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Any ideas how to get past burn out? Right now, it's - wannie

Posted: May 01, 2014

not really feasible to look for another job outside home. I live in a very small town and care for my aging mother who is not in the best of health. Right now I'm really feeling a major period of burn-out with transcription. Most days, I'm ready to throw my hands up and quit, just walk away from it, but then I see my checkbook laying on my desk as a reminder that I can't do that. I'm tired of trying to understand mushmouth practitioners, those who talk at the speed of light, don't know how to enunciate, can't or won't speak proper English or who like to whisper when they dictate. I feel like I'm about at the end of my rope, I've tied a knot in and I'm hanging on for dear life. Any suggestions as to how to get past this? TIA!

Suggestion - see msg

[ In Reply To ..]
Well, sometimes it helps to at least start looking for other work. In your case, you need to stay at home, so start with home jobs. It's not so easy to find something, but the mere fact of looking will at least give you a feeling of control over your life.

It's extremely stressful being a caregiver and one can easily feel trapped. Just branching out a bit to see what's available besides MT might make you feel better. Some day you may be able to work outside the home.

It's also important to stay in touch with friends, one way or the other. If you can, get out and kick up your heels a bit. It will do a world of good for you.

Good luck.

I feel your pain - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I, too, am burned out, and for the same reasons you stated, mushmouth, etc. It seems to me that the providers dictating are getting more and more rude each day. I was also in a position where I needed to work at home, although now my circumstances have changed and I am free to go outside the home and work. To get through my burn out and prepare myself for a completely different type of work, I have been taking an on-line course. At least taking this step helped me get a handle on my bad attitude (yes, I freely admit it, my attitude stunk) and think about what I want my future to look like. If you want to continue to do MT work, in whatever form it takes in the future, then you could try taking a course, on-line or somewhere local, just to learn something fun. I guess my point is to give yourself something to look forward to. And bless you for taking care of your mom.

I feel the same way - Depressed

[ In Reply To ..]
Is there a hobby you have or something you'd like to do (such as painting or knitting or baking)? I find knitting relaxing and have started selling a few things on Ebay (which also helps the checkbook a little). Maybe someone can watch your mother while you go out to lunch or a movie with a friend. Hang in there.

I find knitting a great relaxing skill as well - KnittingMT

[ In Reply To ..]
When I sign off for the night, I look forward to sitting down, watching something mind-numbing on TV, and knitting. It helps to feed my creative side and I feel like it's something *I* am in control of. Even on the nights I'm really exhausted, I try to knit at least a few rows and it really helps me to relax. Sometimes I even enjoy a small glass of wine while I work on my latest project.

I highly recommend knitting (or even crocheting or quilting) to anyone who needs some relaxation therapy. And another bonus is it's a great way to have a beautiful garment, blanket, etc., when you're done.

I find that at least - 1 hour

[ In Reply To ..]
a day of vigorous exercise is essential in keeping my mind focused on this job, especially since it is so sedentary and boring. And I mean vigorous, work up a sweat exercise. My new fave now is spinning (cycling); party music, easy on the joints, very vigorous and going to the gym a couple hours every day makes me feel like less of a prisoner in my own house.

downtime ideas.. - Kitty

[ In Reply To ..]
I play piano, play with my cat, force myself to get on my stepper at least twice a day to get the blood moving a little.. Thinking also of getting a punching bag and labeling it "typical dictator" (kidding - I think - would probably break my hand hitting it. hah) I'm thinking of taking painting lessons, if I can find a local class that's affordable. I also joined a couple of Meetup.com groups, board games, etc. Good luck and hang in there!

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