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Apply for child care assistance and put the kids in daycare.

Posted By: Being a MOM is full-time job on 2005-11-27
In Reply to: Need advice - frustrated

You can't juggle all that. Either that or have the father watch his own kids for a while so you can work.


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my work/child care issue
I was having the same issue. I was having my 3-year-old daughter go to my sister's to save money and one morning, she refused to get out of the van. What I did was change my hours from 4-8 AM and 2-6 PM. These hours work perfect for me. She gets up around 7 and I will take 10 minutes to get her breakfast. She knows that when I am done working, I will get her dressed, etc. My line count DOUBLED when I changed to this. She is getting so much more attention from me, my house isn't trashed and if I go to bed at 9, i get 7 hours of sleep. Getting up that early stinks, but it is working absolutely perfect in every other aspect. My son and husband get home around 3 and 3:30, so she only has to occupy herself or watch cartoons for about 1-2 hours.

I'm sure you will find something that will work for you and your family.
I only wish I had the legal ability to put child in

DC.  I have been keeping my GC every other weekend for 2-1/2 years and that changes and gets added to depending on my "kid's" need to "still be a kid."  I'm the only stable, learning, unconditional love environment for that child but I'm really being taken advantage of.  I've changed my schedule 3 times since October and now my "kid" took a new job without talking to me about it first.  The "kid" gives me less than 12 hours notice and thinks it's like the old days when my flexibility was limitless.  I'm an employee now with a strict schedule and a supe who calls if I'm not on the system when I should be.  They understand if I can let them know in advance but if someone runs late picking up my GC, I don't have advance knowledge of that.  I thought I was done raising kids!


Sorry for the self pity trip but I understand your situation and how it pulls at your heart.  Hope things go well for your family. 


I'm in shock. She brought the child over to me
and it was her idea. wow. Don't know what I will do tomorrow but I will figure it out. Such a sweet little child...I'll always be her grandmom and won't push her mom away because she will need to go back once my kid has grown a bit more.
Daycare
Hey.  Well 3 is tough sometimes.  I was a brand new Transcriptionist when my son was 2 and 3 (9 now), I "gave in" and did this too, and did not feel really bad about it as I found myself trying to type and sticking him in front of the TV.  Luckily I had a friend down the street that watched him a few hours in the morning, later a lady from my church.  When he was just a little older, the end of 4 and 5, I kept him at home.  So, my point is, it does not have to be a permanent thing, or even all day.  Mainly if you can get a good stretch of work in the morning, you'll see a big improvement in your lines.  The GREAT thing about working at home for me is with the older children, especially when they come in from school and MOM is HOME, or being one of the only mommies that can go to school functions during the day!  Good luck with your decisions, they are not always easy.  D.
Daycare

Daycare will help both of you.  800 to 1000 lines is only about 3 to 4 hours of work and that can be done easily with a chld at home in between naps, etc.especially if you don't have set hours  But if you are looking towards 1500 to 2000, and a set scheduled you need to be able to do this without the stress of having a child there wanting your attention when you cannot give it and you become frustrated and that shows in your work and attitude towards your child.  This is still a job and though many feel because you are at "home" you can fit in between tending to children, cleaning the house, doing the laundry, paying the bills -- it is not possible.  If your husband wants that paycheck to help out, you need to be able to get childcare for at least 3 to 4 hours a day.   


 


Daycare - Just Me
Where do you work, momof3, if I can ask. I have a 2-1/2 year old and right now I have a boss that's the same way, but I'm looking to supplement my income and your job sounds ideal. But I'm also going to be putting her in daycare in the fall for a few days a week, though because she needs some social skills. When she's with me all day she only wants mommy and no one else and it can get frustrating.
daycare
I hear ya, sister! My child does not play well alone. She is in pre-school (which I was planning on keeping her in along with daycare) and will stay in pre-school because she loves it and we both have made friends there. She also gets swimming lessons (YMCA).

Even when the husband is home, she still wants me to tend to her. Half the time, I just give in because he will sit there unless I tell him I need help. Some men are absolutely clueless!

As for naps, I actually started trying to keep her from napping because I can get her down earlier at night, which gives me time to do housework or do more typing.

Don't feel guilty about the daycare situation. Just make the time you spend with them special. That is what they will remember.


