feeling paranoid...
Posted By: MaryB on 2009-05-24
In Reply to: Feeling paranoid but... - wise1
Yes - I have worked for MQ since 1999 and have always been able to get 13000+ lines in a 2-week pay period (except for illness/vacation). Since Dec 08 it has been a struggle to approach and pass the 12000-line minimum, and now since half my reports are ASR, my line count has plummeted. Am not sure if perhaps this is one way to weed out the number of employees meeting the requirements for full-time with benefits. Did wonder if there was something off with line counts, but ws never able to get a response to that question, either by email or by phone. At this rate, I am going to lose my benefits, and my line count as it is disqualified me from full-time employment. From 200+ lines/hour to barely 131/hour. I'm frustrated and worried.
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Feeling paranoid but...
Has anyone ever felt as though they are set at a certain amount or say a cap per hour... if though I get .09/65 seems I never ever can make more than 14 or 15 hr... even if it is the easiest reports... I hope I'm just being paranoid!! Just wondering if anyone else has thought this.
being paranoid about
I totally agree. I am always checking, double, triple checking things and worrying about commas and hyphens, account specifics and my line count shows it
No one was being PARANOID except the OP
Someone inquired if she were in India, no accusation, just a question. Someone else posted to ask if Curious had a problem with the OP being in India, to which Curious said not at all. Then a couple of other posters pointed out this is a board for AMERICAN MTs ONLY.
I'm failing to see where anyone except the OP is paranoid (or just defensive, which is probably more accurate since she indeed does not type as the usual American MT, at least not to my eyes).
I normally agree with your posts, Robin, by this time I'm failing to see why you are accusing other posters of being paranoid when the only one who has expressed ANY paranoia or accused others of being paranoid, etc., is the OP.
I think maybe you need to re-read the thread again. Even the one where she refers to you as being smart is oddly written.
Nope, I don't smell any paranoia here, just perhaps someone who detected an odd syntax, asked a question, and the OP blasted off into orbit.
I'm starting to get paranoid....
I've been with Medquist only a short time and have a good experience so far. After reading some of these posts, though, I am becoming paranoid that things are not so good. Someone please fill me in on what is going on. I received the letter a couple of weeks ago from the CEO and just assumed it was a hand full of people involved with this lawsuit. Now what is up???
off subject -am I being paranoid
I have some genealogy information on my computer and my grandfather had a very unusual first name and middle name- today when I was going through my junk mail there was junk from someone with that same name- just kind of stopped me in my tracks I didn't open it ---but is that a coincidence How does that happen - I should have better Spyware I guess . maybe Im just paranoid
Becoming paranoid about work and QA
I would like to find a job that I do not have to proof report 2-3 times as when audits roll around QA dings for more grammar than actual medial terms. I would just like to sit and type. I have done this for 29 years, and we all make mistakes, but it is just rediculous anymore. This company I work for now is so picky about even the smallest thing such as hyphens, comas, colons, etc that a few of MTs on the same account are becoming so paranoid that we are wasting too much time on each report and IM each other that we are not getting anywhere. I have lost my rhythm with jumping around so much for each WT. I love to do Op reports and have asked twice and that is about as far as it gets. I used to enjoy transcription, but not anymore. If I could afford financially to quit I would. I used to do over 1200 lines a day, but not anymore. I feel like I am back in high school English class. Those days are gone. Jobs are hard to find anymore with the economy the way it is, but at least I have something coming in, but just not enough and I still am working two jobs. Just getting tired, frustrated, aggravated, you name it. Thanks for letting me vent.
And folks think I'm paranoid
If someone is sitting in a corner at Starbucks or the library or whatever on a laptop working, I'm not sure I see what the problem is. If you're that stringent about things, do you jump from your chair and throw your body across the monitor if you feel a family member approaching your work area? If a person isn't doing their work on external speakers and does not have a 26 inch monitor facing the room at large, I do not see there to be any more of a 'security' risk than there is at home.
I am american so someone is paranoid here. but sm
I still cannot get the proper search.. doing what everyone says. Try it. Search for TTS the company and you will get nothing new even though a month ago I saw a bunch of recent stuff. Where does it go?
