Love the flexibility, can't say I like the job. Anyone agree? sm
Posted By: k on 2006-01-16
In Reply to:
I'm an MT of about 10 years, 6 of which have been at home, and now I'm just trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my life.  I love the flexibility of being an MT (at home) but really can't say I enjoy being an MT at all. I like working on my own and all that, but listening to awful doctors day after day just isn't too much fun! lol I'm forever contemplating going back to school (have 2 years of university credits from 15 years ago) but then I'd have to go outside the house to do whatever, and after the gazillion costs that go with that, probably would make less money (not that I make much now, mind you!). Does anyone else feel the same way? In my ideal world, when both kids are in school (I've got 2, ages 6 and 4), I'd go back to school full time to be a teacher or something. The reality, however, is that we can't afford it. Even if we could, would I really want to be a teacher and be stuck to a schedule every day (I'm an IC now and can work whenever, just 24 hour TAT)?
So, that's about all I needed to say. Just very curious on what others feel about "long-term" career goals, kwim? Thanks for your thoughts!
Complete Discussion Below:  marks the location of current message within thread
The messages you are viewing
are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select
the boards given in left menu
Other related messages found in our database
I agree...I love being an MT and the flexibility it gives me...
nm
Love my job there too. It's been over 2 years and I still like it. The key is flexibility
The work can fluctuate but if your patience and have some flexibility, they are awesome to work for. If you set to a certain schedule, it may be harder for you. Overall, they truly are a hidden gem.
I agree... lots of flexibility offers
This is not the only field that offers flexibility or work from home status. Congrats on your raise! It's nice to know someone else likes this line of work....
I like the flexibility too, and I really need it so - sm
I will be sticking with it for quite a while. I cannot see any employer dealing with me needing mornings/afternoons off here and there to go to my chiroprator (since my accident in 10/2005-got T-boned by someone who ran the light) 2-3 x a week right now; take my 2 daughters to dance 2 x a week at 4:30 and 5 in the afternoon; go the the Oncolcogy clinic 1 x a month (now, was a lot more) and also Radiology every 3 months for my 5-y/o's cancer f/u; take/pick up my kids every day at 7:30/3:30 at the bus (granted I have 2 after school options available to me so I could eliminate the afterschool pick up or at least make it later). Would any one other that a PT employer put up with that, NO , I doubt it. I tested, passed, etc. a screening position for the TSA 2 years ago here in Richmond. Was going to take the job too as they said (at first) I could work 10-2 which would have worked good for me, but the pay sucked--I only make slightly less doing MT and I am no speed demon--and it was not worth the gas, daycare, mileage on my truck (about a 45 minute drive to the airport)--especially in the summer when the daycare costs triple. So I said thanks but no thanks. If I was offered $20/hour or even $15/hour I might have done it, considering it was "national security" it was not worth it to possibly put myself in harms way. So in order to get a job outside and be worth it you have to make at least $30K+ I think, not easy to find with just a BFA and office administration experience. I hope to finish up a paralegal certificate I started 9 years ago, need to re-enroll again at U of R....pricey though, 1 class costs $900...I have about 14 classes to go to get my certificate then maybe I will work outside the home, but that will be years down the road from now as it will probably take me another 7 to complete it as I only take 1 class a semester as it is too expensive and I have way to much going on. You should probably take a course or something, good to stimulate the brain and for a change of seen. I have not been back for 5 years and miss it. Meant to in 09-2004 but then my mom got ill, then died, then Jen got sick 6 months later...just could not find the time or inclination to re-enroll. But time to do it, in the meantime I will relish in my flexibility! (sorry for the book, tend to get carried away!)
Like the flexibility and usually really like the job. Of
course, there are some days that are not so great. Worked outside the home for years and I think I appreciate being at home more because of that. Wish I had known about this many years ago when my children were small. 
I had that flexibility at MQ, but we also ran out of work so much,
x
Loss of flexibility
I haven't gotten my packet yet, but it sounds like we will have to submit a set schedule. This is a problem if there is no work within your scheduled hours to work (which happens to me nearly every day). Then I have to rearrange my life to be able to make any money. It isn't going to work for me anymore. 
Like the sound of ur flexibility
Who is it that you work for? MQ but don't know who that is.
While getting more bonuses and flexibility and
Make sure you get the whole picture, okay?
work flexibility
I certainly empathize with your plight, and I get angry when I see these companies advertise for at-home moms and service wives. I am thinking it is not as it seems - without flexibility and its hard on the MT and the family. I also am looking for that very thing -flexibility enough to take care of my family's needs and meet MT requirements. That is not too much to ask for.
