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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

Serious Poll: Paycheck-to-Paycheck

Posted By: (questions inside) on 2008-11-09
In Reply to:

1.  Are you living paycheck-to-paycheck?  Defined:  Missing one paycheck would seriously harm your basic living (housing, food, utilities or necessary meds/medical care).


2.  If you lost your job today, without warning, do you think you could be employed again within 1 payperiod?


3.  Do you have an emergency fund in case a loss of job happens?


My answers:


1.  Missing 1 paycheck would hurt but not devastate me.  Mising 2 or more, yes - it could be dire.


2.  Yes, most definitely.


3.  Started one and slowly building it up.


 




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living paycheck to paycheck
Yeah, I feel your pain. I shop for as much groceries as possible in the Dollar Aisle at a local Kuhn's grocery store. Hopefully you have something like that around you.
paycheck
Mine was direct deposited yesterday, Wednesday.
paycheck
I worked for them for about 7 months the first 5 with direct deposit was fine but the last couple where they mailed checks was bad!!! My last several checks were 2-3 weeks late. Several people have left here. The "captain" is crazy. You would not believe some of the crazy & nasty emails he sent me. I would definitely get out of here unless you like waiting 2-3 weeks for a check and then are not sure if it will clear. Yes I heard a few checks bounced. Sorry I could go on and on about this guy but I think I have said enough. Good luck to you.
first paycheck?
It usually takes a full billing cycle for direct deposit to get going in my experience.
paycheck
Yeah the MTSO was responsible in that if they had payed her when it was agreed upon she could have paid her bills and wouldn't be in a financial bind. If you have your paycheck you can pay your bills. You work to pay bills, not for the heck of it. Yeah, you should have a cushion but they should pay on time. You think a sick child is an excuse you go pay a few doctor bills a see how much "cushion" you can keep in the bank. Don't judge people without knowing the circumstances. You don't know what is wrong with the child or how frequently they have to go to the doctor and it costs money not to mention the medicine. They have an agreed upon paydate and she has every right to be angry when she doesn't get her money. People work to pay bills. Alot of people don't have a big cushion in the bank.
No paycheck

I started with a company about three weeks ago, and here is the situation.  This is my first transcription job, so I think I was a little too eager to jump at the job offer when it was given to me.  They charge a "set up fee" of 100.00 that is taken out of the first paycheck.  I am only getting paid 5 cents/line, so I did not make that much more than the 100.00 (I think about 40.00).  The pay period ends on the last day of the month and checks are issued on the first of every month.  They do not offer direct deposit, so I have been waiting for the last nine days for my measly 40.00 check.  I really just want it to have documentation that I have paid the stupid set up fee (which I am embarrassed that I even agreed to).  I have emailed them 5 or 6 times with no response whatsoever.  They continue to send me work, and will (usually) answer questions regarding work, but NOTHING about my requests to see where my check is. 


I have since found a much better and higher paying position with another (wonderful) company, but I do not really want to put in my 2 weeks' notice until I have that check.  Any ideas??


definitely paycheck to paycheck sm

Losing even 1 would devastate me.


I am the only wage earner, and it is paycheck to paycheck.


There is nothing set aside to help, just in case.  But I definitely feel I could get another job almost immediately with my skills and experience.


It's a hard knocklife.


You will have paycheck on Monday 711/05
x
Why is it that the more desperately you need your paycheck,
the later the mailman is delivering?
Production is my paycheck
I work in 1 of my bedrooms with a big window facing the driveway. I have done this work for 30+ years. The office also has my husband's computer in it. I have absolutely no problem in keeping my mind on my work, the pay alone is the answer, no work, no pay and the more lines the better I feel when I get that check. I never see things I should do around the house because I have a housekeeper that comes every other week and takes care of things like that for me. Housework is about the last thing I want to do!!
whoever signs your paycheck
has the final say.

But, you might consider drawing up a "contract" that states the terms and conditions ... the dotor takes the ultimate responsibility ... your initials are only a reference ... and so forth. You sign it and they sign. Throw in a notary.