Boy, my husband is paranoid too but not to that extent - sm
If I were you I just tell him I am coming and that is that. You miss him, the kids miss him, etc. I find it hard to believe he has a girlfriend on the side already (its only been 14 days). It could be he is just very tired and wants his 1 day to himself, granted I am sure he has unwind time at night. But he shouldn't be that selfish about his free time since he has a family to consider. Can you get one of those video cams for the computer and at least have the kids be able to see their dad that way since he is unwilling to drive 5 hours to come home every 2 weeks, or unwilling to let you "get in harm's way" by driving to see him? You have every right to be pissed, but as suggested wait until you calm down, then ask him WHY and that it has to be a credible reason, not because he thinks there is too much traffic in the area, or some such crap like that. As I said, it is probably because he is tired, being selfish about his time off and (here's the big one) probably enjoying being by himself for the first time in a long time. I actually take my kids up to my dad's about 3-4 x a year to give him some down time, granted I never get any except for a few hours here and there when he takes them to the movies or something, but at least it is something!
I've encountered a strange situation and I don't know if I'm being paranoid or not.
I worked at the same company for 17 years, left in 2003. Since then, I've been job hopping. The problem is, any company can tell you anything they want about how good they are. You can't really find out the actual workings of a place until you work for them. So, I get hired, no problem, work for 3-4 months, and if I'm not happy, I start looking again. Since 2003, I've tried 5 different companies. I'm looking again.
This is the weird part: I always seem to get responses because I have extensive experience. This time, I applied 4 places, got 3 responses, one of which I immediately ruled out after searching them on the company forum, so I applied and tested with the other 2. Passed both tests, they were both "very interested" and passed me on to the next step. Talked with the next person in line, received e/m from one "will call you by such-and-such a date." The other, message on my answering machine, called them back, person was busy and would return my call. Then.... nothing! From either one. It has been one week and no contact from them. So I'm wondering if there is a blacklist of MTs. You think it's possible ... names of MTs who have had more than a couple jobs in recent history and left after a few months? I just really don't know what to think.
One of the companies that I was really interested in, I even wrote to the last person I had spoken with and asked them to let me know if I was still being considered or not, because I had other offers to consider and needed to make a decision. Nothing. What do you think? 
If this isn't the case, this is all extremely rude! Don't you think?
You sound paranoid .."they are trying to take our supplements away". lol nm
..
You are one paranoid woman (?), rather obsessing over cherrypicking.
Her post had not the slightest to do with cherrypicking, you have egg on your face, and you SHOULD apologize. Though I doubt you will, as you get to hide behind your anonymity. 
wife OMs are always trouble -- jealous, paranoid
poor hubbie lol
I am so paranoid of being replaced with a lower wage employee.
dd
I'm paranoid by nature, I guess. :) I agree that not all of the services out there are bad. SM
I've just not had much luck with any service and the one I spoke about above was the worst. That was early in my career and I felt like I was pretty close friends with the supervisor and then to be treated the way I was treated, really just hurt. Ever since then, I've distanced myself in my work life. Business is business.
I will say, though, that I am a loyal person. If I'm treated fairly, I will give 110%. I think that's what happening these days in the MT world. MTs aren't getting treated very fair and there are just bad feelings everywhere. You're constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. If a job offer is too good to be true, then it probable is too good to be true. And now everyone is playing cover your behind and making sure contracts cover everything. I just think MTs need to play hardball like the big companies. If you are working as an IC, you should have a ready made contract for whatever service you contract with. Why should you be the only one signing rights away?
I've also had the opportunity to read the contract between a big service and one of their hospital clients. The line rate that this particular service charged was mind boggling. I don't feel bad about stealing accounts away from services like that.
You can go to BioLife website and read that I think, and no you do not sound paranoid! nm
xxx
I keep the minimum amount of cash in the bank. I may sound paranoid but I fully
there to be locked up. The banks are scampering around if you notice. They have written notices that they can raise your interest rate to 28% or more for just about no reason on the credit cards. I think they have let way too much money borrowed out be on the books, and now the little man is having to pay either with money, or his financial credit.
If you read about GOLD, gold is selling for a lot, all over the world, even in this supposed stable time. That's a sign they say that things aren't as steady as the powers that be want you to believe.
I'm so sorry you are feeling like this! I truly believe it is because
of your illness right now that this is all happening - the way you are feeling. About a week before any kind of sickness is starting in my body I go through the same exact thing. You must be paid hourly or salary because no one should have to cover for "free" and not get paid overtime! The phone co. tried to do that with my DH and other salaried workers and there's been a federal law passed that any unpaid overtime MUST be paid from Oct. of last year until now. You must gaid paid overtime even if you are salaried. Look it up and see if that is not correct.
Anyhow, good luck. LIke another poster said, get plenty of rest and I promise, next week you will be doing better.