I was promised I would have flexibility, then NOTHING
I agree with you about the 24-hour TAT. I think some of you are misunderstanding what I expected and what I was told. I was told in my interview that their perfect candidate for at home MT was "people with small children". That came from my managers mouth! If that's the case, how can they think typing straight 8 hours a day is possible with small children in the home with you?
Furthermore, I am the lowest man on the totem pole, so I don't do STATS or anything that is very time sensitive.
My work that I do isn't usually signed off by a doc until a week or so later!
I'm not asking for 24 hours to do my work, but a split shift would be nice and they won't budge.
It doesn't help that I'm the only home MT with small kids. All the other MTs are older, with grown kids or never had kids at all.
I feel like I'm in a losing battle. I really need this job, so I do the best I can.
I know that if I could work a better shift that works for my family, my production would be even better.
Besides, the fatigue factor of typing for 8 hours straight is pretty bad.
Your idea of flexibility obviously isn't the same as
You'll have a better idea of questions to ask up front next time.
Also, though, changes can happen that can make them change how they work.
If she wants the flexibility, go to IC status with someone else. (nm)
x
The time flexibility is
the greatest thing about this work. My daughter's are grown but at times something will come up that I need to take care of and it's never a problem.
We are very fortunate!
The biggest pro for me is the TOTAL flexibility...
As long as I get the work done, I can do it when I want to without being chained to my computer.
Plus, I don't know why you think ICs net 50% less than if they work on an employee basis. I've worked as both an IC and employee and, although I don't have benefits, I make much more as an IC.
Thank you!!! I agree, I love MT.
x
I agree! Love my tax man!! nm
nm
Agree with you - love Firefox
I agree; I love MDI-FL. I am a slow right now too, but
this is a really slow week. I am happy because I worked a ton of hours all year. My only problem with them was "too much work!!"
Yep, I agree. I love his voice. :-) nm
..
Agree! Love Hiliary! nm
x
I agree with the above poster, love VR
I have done for some years now and never want to totally straight transcribe again. I have no idea about working for page pay, never did it that way so cannot state any ideas on that. VR certainly is not as taxing on me as in the past. I can make (do a little straight still) on part time work around $500 a week.
I agree. Love Canadians, but we need our work here.
What about their socialized med system? No work for them there? Nope, I love Canadians as our neighbors, but I agree we need to keep it in the USA.
Yes I agree! Would love to know of similar sites also...anyone?
I have the WildCam, pretty neat, but I like the interaction with this one! Very unique!
I have to agree. Absolutely prosper with it and love it! sm
I, like you, produce 2500 to 3000 lines per day and CAN pay my bills on it; however, I do make way above the average cpl on EditScript.
Agree. LOVE Switch and use it all the time.
x
I'd love to agree, but I can't. I do think some doctors are aware a human being is transcribi
for them, but I think it is far from the majority.
I agree-LOVE ebay. Use "genuine" or "original" in your search and get brand name ones!-n
xx
love, love, love the show. hate american idol. this show is for real.
the only reason i entertained watching it was because of mark burnett and as usual he has such genious casting and editing. btw, don't know who anything about "metal" music but these performers make me like it. love marty and jd as performers. HATE JESSICA. susie is so nice and so emotional. it seems they all support each other and enjoy each others skills. regarding ty and bob marley, ty was excellent but he also lucked out on the song! bob marley was genious too and his music is very easy to listen to. i don't like 3/4 of what the others are given to sing but their performances make me love the music. dave navarro shines on this show, very gracious for the most part and letting the contestants down easy when they have to leave. he was great last night with brandon (?). sweet, sweet show. i am so impressed with everyone involved.
Yep that's it, 4000. Love, love love the zoom
But I feel like a dork typing...every time I try to type But it is coming out as Nut!
I love it too - love doing my nails 5 hours a day and staying awake
Love NOT getting paid while sitting doing my nails too. It's a real turn on.
I tell all my friends to try it -- sit in front of your computer while you have no money to pay your rent and instead do your nails, you get a real buzz down in the pit of your stomach.
Also LOVE LOVE ESCRIPTION and make good money but...
Can I ask how you sit there for 8 hours. Lately, I'm having a motivation problem. When I focus, I can rack up the lines, but lately, I get so easily distracted. My mind wanders and I struggle to get my lines. Any tips on how you stay productive who do you work for?? I work for Transcend.
Agree, agree, agree! Just listen to Benny Hinn..
he speaks perfect English, especially when asking for money! Also, in my opinion, blanks should be left in the doc's dictation if not able to be transcribed, maybe then they will know that are NOT understood. With QA fixing them, what need is there for them to care if we understand them or not?
People either love it or hate it. I personally love it
but I know a lot of people say you cannot make any money on it and will not work on it. I do okay. I'm obviously not getting rich but I am making a living. I found it easier than Dictaphone and faster such in downloading and uploading job and you only have to log on one system and not like Dictaphone where you have to log onto the VPN and then log onto the program. It's always worth a try, but yes, the biggest complaint I hear is that no one can make a living and the cpl isn't that great.
