A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

Long time MT with burnout and cabin fever! - Raven

Posted: Dec 16, 2009

I've been an MT for 15 years and work full time, 40 hours a week. Lately, I have been SO restless and bored to death with my job! I'm married and have no kids--when my husband gets home from work, he is glad to be here; meanwhile, by mid week, I'm about to go stark raving mad due to being at home so much! Now I'm not new at this, as I said. I have also been in QA, which I enjoyed much more, but the pay was so dire that I went back to transcribing. I've joined a gym and that helps a little, but there isn't a lot of human interaction there either. I find myself eating a lot more lately due to being so bored and struggling to make myself sit at the computer all day--just what I need, weight gain along with everything else! I just wondered if some of you could share how you deal with rough patches such as this and what other activities and interests you pursue that work to fulfill you so work isn't such a chore. Thank you for listening (as if you had a choice, LOL)!

Raven.... - kiki

[ In Reply To ..]
I can relate, and I only have 10 years doing this. You sound like you might be better off with an in-house job. That may not be possible for you, but something to consider. I have thought about that but the cons always outweigh the pros. Luckily, I like the solitude of being at home....I'm happy just seeing my family and friends once a week or so. However, you sound like you might need a little more interaction than that. One thing I do to get out during my work week is walk my little Doxie around the neighborhood. He's funny looking (all white with a bit of brown on his face/ears) so he draws a lot of attention and allows me to chat with the neighbors, kinda taking place of being able to chat with coworkers.

cabin fever - kimba2

[ In Reply To ..]
one thing might be to do some changes of your home office. It might sound silly, but add some plants, new pictures or even re-paint your room and add a little water feature. I do that kinda stuff from time to time and it helps me. I get tired of looking at the same things everyday that surround me. I work from home, go to school from home and live here, so I get what you're saying. It might be worth the little investment in the long run :)

Good Luck!

About walking the dog and chatting - Loves animals

[ In Reply To ..]
Even driving through my neighborhood I sometimes pause (not busy streets) to say hello to a passing doggie and ask the parents about their pooches. I especially loves the weiners.

Raven: - huh?

[ In Reply To ..]
I have about 11 years of experience and do seem to find that I have the same issues from time to time.

All of the other suggestions I have read seem really good. However, for me painting my office is a no-no because I rent and I cannot have a doggie to walk. What do I do?

I try to keep my desk close to a window so that I can see out. I open the shades during the daylight hours while I work so that I have a view of the outdoors. I have other things that I do that may seem counter productive, but they keep me at my desk. I have a sister-in-law who emails me back and forth and sometimes we chat via messenger. The few seconds it takes me to say something to her or read what she has written is just enough to keep me there when I would normally get up and walk away.

Another thing I do...I put the radio on in the other room. I can barely hear it so it does not interfere with work, but it is not like being in the house alone.

About 8 years ago I discovered - when my youngest went off to school all day - I was not used to the quiet, and I actually do not like being alone! Also, I have a friend who does the same kind of work who lives in the same town. We have a "phone call hour" M-F and sometimes on Saturdays when we are not working and hubbies are at work where we can call eachother and talk or go out for coffee or something. It breaks the boredom and helps us both so we don't feel cut off from the rest of the world.

Hope something helps!

cabin fever - Raven

[ In Reply To ..]
Thanks so much for all the replies. It's helpful knowing you all can relate. I decided to take up something on the side--I'm going to train to be a personal trainer. It's not so much for the money as it is only a side thing and maybe 5 hours a week I'll do it, but it will help me interact with people, help people, and also help myself. It's something I'm interested in anyway. I do have a good job--but I think this will give me something to look forward to and meet all my needs. Again, thank you all!

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