I am working in an HIM department now. I worked as an in-house transcriptionist for many years, then had my own transcription service for many years. When my MT accounts started drying up because of voice recognition and EHR, I started school to get RHIT (AHIMA) and got a job in a hospital MT department. I make $20+ an hour and get benefits and vacation. I made more when I owned my own service, but things change. I am happy to have the job I have. I wonder how I ever put up with doing transcription all those years. I used to love it, but at this point I have no desire to ever go back to it. It's not too late for you to go back to school.