropping them off. Will be back by about 9:15. I will still have the 2 yo. Of course, I would also love to have some free time to spend with my kids in the summer (is this asking too much?). So it would be ideal to get my hours in as early as possible and have some time in the afternoon free. I also don I am thinking maybe getting up super early, maybe getting a sitter in the morning? Anyone else in this situation? Then, return to school in the fall...The older two will be in school so that part of the dilemma is solved. My 2 yo will be attending preschool 2 mornings. I am thinking maybe getting someone to watch her in the afternoons. Maybe a nanny? Anyone have any experience with nannies? Where do I look? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. I am sure there are others who have been in these situations. I like hearing about what other MT Any hints, advice, tips, etc are great.

During the summer I work early a.m. for the majority of my lines usually 4-9 a.m. [2008-04-02]
If I have not hit my line count, I typically pick up the rest at night after the kids are in bed. We do the day camp, summer activities and classes, swim lessons, etc., but I could never get into a good rhythm in the short periods between getting everyone ready to go and playing chauffeur all day long. It really is easier for me to split my shift and work when there are not other things going on.

Try reading "the proper care and feeding of husbands"......sm [2008-04-01]
This is an excellent book by Dr. Laura. I think it is mostly designed for stay-at-home mom's. I am not saying you are doing anything wrong, just try it out and see how you like it.

MT DAY???? [2008-03-27]
hey, thanks everybody! I was in the shoes of those of you with unappreciative bosses for a long time, so when I became a supervisor I insited to my boss that we show the MTs how much we appreciate them and value their hard work. I KNOW how hard they work as I did (and do) the same work they do! Now, i heard there was an MT day...does anybody know when that is?????? i would love to send our MTs gifts for that!!!!

Recently on the news... [2008-02-08]
They were talking about companies bringing all areas of outsourcing back to the states. I guess companies are finally starting to hear the US publics' voice. I don't know how long it will take them. This was for major companies that send their service and support overseas. I am hoping Dell will join the other companies and bring their service and support back here as well. Just thought I would add what I had recently seen on an evening news broadcast. It was a very small blip about this. Hoping for more soon.

Correction!!! Hillary Clinton [2008-02-07]
actually talked about this first before Barack Obama. I just read she feels the same way about the NO TAX BREAKS for companies that outsource. So, looks like it's a democrat thing....Hillary OR Obama.....if you care about outsourcing. My vote if for Hillary!!!

3-4 naps!!!! [2008-02-04]
How do you do it??? My 30-month-old is trying to cut out his one and only nap and the 1-year-old is down to one nap most days as well. But they are pretty long naps 2-3 hours. Thanks for feelin my pain. I was just venting cause when you are use to finally being able to sleep a full night and they turn so quickly like that it really makes you feel like a walking zombie. Can't remember how I did the every 2 hour wake up when his was 1st born. Jenn

Did not work for my 2-year-old... [2008-01-31]
He just gets himself all worked up and throws up all night long if we are not careful. We have gone through a few nights with no blankets as they were either being washed or waiting to be washed. our 1-year-old hasn't done this yet, but he doesn't have the tummy issues the older one has.

looking for insight [2008-01-24]
Hello All, This is my first post here. I have some questions about my current employment situation and was hoping for some insight from others who may have been in my shoes before. Basically, I have been working for a small transcription service for the last 2 years.I came into the field as a way to have a flexible, at-homeschedule for my school aged children and just to earn a little extra cash per month. I donformal MT training or education but because of the bachelorreally love the work, but after 2 years I am only making 7.75 cents per line. Each time I get comfortable with a certain discipline and begin to increase my line count, the employer switches the account I'm on and I'm back to square 1. Also due to the limited availability of the work she has right now, I'm only getting 5-10 hours a week, if that. Sorry to be so long-winded, I suppose I'm just wondering if 7.75 is a fair rate for 2 years experience and if I'm getting the shaft by being switched from 1 discipline to another every few months so that I am never able to increase my production/pay. I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions. Thank you.