Not when your paycheck depends on it, it isn't.
p
To get the paycheck I want, I work
5 days a week and I type 1500 lines per day. I am radiology and therefore this is easy to achieve and for the most part, I am done in less than 7 hours but I will put in 7 hours.
No paycheck, need advice
I have worked for a company since April 21 of this year.  I began asking about my first paycheck around the beginning of May, because it was my understanding that I would be paid for what I worked in April on May 1.  After asking MANY times, one of my bosses (they are husband and wife) finally responded to me (saying that he had already responded many times) only when I stated that I would not continue to submit any more work until I got an explanation of where my paycheck was.  He told me that I had misunderstood when I was hired, and that I would be paid June 1st for the pay period of March 5 - April 29.  I decided (stupidly) to continue working, and the same thing has happened this month.  I have been given three different explanations as to when my paycheck was mailed.  Today, I finally stated, again, that I would not submit work until I received either the paycheck, or a faxed copy or emailed copy of something that proved that a check was issued and mailed to me.  He was very rude, and basically said, he would not do it, and I would be "shut off" from work.  The wife emailed me and said she did not want me to quit, and that the check had been resent the previous day.  I subsequently gave my two-weeks' notice, and stated that I would complete any and all assignments given in the next two weeks, but wanted to quite thereafter (which I have to do according to the contract I signed).  I live in CA, and the company is located in PA... and I already submitted a back-wage complaint online, but do not know what else to do.  I have read recently that other people have had this problem, and am in contact with someone else that works there currently, who has only received one paycheck, and has worked for them since January.  They also charge a "start up fee" of 100.00, so the check I am waiting on is only for 17.00!  It's not the money, It is the fact that I have worked very hard for 2 months and have not been paid!  He was also very rude and brought up personal things about myself and family in his emails.  ANY ADVICE is MUCH appreciated.  Thank you.
SoftScript paycheck late again?!!
Any other SS employees get their paycheck?  Mine is late again! And I have direct deposit- so sick of this.  Why do I stay!! aagghh
SS paycheck question for SS employees

This is my first check and it seems like they did not hold out taxes, does anyone know if you get a copy of a paycheck to see?????


I don't feel in control of my paycheck

For example, I start out on a roll, going along at a really good pace.. get half my production in a few hours, then all h - - -  breaks loose. Here comes the bad stuff...All of a sudden, its not about skill... its about detective work...hunting foreign referral doctors names and addresses, etc, many times I can't even understand what the name starts with. I have to search and search for what seems like hours just to get what might or might not be the right name!  OOPS...there goes that production. I'm at the mercy of my "pool". I have no control over that or the paycheck from that point on. Any suggestions?


Self-employed even worse getting paycheck
Bill three doctors at the end of the month, and still waiting two weeks later, sometimes three. I even stay up all night and do a 12h turnaround time. You'd think they would see I was paid in a reasonable amount of time!
Are there any deductions for taxes on your paycheck?
nm
Nada! My work and paycheck are enough!
n
Affected my paycheck - a verb
nm
Would you work for a co. that docked your paycheck for blanks?
nm
Right, they want all this time off, yet you can bet they expect a FULL paycheck come payday! nm
.
don't worry, they'll catch it. Probably take it out of your next short paycheck.nm
nm
Dear, I'm wondering if the economy has effected your paycheck...
something tells me it hasn't.
And should you not receive your final paycheck in a reasonable amount of time,

notify them that you will be filing complaints with the Department of Labor, the BBB, the FTC, the state attorney general's office, and small claims court.


As an IC you invoice the company, count your own lines, and receive a paycheck.
First Choice, JLG, QT Medical, Metro in Atlanta, just to name a few.

Most use SylCount or something similar. I used Abacus - free line counting software.
My dwindling paycheck, loss of benefits, and loss of respect is all the proof I need. nm
,
POLL
Ok, we know what we are unhappy about in this business.   LET'S TAKE A POLL.  In 4 lines or less, what would be your ideal Transcriptionist job?   No flames please. Just list the important factors that would make you want to go to bat for a company.  Include pay plan also.   Thanks. 
re:poll

Consistent, steady amount of work on the same one or two accounts, you know, the ones you know so well you can do them in your sleep?


Pay that makes you feel like getting up and hitting the keys each day.


For at home MT's, at least some feedback from office ie: what's going on, who's new/old etc, instead of calling in, asking for someone only to find out they jumped ship....ooops, I've run over my line allotment


Poll
1. To be treated with RESPECT and shown appreciation.

2. To work 1 account with less than 500 ESL doctors in order to have some consistency and become familiar with your doctors and then maybe be able to achieve your line count.

3. To be paid for your actual lines typed and not what they think you should be paid for.

4. To be informed of what is going on in the company by your supervisor or other higher up and not have to come to this board for information.

POLL

Curious as to what many of my fellow old-timers in this field may be telling the newbies and/or wannabies coming into this profession.  Personally, I'm getting out. Too much disrespect and flat out ingratitude by the doctors and allied health care professionals alike.  I worked so hard to get where I'm at, and have precious little to show for it. 


Therefore, I discourage new people from entering this profession.  STRONGLY!  What do you say on the matter?  Answer:   (Your letter is enough on the reply.)


A.  I strongly discourage newbies entering the field.


B.  I somewhat discourage newbies entering the field.


C.  I have no opinion.  Too tired.


D.  I say go for it, but feel sorry them.


E.  I highly encourage them.  Things will be well for them, and different but good.


Opinions, anyone?


 


That has nothing to do with the poll.

It wasn't meant to be democrat against republican or liberal against conservative.  It was only a question to see what people would rather see their tax dollars spent on.  Both parties pay taxes.  I'm just curious as to what means more to people....taking care of those in poverty whether by their own choice or not  OR taking care of those who are already wealthy and paying for things that we could not afford to have for ourselves like million-dollar pensions.