I went back in house and love it. I love not being
secluded. I was working in my PJs, less organized and feel much better now that I get up and dress for work and see people (even those in traffic aren't so bad anymore). I find that I have more of a life now, and my family says that I spend more time with them now.
Working at home served its purpose for a long time; I was ready to go out into the world again now that I have no little ones at home.
BD WONG! I love him! I love all CSI and Law and Orders!
I am so addicted. I actually schedule my job and family around the shows LOL.
Love love love my chair
The arms can be lowered so they won't be in your way, I don't know about the tilt limiter. But I bought my off ebay about 6 years ago and can't do without it. No I do not think you can find another chair that even compares to the aeron, changed my working life completely, no sore back or butt. You won't regret it, but you will if you go for a cheap imitation.
LOL. I love it. I also love the song sm
I wouldn't take nothing for my journey now. Miss the Happy Goodmans!
Repeat after me: I love my job, I love my job. :) nm
nm
You can love a job and still love being home! sm
I got into medical transcription for many reasons. Yes, one was that I wanted to be home with my children, another was that I wanted to be in the medical field, and yet another was this just fits me. Medical terminology and grammar are two things that have always come easily to me. So, this fits. I can work early, early mornings and late nights when they are asleep. Also during afternoon naps. Yeah, doesn't leave a heck of a lot of time for myself, but THAT is a sacrifice I am willing to make, leaving my kids for someone else to raise/care for all day wasn't.
I do not love money but I love what it can buy
for me. I work 4 days a week now and was not bringing home what I wanted every 2 weeks, for some reason that is at least 1,000.00. I just decided to turn up the speed and put my mind to doing at least 3000 lines a day and figured by that should get what I want in the pay line. Worked well for me. I tell people if you want to talk with me call before I go to work, do not let outside influences bother me during my hours. Other than a bathroom break, glass of water, here for the straight 8.
I love Google and I love MTs
Okay, who in their right mind would not only discuss but have passionate opinions about hyphens and apostrophes? I love it!
Anyway, in googling grammar rules I found numerous references that two days' time would not but hyphenated but when used as a modifier like two-day history, it would be.
I remember telling an OB nurse friend of mine about fretting over 38 weeks pregnancy and whether the hyphen belonged in there and she just laughed and said she thinks she would get the point either way. Well harumph!
Love Judge Judy but love Judge Joe
Brown. I often wonder how many of the people involved in Judge Joe's cases have to go home and look up in the dictionary what he said to them. Some of them just have blank faces staring at him when he is giving them a lecture, w/o a clue of what he is actually saying to them.
Love Sci-Fi!
cant wait to see it!
I would love to but
my husband does not think we will make it on the bills (I think he likes all of the extra money I'm making on the side) He is a good guy with a good job and does support my choice since he bought me a new computer and paid for my school, but he also is use to a life style that he leads where he does not worry about money. In my day job I make about 27000.00 a year and I know in my first couple of years I might do close to that if I'm lucky and can land a decent account. Sorry I'm just venting and I'm so tired of working so much, thank god I dont have kids right now I don't have the time to go to the bathroom anymore.
love IT
:
sure do love rather
A true patriot and truth teller..too bad the source he got his truthful information from about Bush running away from his military duties did not have the original reports..Bush, warmonger, military deserter, governor who murdered the most on death row, destroyer of environmental protection, jerk when it comes to global warming, idiot when it comes to understanding evolution..just a plain low IQ idiot..who should never have been president but he had plenty of oil biggies who paid his way and now he is repaying them big time to the detriment of the middle class of America..
the one I love the best is (sm)
the incinuation (sp?) that I don't have a "real" job! I even hear my kids telling their friends that I "don't work, just at home". UHHH, hello? I get a paycheck, don't I! No respect! I just like to think the other folks are jealous! Oh, well, too bad for them! 
Love my job
I have an associate's degree in secretarial studies. I ended up working as a secretary in a multispecialty clinic, which led me directly to the transcription department to train as a transcriptionist. I love being home to be there for my children. My husband, on the other hand, has a master's degree in business, and he is the main breadwinner in our family.
Love rad but...
teaching hospitals tend to have really long reports due to residents and their tendency to TALK A LONG TIME so as to impress the attending physicians. That is my only complaint about it, tho. Its understandable - they're new on the job and all - but its funny when an old-timer doctor gets on and tosses off a CT or MRI in a few sentences while the new resident makes it into a thesis or term paper! ARGH! But overall, I highly recommend rad.
I love my MT job!
I am an IC and absolutely love working for myself! Its not all bad
|