Been there.. know the feeling
I think we start them so you and they school sports are SOOO competitive nowdays, that the kids give it all they have and then finally burn out. My son did. He played everything from tennis, golf, football, soccer to basketball. He did finish playing through high school (had finally limited it to only basketball), but did not want to play when it came to college. It broke my heart. For one thing, I was not ready to not get to see him play anymore and, secondly, how to pay for college now? However, I didn't want to push him into something he did not want to do. We have survived college so far (he's in his third year), but now he plays sports only on a recreational basis and is very happy. He is even pursuing a degree in Sports Management and wants to be a sports agent, so he still has the love of the game. I'm just glad he didn't lose that through it all.
Feeling Up Mom...
This is simply too funny!
http://www.askmen.com/video/current/index.html
thank you, feeling better.
I know the feeling
I tell them up front what work types I like and that I don't want the very high rates for the crappy accounts. My company, Etransplus, lets you choose what work types you want to do and I bet you I don't get an ESL but maybe twice a month. I had also checked with them for a friend of mine and they do need ops people only.
I always tell companies that big line rates don't pay off in the long run when the accounts are so bad.
i had the same feeling..
I really had admired his class throught the whole show and he certainly came down a peg or 2 then
I'm feeling old!
I worked for a doctor in high school so had a tiny bit of training, first job for transcription company was on an IBM selectric. I worked in our dining room and it almost drowned out the t.v. in the next room. My daughter, who was in junior high at that time, tore my perforated pages for me when i was finished. Funny thing, money didn't seem so tight back then, did it? Now I have to beat my fingers to the bone to get 2000 lines a day!
I'm feeling down
I work for a clinic making about $13.00 hr to work for 5 doctors and 2 nurse practioners. I have to transcribe the dictation, file all that I type into the charts (and charts are scattered anywhere and everywhere), send out all the referring physician copies (which sometimes can be 3-4 a report), and be anybody's "typist" that wants me to type whatever. Also have several other "clerical" duties the boss thinks that I should do. This is a very busy practice with around 200 patients a day. I have 30 years experience and am a CMT. I have been reduced to what I feel is "clerical" staff and my pay certainly reflects that. They constantly come in and wonder why the work is behind. I forgot to add that 4 of the 5 are "TERRIBLE" dictators that could do better but won't. I'm constantly having to find the referring physicians to type on to the report because they won't give it to me but want it typed on the note. I feel that I am giving these people their money's worth. The management will not listen to anything suggestions to make things run smoother and just want done what they want done, no matter what it means to me to do it... then they wonder why it gets behind. This is just the tip of the iceberg, but today I'm wondering, "WHY DO I DO THIS?" Is it for the retirement plan, cause not many of the services I have checked into even give benefits. I just want to get my purse and walk out and never look back. Ever felt that way?? I feel I am a wasted talent here and always have been, but I feel that the MT field has suffered many disappointing changes over these last 30 years. I've been here at this clinic almost 20 years. Before that I worked at a hospital where I was top producer for the 11 years that I worked there. I have no one else to tell this to who would remotely understand my feelings and I appreciate your letting me sound off on this board.I just don't know what to do next and was feeling down. Thanks for listening!
Feeling like we might be getting somewhere.
UPDATE: We got our tax money back and beginning to pay off bills so I won't have to take them with me. Only the ones in my name though, his credit is ruined, so he says he's not worried about them. Also, he paid off my dresser and is getting me some things to set up my home office. He is really taking this well. I'm so excited. Keep those good vibes coming. They must be doing something. Thanks, Jodi Lynn
I know the feeling
They take a set amount out of our checking twice a month. We should have all of our credit card debt taken care of in 4 years. The credit card companies lowered the interest rates on our cards substantially once we enrolled with CCCS, and I feel as if we now have a handle on our credit card debt. I believe it does go on your credit report, but the fact that you are trying to find a way to pay your bills and not just ignoring them looks good.
I know the feeling
same thing happended with my largest account. My group of doctors went to EMR, most of them are sticking to struggling by to fill in templates, etc, but they do dictate also, but very little. The office basically needs only one Transcriptionist now, where was before there were four. The doctors really are not as satisfied with the EMR as they thought they would be, but they have invested such big $$$, they will stick with it. The system they have is point and click using templates, etc and the transcriptionist also does alot of that, they fill in the blanks, etc. I worked on it a few times and find it very, very different from transcribing, you cannot get any "flow", therefore if you were paid by the line, way less $$$ than I can make transcribing. Since the system is just getting up and running they needed people to input data into it (scanning documents, etc), not difficult but time consuming. I did that temporarily too, but unfortunately the pay would not compare to transcribing either. I know on their system they could set up a transcriptionist from home, but they never got around to that part partly because they really did not have enough work to justify that expense. Of course the data entry would have to be done there as it required scanning multiple charts daily into the system and the office did not want to be without their charts for any period of time, etc. Of course each EMR system is different and each doctor uses it somewhat differently, if you previous physicians really dislike it, they may just dictate as in the past, but I would look for them to try to use the EMR as much as possible because of the $$$ invested into it. Keep in contact with them and keep your foot in the door, so to speak, they may tire more and more of it, but it will probably take awhile, then again after time they may adjust to it more and more. It's a gamble either way.
exactly my feeling too -- and to OP,
feel free to e/m me for my thoughts and experiences relating to your question.