POLL - sm
Can anyone else not type well if their nails are long?  I have to keep mine trimmed short....anyone else type better like this or does it not matter how long they are?   Just curious if it's just me.   
Poll
What would you go into if you left the MT field with this being your only skill, in your late to early 40s, and having a  high school diploma?
poll
I really would like to know. I dont want to do this anymore.
Poll
I think you youngsters should go for your dreams, and do it now.  I have been  MTing for many years and my arms hurt so bad.  I am tired of being jerked around, making less and less money.  I'm an exM*er (you-know-who) - pretty much says it all.  I now do VR for half the money.  Been through court reporting school and even took flight lessons long ago (flying was just for fun - eh, don't care much for the justice system).  Now going into coding.  Can't wait to say goodbye to the MT business.    
Poll
I went to court reporting school many years ago.  My husband (at that time) paid for it.  He also put me through flight school.  Like I said, I do VR editing for half.  I have no money.  Just to be able to pay for coding school (I intend to go to Andrews), will be a struggle.  No fun, but this is my reality.  What to do?  Suck it up and move on! 
let's take a poll
I am ticked about something that I probably should just forget about and count my blessings.  I work at home usually until about 5 or 5:30 pm.  My husband comes home from work at 4 pm.  He does not even say hello or give me a peck on the cheek let alone a hello smack on the lips. He thinks I should get up out of my chair and quick working for a little bit if I want attention.  Anyone else in this same boat?
Poll

Why not compromise?  He speaks when he comes in.  You stop for 2 (TWO) minutes to respond and then get back to work.  Both happy!


Poll - Ever since I saw that - sm
commercial where the woman was cleaning her kitchen with chicken leg, I have switched to using a dishcloth instead of a sponge.  That was the most disgusting commercial ....  Anyway, what to you all use?  Cloth or sponge, or other?  Just curious, as it takes time to get use to using something other than a sponge.
Poll
Psychiatry is easy - ophthalmology, denistry and vet - hardest.
poll
Easiest: ER and psychiatry.

Hardest: Cardiology and anything by a mumbler or an individual with a REALLY HEAVY accent.
Poll:
It's whatever you make of it. I've known women who thought it was slavery, and ones who thought it was the pinnacle of their job life. It is what you make of it. Intensely personal experience. I've found that people who are true word geeks feel fulfilled by the learning experience. People who do it cuz they HAVE to, generally will hate it no matter what, because then it IS the equivalent of slavery.
POLL: What is your cat/dog's name?
I have 2 dogs, Bandy and Molly, and a cat, Katielynn.
POLL
All the posts about proofing as you go versus proofing when you finish got me to thinking.  One poster mentioned something about having the TV on while working.  I'm guilty of that myself sometimes.   I don't usually keep the TV on my entire shift but I like to have it on part of the time.  Usually toward the end of my shift I'll turn the TV to make it seem a little less lonely.  I work second shift and everyone has gone to bed before I finish work.  Sometimes I just like a little background noise.  Unfortunately, sometimes something interesting will come on and I stop to turn around and watch.....sometimes too long.  That usually only happens when something VERY IMPORTANT is one like American Idol.  Eating is another habit I do too often while working.  Or throwing in a load of laundry in the washer/dryer.  Oh, and cooking.  What else do you do while working?  I know my wheels are always spinning about what else I need to be doing.....what to have for dinner.....what needs to be done before I go to bed.....what I need to do tomorrow.....  Or cooking and talking on the phone, helping with homework, etc., etc.  Let's not forget being on MTStars while working.  LOL.  These days it is hard to do just one thing at at time, isn't it????
ANOTHER POLL

What are your favorite TV shows?  Do you have favorites that you will never miss?  There are regulars that I tape daily/weekly (unless it is a rerun):



  1. Young and the Restless

  2. Bold and the Beautiful

  3. Grey's Anatomy

  4. Desperate Housewives

  5. New Adventures of Old Christine

  6. American Idol

  7. ER

  8. Scrubs

I also have other favorites, but I don't go to the trouble of taping them.  Only so many hours in a week!  Some of my other favs are the dating shows, Oprah, Tonight Show, Paula Deen, and those entertainments shows like Extra, etc. 


 


 


POLL

I would have to say this week on this board the word "troll".  Seeing that word so many times a day is getting on my nerves more than the posts the "trolls" post.  At least what the "troll" is posting is something different to read.  Of course, then there are a few other overused words/phrases: 



  1. like
  2. you know what I'm saying?
  3. IMO
  4. cool
  5. actually
  6. basically
  7. brangelina
  8. jen and ben
  9. awesome
  10. most curse words
  11. to be honest......
  12. git-er-done (hate that one)
  13. how's that working for you?

Poll
Dog-Rojam 14-year-old black lab retired guide dog--named after his sponsor's grandchildren--Rose and James. Dog-Daisy--golden. Cat-Charlie. Cat-Skoshi-Japanese for "little"
Poll
x
POLL: What is your cat/dog's name?
My cat is Dorothy.