A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry
We are Worth More - TJ
Posted: Apr 22, 2012
We are worth more in so many ways. I am very disheartened with the way things have changed in our profession. We used to be paid much better, and have a better chance of moving up the ladder as well. Now we are almost at poverty level on wages. I really don't understand how anyone can expect people who are very highly trained and specialized in this field to live on what we are being paid, or to treat us as if we are second-class citizens. I would challenge anyone to live on what we are expected to live on. Personally I am supporting myself and it has become increasingly more difficult as we see more of our paycheck shrinking. I can barely make my rent, utilities, groceries. I have had to cut almost anything that is absolutely not necessary out of my budget and still I am hurting. What is fair and what is right about what has happened to our jobs? How can this happen to us? How can we be assured of a future in this line of work? I am very disheartened by it and am wondering how others are feeling and coping with all of this? Any thoughts, ideas, concerns -- let's converse about it.
We Are Worth More - VT Prepper
[ In Reply To ..]I don't know that I would have anything more to add to what you have said...it is what it is and it's not likely to change. It's about the GREED of the CEOs who live in luxury off our labors. You are not alone with your thoughts and you have probably given many good years to this field, but the reality is that you have to get out of this career if you want more or are struggling. It has steadily declined and will continue to do so. Maybe you are too old to learn something new...I don't know and I am not meaning to sound callous or old, but you do not have to stay in this dying trade.
We Are Worth More - VT Prepper - CowboysFan
[ In Reply To ..]WOW.. very callous! Some of us only know this trade (myself over 30 years) and it IS our only financial means. I am finding myself working 12-14 hours to make ends meet and completely agree with We ARE worth more! Unfortunately, technology has taken over, but please do not say we are "too old to learn something new" ... we've been learning something "new" for longer than some of you are old. Even by sending over seas, we have been made to feel we are not worth all that we contribute, as well as the decrease in line rates. So very sad... but I just keep on pushing through until I can retire or go on disability from all the stress and long hours.
disability - tired/broke
[ In Reply To ..]This field has ruined my health, and I think that is common. Too bad depression isn't covered by disability. Some of us don't reply because we are just too tired from all of it and there are no other solutions other than retrain or retire early, should you be so lucky.
Depression is covered by disability. - blondie
[ In Reply To ..]If you have clinical depression, and it is severe enough to interfere with your work, then that is a reason for disability. I have heard of people getting it for depression.
Sorry, but it's all been said - old and burned out
[ In Reply To ..]I'm still doing this because I am very part-time and do not rely on it for my basic needs. I like having a little bit of structure in my life and being able to continue to contribute to my Roth and my 401K by I'm getting very close to pulling the plug altogether.
My CCM recently told me that a half dozen or so of her best MTs are going to PT so they can go back to school and she has been trying to convince management that this trend will continue unless they do something. So far, they have turned a deaf ear to her as well as to all the MT complaints. I don't think this is going to change. I think they will continue to throw us crumbs hoping we will stay (like the 25% of the first 4% for a 401K match which I think will come to about $30/year for me). If you must work full-time and are anywhere near young enough to do so, you need to get out. Even if things start to turn around, it will take years.
I agree with old and burned out (sm) - LeavingMT
[ In Reply To ..]I could have written your post :)
Agree 100% its a dieing field - I just need 5 more years
[ In Reply To ..]I'm glad to see at least one CCM fighting for us..I am fortunate ? I got very hurt at my old career and they gave me a good disability retirement until the day I die and I have good insurance until medicare or whatever kicks in..instead of living of my disability I wanted to show my kids a life lesson, you dont get anything for free...So I taught myself this job..They learned one thing for sure,,find a job you love cause going to work everyday doing something you hate rots!!! I used to love going to work when we had flexibility in schedules and no ASR!!! now I am really starting to hate getting up in the morning.
I have one foot out the door - ...
[ In Reply To ..]I have been in school for many years now, 8 classes to go for a bachelors in accounting. Plus I've been doing taxes the last three years and just started tutoring. I used to be a good transcriptionist, but now I have other interests. Their loss, my gain.
There is a local MT job I applied for. Fingers - crossed.
[ In Reply To ..]It is for a lousy dictator I used to do when I worked in-house, but it is the first transcription job posted locally in years. Fingernails done, mani-pedi done, hair colored --- come on interview!! I, too, question if I am here forever. So far, nothing I have applied for has worked out. But am still hoping. Don't give up hope.
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