That's how I took it, and I know the feeling
since we just moved and my son will be going to a new school with new friends, and this will be my daughter's first year too.
I know the feeling!
We have custody of our daughter's 2-year-old son; what a difference between boys and girls!! He is SOOOO active, and it's really hard to get my hours in at work, but I'm trying! Congrats to you and God bless!!
I'm feeling so much better
So many positive responses ! Thank you all so much for the encouraging feedback. I am the type who "likes my own company" so hopefully I'll get used to the quiet pretty quickly, but I am so close to my kids too - I'm going to really miss them.
Know the Feeling
I worked for a top criminal attorney in my area for 14 years and made great money, but I went back for a visit a few weeks ago, and boy, am I glad I'm home as an MT now. He was giving the secretary orders to do this and that by tomorrow, etc. and I thought to myself, boy I don't miss this at all. I make less money now, but to me it's worth it to be at home doing MT.
Ahh..someone who knows what Im feeling!
Thank you for your nice post. I certainly don't see why some got ruffled, everything I have said is valid.
These work at home jobs are supposed to be marketed for women with small children, but if you set the job up with unfair expectations like typing 8 hours, then you diminish the whole reason for women working at home in the first place...FLEXIBILITY!
It's really hard, but I'm trying. I just know if I had a better way to work my hours, this could work out for me.
Thanks for all your advice and it feels good to know I'm not alone!
I know the feeling!
Some days I just don't feel like working. It's so boring and monotonous. I have to challenge myself by setting dollar amount goals or line count goals. Just like the other posters, I type for an hour and then take a break to do housework or something. I set up rewards for myself. Get this done, and THEN I can surf the Internet or go shopping. I've even gone as far as blocking my favorite Internet sites from my work computer so I don't surf while I'm working. The other thing that helps is looking at my bills and setting up payoff goals. Now if only I could find a J-O-B so I could set some goals.
hah, me too. My cat is feeling
disenfranchised now that i've got this keyboard in my lap, she was used to snuggling inbetween my belly and the keyboard :) Both my cats like to be up here with me while i work too!
I have a feeling that we should either
be working with a company we love right now, or look quickly. I do believe that whatever happens to our MQ friends has a lot to do with the rest of us. There are what, 8000 to 10,000 MTs there? If something were to happen and there were a lot of resumes going out to all of the companies and hospitals out there, odds are the influx of great candidates versus the jobs would become a supply and demand issue. This may be happening already, as there were 500 people surfing this board the last few days since the MQ platform has been suffering problems. Does anyone have this feeling too? I don't think we should panic, but I am making sure to do my job with my present employer (personally) and hold onto my job security. If anything should happen to this giant employer, the few companies out there which are really good to their employees will have their pick of thousands, and I for one do not want to worry about my benefits and my job. Any comments on this? Thinking it would make for interesting conversation, seeing the balance of the MT workforce does depend on what this failing giant (MQ) happens to do.
I know the feeling
I'd done MT for approx. 20 years too - tired of the pay going down instead of up & tired of crappy ESLs/sloppy English speakers that only got worse. My solution? Do MT part-time to "keep an iron in the fire" just in case. I'm now work full-time in the quality systems program for a small medical device company. I'm SO much happier, have a 401K, benefits, vacation/sick pay and am SALARIED. No more sweating for pennies on the line and I am actually respected for what I do.
I know the feeling...sm
When I have a lot of work which hasn't been that often lately, but when I do, it seems that my mother who lives next door will come in or my daddy will drop by. You don't want to be rude but sometimes I just have to say I have a lot of work and just not get up and go in there and they will get the hint and leave.
My feeling also
We all know the story of the golden parachutes these guys get even in the face of the companys going bankrupt. They take their millions and run not giving the employees a second thought. No one wants to be a victim of this type of scenario but it may start unfolding in the next few months to a year. We need to be prepared and aware of what is going on.