I am sorry you had to relent to daycare...sm
I have three daughters age 11, 8, and 4. I have worked at home now for 2 years. My oldest have been in school during my work hours, but I have worked with my toddler for the past two years. I cant really say I have trouble working and tending to her and to the house et cetera. She is great at doing things on her own. She has an awsome imagination and that keeps her busy. She also has a desk right next to mine and will sometimes sit and do her "work". I stop and have time with her, read her a quick book between reports, eat lunch with her, or just stop and hold her. I dont have a required line count to do each day or a set number of hours. I usually get in about 800-1000 lines a day, which is really all I need to do right now. I quit my job as an office manager at a physicians office so I could be home with my kids. When summer comes I get up early in the morning and get my line count in by no later than noon so I have the rest of the day free to play and swim with my girls. I am sorry you couldnt make it work for you. Maybe when she is a bit older you could try it again. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide.
daycare update
Thanks for all your input on this subject. I have pulled my daughter out of daycare and will now be splitting my hours between EARLY morning and late afternoon. My daughter will now have my attention during the day and I can work (for the most part) without interruption.

She is only little once and I do not want to have regrets later on.

M-TEC financial assistance
Did you actually speak with someone from M-TEC? If you go to their website under Prospective Students and then under Tuition/Financial Assistance, it states they offer plans, and other info is listed as well. If you have not actually called them yet, then do so. I would not recommend At Home Professions.
Financial Assistance???
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?
putting 3-year-old in daycare
I have finally relented and put my baby in daycare. I can't do it anymore. I am so stressed out about splitting my time between her and work that both are suffering from it. Not to mention my house. The husband is worried becuase this is now an added expense to our already tight budget, but as I explained to him, now I can focus on my line count and I won't be getting up every two minutes to tend to her. Any of you been in the same situation? I'd like to hear about it, good or bad.
I work off hours and have no daycare
I start my shift at 8 p.m. after I tuck my kids into bed to avoid feeling guilty having to work and watch them. I have a job where I have to have a set schedule though, but I have found that this works well for my family. We don't have any daycare and I get all day with my kids. I work 38 hours a week with my working 9 hours on Sunday to make up for shorter shifts during the week and Saturdays off. I have a friend with 2 little ones at home as well and she does great and is a high performer! I hope everything works out for you, keep the positive attitude!
I meant no harm, you seemed to need assistance...sm
and I offered. ;)

-Jade
Contact your school right away for assistance.
The holiday season is always slow for hiring. Companies avoid bringing in new employees during prime vacation time.

If you have been taking tests and have not heard back, chances are good that you are not doing well enough on them to entice an employer into hiring you. They will be looking for about a 98% on their test.

MTSOs do not hire based on your GPA from school. They hire based on their employment test. They might decide NOT to hire you based on your overall presentation on paper, in an interview, on the phone, etc., but they decide TO hire primarily on the basis of the test.

If you are having problems getting hired, you need to discuss it with your school immediately . . . before you wear out your welcome with every available employer. Do not wait any longer on this. Get their advice and assistance right now!
Contact your school right away for assistance.
The holiday season is always slow for hiring. Companies avoid bringing in new employees during prime vacation time.

If you have been taking tests and have not heard back, chances are good that you are not doing well enough on them to entice an employer into hiring you. They will be looking for about a 98% on their test.

MTSOs do not hire based on your GPA from school. They hire based on their employment test. They might decide NOT to hire you based on your overall presentation on paper, in an interview, on the phone, etc., but they decide TO hire primarily on the basis of the test.

If you are having problems getting hired, you need to discuss it with your school immediately . . . before you wear out your welcome with every available employer. Do not wait any longer on this. Get their advice and assistance right now!
MTEC does offer financial assistance.
While MTEC is expensive it is also one of the top 2 MT schools out there. You get what you pay for. Also, they do accept financial aid. Check out their site, they have a person on staff that handles situations just like yours!

