2014 - Not A Good Year For This MT � But I Found A Good Fit (finally) - Boston_MT

Posted: Jan 12, 2015

Rarely do I start discussion on mtstars - however, 2014 was a particularly challenging year for myself - an experienced MT/Editor (15+ years). However, I realize that many other MTs may be in the same position, i.e., having many years devoted to working at the Big MTSOs including �the M,� and �the N� and (now to be included) �the T� following close behind in total numbers of MT/Editors on staff. (Hint: Sure most of you know the M, the N and the T - and the names have been intentionally abbreviated so as to not incriminate anyone (including myself). Nonetheless, in early-2014, once the M announced their plans for Bankruptcy filing, well for me, that is the point in time when suddenly my world seemed to start crumbling. No longer able to pay bills, or to keep a roof over my head, or to put food on the table � that is when I KNEW that I my comfortable work-at-home employment status was headed down a slippery slope of no return. Actually, I worked at the M for almost 7 years. Before 2014, I was at the �top of their pay scale� and making excellent money (relatively speaking). Then suddenly in early-2014 those paychecks started to dwindle. Frankly, I began to experience the dreaded NJA - almost daily - and I was asked by several desperate management personnel to just �hang in there� and with their promise that things �would get better.� Unfortunately, things never got better and I was facing several daunting, and scary financial setbacks. Then I started reading the posts here on mtstars, etc., and quickly learned that I was not the only one in this industry who was suffering with a dwindling paycheck and constant NJA, etc. Unfortunately, since I am the head of the household, everything was dependent on my paycheck � and this became a huge problem in early-2014. Nonetheless, I pressed forward after hearing of the Bankruptcy at the M. However, through the magic of Social Media (i.e., LinkedIn and other networking sites) - I learned about potential hiring opportunities at other MTSOs, and specifically recruiters were allegedly looking for MTs with multiple years of experience working at the Big M. So, eventually, after much analysis of the job market at that time, I decided to accept an offer at �the T� and during the first several months while working at the T, then I began to notice that even their accounts also started to dwindle away. Again, the same pattern began with NJA almost daily at the T � another coincidence? Nonetheless, after dealing with a group of very �abrasive individuals� (i.e., part of the QC staff at the T - just my observation) and I started becoming very suspicious of this unfortunate pattern working with the QC staff at the T where I saw a lot of desperation, as though they needed to take down anyone who came across their paths, try to prove a point, etc. In other words, better known as Crabs In A Barrel. The old saying: �Misery Loves Company� - very true - just my observation. However, I was not having it and I knew something had to change quickly. Well, speaking for myself, I am a team player and definitely do not appreciate being ostracized for completely ridiculous reasons, not justified by any reasonable explanation, etc. As mentioned, I am a well-seasoned MT/Editor and I have always produced top quality work � so while working at the T, my philosophy was to blatantly refuse to listen to such negative people yelling into the phone, and often because I may have (allegedly) �misplaced a coma.� Really? Well, for me, that nonsense had to stop, so eventually after a few short months, I had to end my working relationship with the T and find a more suitable work environment. All along, however, I frequently heard mention of one particular MTSO which received many high accolades, indicating that this MTSO was a �great place to work� and indicating that their reputation was outstanding, etc. So I thought figured that this could be exactly what the doctor ordered, and that as long as I continued working as a MT/Editor � then possibly this would be a great fit for me. Fortunately, I noticed this �ideal� MTSO had posted several job openings online (mtjobs.com) and I decided to submit my Resume, complete the testing process again, and after a few months of callbacks, screening and interviewing - I landed the job! However, much to my surprise after having worked there myself - I can truly testify that this work experience indeed is like a "breath of fresh air" � and indeed it is wonderful!! I share my story just to express the simple fact that not all MTSOs are terrible and not all MTSO present unbearable working environments. Yes, we all have to go through some negative work experiences at some of the MTSOs. However, I thank God to have finally found an MTSO that fits my style of Professionalism. I can only speak for myself and I know that since leaving the M, and since leaving the N, and the T � my lifestyle has improved drastically. My health has improved. My blood pressure has gone down and my sleep pattern has improved tenfold. No more migraine headaches and the stress level in my life has decreased tremendously. Coincidence? My prayer is that this information has reached someone out there and you are able to make transitions to ANY other work environment that does not cause such a tremendous amount of stress in your life. Lastly, I would encourage anyone to remain diligent and keep up the search to find YOUR Good Fit. I am grateful that I have FINALLY found my Good Fit and now I am a Happy Camper (once again)!! I plan to ride the wave for as long as I can, until the MT industry does whatever is going to happen is inevitable, and I personally can see the trend/pattern within the industry. However, in the meantime, I thank God that once again I can pay the rent and put food on the table. Peace To You All.