Oh, I'm feeling ya.... :) nm
nm
For CURIOUS: You are not curious, you are paranoid and a sociopath
Are you referring to the sentence
'And HOW to you put a marker?'
where I typed a 't' instead of a 'd'?
It was just a TYPO!
I am an American MT!
It is so pitiful how PARANOID SOME American MTs have become, ESPECIALLY THE OLD ONES, fearing for their jobs and being afraid of getting the boot.
Trying to be 'expert linguists,' sniffing out various dialects, detecting some Indian hints, whereas they most probably live in rural areas or in cities with a population of 1,000 inhabitants.
So sad, so sad, what has become of the MTing profession?
Now, CURIOUS, start nitpicking my post.
Most of the time 80, 79 or 78 if I'm feeling hot....sm
luckily for me I'm on the cold-natured side so during the summer heat I'm not sweating too much in the 90 degree outdoor heat. In the winter I keep the thermostat around 70 and if I feel cold I'll go up to 72.
It can EASILY cause that feeling and yes, it is ...
working from home that does that.
It nags on you because it is "never completed", there's always more to do.
You need to get out of the house and do something OUTSIDE and something WITH OTHERS. That is why I volunteer (see my post a few threads below under "Answers").
You have to really keep a tight rein on disciplining yourself to keep a firm wide boundary between your home life and your work life because they are BOTH at home.
looking/feeling younger
Actually I say more power to them. I think it's great that an older woman wants to keep up instead of wearing those polyester pants and orthopedic shoes. I see several woman a lot older than I wearing ankle bracelets, toe rings, capris. I say go for IT. I didn't know there was a rule for how old you have to be to wear certain clothes.
feeling badly
I feel kind of sick mentally, someone recently hurt me and in my childhood things happened so i've developed this habit of cutting myself or punching myself. I just cannot handle my emotions sometimes they get so overwhelming, and truthfully it helps get my mind off of it, but then later I see what i've done to myself and I feel guilt and sick over the whole thing and the cycle starts again. Just wondering if anyone has ever had the urge to do this?
Just feeling badly today, I would post on the depressed board but no one ever goes there. I don't feel like I can talk to anyone in my life about my problems either, so I just needed to vent that out a little bit.
Feeling guilty
Believe it or not your condition is more common than you might think. However, it is very serious. If you do not feel comfortable talking to someone you know then I suggest you speak with someone like a doctor, crisis center or even a local church pastor. Pastors have a lot of connections in the community and can get you the help you need, most times free. I wish you well and please do not think your crazy. Many people deal with stress in very different ways, some are more extreme than others. There is help out there! God Bless.
Tired of feeling ill
Anyone ever feel like this - just no energy, headache, and kind of achy for days now. Any ideas what this is caused from - maybe a virus?
About feeling guilty
Speaking of feeling guilty, if I hit the lottery tomorrow, I'm going to feel a little guilty that I hit it instead of the poor guy who's worked for minimum wage all of his life, but does that mean I'm going to refuse to accept the prize or give part of it back to the state in which I won it? I don't think so!
I understand what you're saying, and I agree too that she must do what she feels is right. If it were me, though, I'd charge my normal rate, and if the client came back to me with a "WHOA!!", then I might negotiate a "little something" out, but remember .... whether an MT types everything out by hand or does a few clicks and "viola" (sp), she still has to meet turnaround time, which means you'll find her sitting at her desk day in and day out. I personally would not transcribe at substandard line rates just because doctors choose to work smart and use macros because for me to do so would mean I'm not working smart. JMO. 
To: Feeling guilty? From below. SM
Maybe something is escaping me and I don't want to be rude to anybody. I'm trying to understand.
You are an employee who signed an 8-4:30 contract, right? Are the people you are mad about employees, or did your MTSO hire additional IC folks? If she/they did, then that's who you should take issue with.
If these are other scheduled employees who are doing this, you have a choice. You can either do what they do, tattle on them (I probably would), or work elsewhere.
If they are extra IC help, what can you do? Can you make them feel bad about team spirit? I don't think so. Do you think McDonald's feels team spirit with Burger King? An IC is a business owner, in competition with others.
Are the other people employees?
Sheryl, feeling this way about your job
can really be damaging. It hurts emotionally, spiritually, and even physically sometimes.
If money were not part of the equation in any form, what would you enjoy doing with your time, your energy? If it is something other than MT work, try to put a plan in place to start working toward a career in that interest. Even if you have to continue working in MT for a while longer while you get started in a new direction, you will have some measure of comfort in knowing that you will not be doing this without end. Just that knowledge can help.
It is important to be happy, satisfied, and proud of your work and your investment of time, energy, and intellect into it.
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