(Oh yea, I am a student at MTEC!)
Contact your school for job placement assistance. NM
x
kids
my son is 11months old and will be just over a year by the time i finish school (if all goes as planned) my husband works different hours every week but I think i will be able to work around that also i am very much a night owl and plan to actually do alot of my work while he is sleeping and if all else fails my mom will take him a couple of days a week I would just have to work around her schedual. I know that if I needed to hire someone to watch him now and again I could, but if i were to work out of the home full time I would have a hard time finding child care because i don't know anyone who could watch him every day and because we live in a smaller town there are not very many day cares they tend to have long waiting lists and do not take children who are not potty trained. I am concerened that when he gets a little older it might be hard to entertain him while I am working, but wether I am working or not I had already planned to get him into a day care once he is potty trained a couple days a week just for social interaction since not many of my friends have kids his age. but thank you for the insight, maybe working at home will be harder then i originaly thought.
kids
How is everyone working with kids in the house??
What do kids have to do with it.
Hmmm. Okay I appreciate the advice here. I really initially inquired as to whether or not you could attend one of the less expensive schools and actually find work.

As far as the kids go, I have been attending college online for 2 years and manage the landscaping business we have as well as homeschool my children. I have worked from home doing inbound customer service calls as well. My children do not and are not a problem. My husband is supportive and the older ones help out. I don't work or study with children on my lap....whatever gave you that impression. I am a firm believer that anything can be accomplished. Why do people think that children limit you. You are only limited to what you believe your limitations are. Since I have been working from home for four years I would like to continue to do so but....with a steadier income. Any career I choose will require sacrafice and I am aware of that.

Back to the school thing.....I didn't want to waste time or money on an inexpensive school that will not train me or allow me to work. Once the training is completed I need to be a working woman. Thanks again for your opinion. I guess I am to assume that there are no schools worth the time besides the top three. So perhaps I need to wait until I have the large deposit required.
Try asking the school directly. Both Andrews & M-TEC have some sort of assistance programs, not sure
x
Kids and transcription
I cannot image having small children under foot while doing transcription. When I did transcription, I had to have total concentration. Of course, I only worked for 12 docs in a small hospital, and I was "it" -- the only transcriptionist.

However, I worked for a good hospital, and they allowed me to leave and pick up my two elementary school children and take them to what was then called a "nursery". I then went back to work and made my 8+ hour shift. A wonderful and challenging career!
Job/Kids - I understand
Hi Lisa,

I have heard your story many times. This is nothing new. You are, unfortunately, the victim of an advertising campaign by MT schools who -- quite frankly -- care only about the money. I have been shaking my head for YEARS at the ads stating MAKE $50K a year working at home as an MT!!! Oh sure, it can be done. I could do it if I worked full time. BUT....I have been an MT for 20+ years.

Here's the thing. If I had started working at home right out of school there is NO WAY I would have loved this job the way I do...and there is NO WAY I could have overcome the frustration of trying to work at home with small children. No way. Sorry, I know that doesn't give you hope....but it is the truth.

People are ALWAYS asking me about how they can get a job like mine (they seem to think it is something that should be EASY, yeah right). I explain to them that MTing is a great job and I encourage them to get the education but I emphasize that they SHOULD NOT have high hopes of working at home right away.

IMO it would be rare for an MT to start working at home right out of school and have the knowledge to earn ~really~ GOOD money. Skills and knowledge are mastered over time and they are the key to making big money in MTing....and I can't even begin to tell you how much I learned from my co-workers while I worked in the doc office for 7 years and in house at the hospital for 4 years. I have been working at home for 10 years now and LUV LUV LUV it. I have a 13 yo and twin 2 yo. I *do not* work full time. Not while the kids are young. I work 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. M-F, set schedule believe it or not...and can earn a pretty good income.........but it came from years of experience. I just really don't know if it can be done *WITH A LOT OF SUCCESS* right out of school.

So now for some advice: Try to find a job that is doc office or clinic work. It is so much easier. SOOOOOOOOOOO much. Get some good reference books. Study the book of style 2nd edition. They teach you minimal med term in school so you will probably need to find a way to keep advancing your medical vocab.
Current medical terminology by Vera Pyle might be a good reference book to get not only for when you get *stuck* but also just to read through when you get a free moment (Being a Mom I know those are few and far between).

I still learn stuff and I have been doing this for 20+ years. It really is a great job and I hope you are able to hang in there.

E-mail me if you want to discuss it further.

working with kids at home - sm
That is another thing I forgot to mention that these schools have a tendency to do .... "oh, it's great, you can work at home and pick your own schedule and work when you want." "Oh sure, you can work AND take care of your kids at the same time."

NEWSFLASH: There are very very few companies that will let you pick and choose when you want to work and let you stop work, pick up your kids, type for an hour, go make dinner, type for another hour, play with your kids, type for 2 hours, help with homework, etc. Very few.

Although, currently I am recruiting for a hospital that needs a full time transcriptionist. They will let you work full time at home and around your kids schedules, but you have to live within an hour of the hospital and have to work onsite for six months before going home.
Grandma now, raised my kids doing
medical transcription.  I worked when they were at school and at night after bed time.  When they were very little, the played around me.  I worked at home while my children were growing up.  When too young to start school, I had them home with me and also typed after they went to bed and during naps.  I had to be flexible.  My 3 children are all in their late 20s now and one has children of his own.  All three tell me they felt I was a wonderful mom and their friends would always come over to our house.  They tell me they are so glad they had a mom who was at home.  My own mother was a single mom and had to work outside the home and I remember in grade school, her leaving the house before I did and how sad I felt that she wasn't home for me.  I decided no matter what, I would raise my children and work at home to be with them.  I am SOOO glad I did this because now in my 50s and they are all adults, I can see the benefit of it.  I worked in an office for a while when they were in their late teens, didn't like it, now I work at home again and spend lots of time with hubby.  I don't know about others, but for me, if I had to do it over again, I wouldn't change and thing, and I would definitely keep my children home with me.  They are so precious and are only little once, then you miss it later on.  This is a very special time only once in a lifetime when your children are babies. 
MT Moms w/small kids

Hi!


Yes, I just read through a lengthy thread that touched on MY question in a round about way, but... I was just curious what hours MT moms with small children work and (just as importantly) when do you sleep!?!?


I have no problem with daycare and I have family that would glady watch my 5 y/o but I choose to keep him home to save everyone trouble and myself money!  He actually entertains himself quite well, better in fact than my husband when he's home during my work hours!


I had considered working during the hours that my son is sleeping, but I don't see how that would work well, at least not for me.  Even if I were to begin work at 8 PM and work until 3 or 4 AM, I would barely get to sleep before he wakes up, which is normally around 7:30.  Three or four hours of sleep each night would get old QUICK, not to mention that by the time I begin work I would be tired and ready for bed and unable to think clearly, be productive, and would likely have trouble staying awake.


Right now, I'm working 32 hours per week with 2 half days and 3 split shifts and it seems to be working somewhat well... but can be rather hard to concentrate and be productive with the bustle of spring and summer daytime activities around the house with a 5 y/o.


Although a lengthy post, my question was simple:  what work hours and sleep hours have you MT moms of small children come up with that works for you?  And sure, any advice or tips would be appreciated as well. 


working at home - kids
I can't advise you on schools because I did not train at one.
You did not say how old your son is. If you are working at home, is he old enough to entertain himself? I started MT just before my son was born and I did not really save any money on child care although I was home. Until he was 7 or 8 I had to pay for child care. Because he wanted/needed my attention when I was working. But maybe you can arrange your schedule and your husband can help out so it will work out for you. Good luck!
Yeah, I know what you mean. I tried to do it all for years with small kids,
schooling, learning a new job, handling the household and finances. Something's going to suffer, and most likely, EVERYTHING will suffer. We can't do it all by ourselves and we shouldn't be expected to. Unfortunately, smacking someone upside the head with a 2x4 is considered assault, but smacking them upside the head with a legal document outlining child support amounts and visitation requirements is quite effective.
You deduct your kids' school supplies? OMG!
And a TV? Wow, it never occurred to me to be that dishonest. I am in awe of your evil ways. Teach me, please.
These kids fresh out of school don't realize sm
that what they learned in school "mastered" or not is equivalent to just spit in the ocean.
should I apply anyway?
When companies say they are looking for experienced MTs only, should I apply with no experience but a grad of one of the top MT schools?
Apply and see what happens (sm)

If you've done the SUM tapes, you've done them.  Either you picked up what you were supposed to pick up, or you didn't.  Try getting one of the self-assessment tapes from the AAMT testing program (they're retired tests), if they still have them.  If you can do it and it looks pretty much like the transcript key when you are done, you've probably learned what you needed to learn.  Try to get a service to test you. 


If you cannot pass a national service test, and you cannot find a job with a local employer, then you would want to take a course. 


Apply, apply, apply to everything...sm
unless the ad specifically says no new grads. I applied to everyting advertising for two years or less. You will be surprised at how many companies will offer you to test with them. I did not go to one of the big three schools and was still able to get a lot of decent offers. You have to have the confidence in your skills to go after the job! While you are applying and waiting, keep practicing so you are always on top of your skills. Read the ads carefully--if they only specify two years of experience and nothing about being new then apply to them! You should get offers to test with them and then let them see your skills! Good luck to you!!!
APPLY EVERYWHERE!
The work is out there. Go to the Job Seeker's Board and apply for everything that you qualify for. I even applied for some that said 1 year exerience and on my application how much I wanted the job in a one liner. I got hired by one of them because they let me due 2 live files. Just keep your eyes open; it only took me 2 weeks to get a job because I applied to lots of places.
GOOD LUCK!
Apply to everything! sm
I applied to everything wanting two years or under, unless the ad specifically stated "no newbies". The more you apply to the more companies will give you a chance. Once they send you a test that is where you can shine and get hired. A newbie can get hired..you just have to have the skills and persistence. Good luck!!!
must have 2 yrs to apply with MQ
nm
Don't apply if you don't want it.
x
yes, you can still apply
Spheris and Career Step have a partnership where you can start out at a higher than entry level position; however, you can still apply for a full-time job regardless of where you received your training. GOOD LUCK!!!
Apply anyway.
I am a new MT and I recently applied at my local hospital. I had an interview/test this past week. Even though they stated experience required, they are willing to consider new MTs if they don't get enough qualified candidates.
Apply, apply , apply everywhere and anywhere - sm,
you can that is my advice. It took me about 2 months to land a job 6 years ago, I applied my butt off too. I also made cold calls to local companies and landed a very small PT job that way (my first job), then 2 others on-line shortly followed, all were PT so I worked all 3, gave me very valuable experience in a very short amount of time. Just keep plugging away, determination is a big part of landing that first job. Do not take any job that you have to pay for either (other than leasing a computer), lots of scams out there. Good luck.
I wish I could apply
I am looking for pretty much the same thing. I just completed my course work for my degree and now am looking for work, but with no experience other than school and my externship it almost seems hopeless. I have visited over 60 sites and either applied, submitted resume, or been kicked out because I do not have the desired amount of experience. I am trying to be patient but I really need to start working. My ideal is to work from home, because my husband works a lot of weird hours and my son is on 18-months-old, but I have even started applying in my local area. If you know of anywhere I could look, or any tips that I could try I would appreciate it.

---Christina
Read - think i can tell you where to apply.SM

Hi - Go and apply at RIUnlimited - they hire new people - they do pay for spaces - they will pay you 6 cents a line which is low but it is a good place to start - i started there when i got out of school - they will hire you - Good Luck to you!


 


 


her point was if you don't like the offer, don't apply...nm
x
Look at the job seeker's board..apply everywhere
Regardless of what it says for experience, request to test for them.  If you are good and pass the test, you may be given an opportunity.  This is what I did 4 years ago.  I got the job as an IC, and then not too longer after added another, and then another.  I just kept replying to job ads and requesting to test.  I passed the tests and was offered the jobs.   Most of the time, I wasn't even asked about my experience.  The proof is in the pudding.  If you can do good work, are reliable, and are flexible in when you're willing to work, you can find something.  You just need to get out there and start replying to ads. 
Apply everywhere. All they can do is say "yes" or "no".
!
Apply for clinic positions & then ask if any GE/GI is available. Otherwise, you get hit with a
s
...now. Might want to apply and get name on a future list
s
Not using W2007, but same basics should apply...
Format - Bullets & Numbering, Number position is left, Indent is 0".
Hope this helps.
Look online and apply daily! sm...
Looking for MT job postings online is probably the quickest way to find out who is hiring. Most local newspapers are also now online. Don't forget about networking with your graduate peers!
I think timing plays a huge role in getting that first MT job. Find out who is hiring and apply on a daily basis! Job hunting is a full-time job that pays off in a huge way!
Ignore the two-year clause and apply anyhow!
If you let that hold you back, you will never find work. There are plenty of new grads working and getting hired everyday. If you wimp out, you'll get nothing.