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Any input appreciated re: front-desk optometry office work - Ex-MT

Posted: Jun 21, 2012

I'm a former MT who decided I couldn't live "peaceably" with VR (LOL) and left MT a few months ago. I've had some trouble finding a job outside of MT since then, though. I'm willing to branch out, but I suspect that after many, many years of doing MT, some employers aren't willing to take a chance that I'd be happy long-term in a less-challenging job. (The applications I most often get a response from are medical-type jobs.) Maybe they're right, but I'd sure be willing to give it a good try if I could just get the chance!

I've come to the conclusion that front desk/reception in a medical office isn't quite what I want because of the pressure, stress, and sometimes high anxiety of the patients you have to serve, though I sure admire those who can do that kind of work! I'm just at a point in my life where I'd like a little less stress than that.

I have an interview coming up soon for a front desk position at an eye doctor's office (optometry, not ophthalmology). It involves greeting, scheduling, misc. office/customer duties, taking payments, closing out for the day...that type of thing. Can anyone here comment on whether this type of office might be less intense than a medical office, or is it a similar kind of thing? Just looking for any input, if you happen to have an opinion.

It seems like it would be less emotional than dealing with patients who are ill, but I wonder if I'm just trying to convince myself of that. I know every job like this has peaks and lulls in their hectic times, and the number of doctors in the office can make a big difference. I like being busy enough that the day doesn't drag...but "tear-your-hair-out" busy, I can do without. :-D

TIA!

I've done both - MT

[ In Reply To ..]
In the past, I worked as a receptionist in a Family Practice office and also later on in an optometrist's office. I would much prefer the busier office. I guess it would depend on how busy the optometrist is, but I was bored out of my mind and I was a temp, so it did not last long. I would go back to reception in a heartbeat, I loved it. Patients were not terribly sick and very friendly for the most part. I enjoyed working on the phone, verifying insurance, some billing, it was a small office. The only reason I can't do reception any more is because I am not bilingual and that is required in the area where I live. I did not think it was stressful. Doctor saw patients 3 to 5 hours a day, and the rest of the day was easy. I also got a chance to do some back office, which was okay. I would go with a small single practitioner office, multiple docs would probably be too busy for me too.

Food for thought - thanks, MT. - (see message)

[ In Reply To ..]
Thanks for the insight, MT. I'll try to get a feel about the boredom factor. That's big for me, too....and the reason I quit my bank teller job yeeears ago -- O.K. during the bouts of customer activity, but nothing to do in between customers. Told to pretend to look busy if a customer came into the lobby. That sure made the days drag by.

Anyone else's thoughts would be gladly welcomed, too!

My 2 cents - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
My first exposure to MT was while working in the front office of 2 physical therapists. It was a busy office, and I scheduled, filed insurance and posted payments, and transcribed reports. I even cleaned up treatment rooms in between patient visits (wiped down tables, pulled fresh paper from a roll down onto the tables), and also threw used towels in the washer, put them in the dryer, folded them, and stacked them under treatment tables. It was waaaay fun and kept me busy, which I enjoyed. If the pay hadn't been so dismal, I would have stayed.

The thing that made this job fun was that it was a one-gal office. I enjoyed maintaining a calm, quiet, tidy environment and making patients comfortable, even when they were in pain. I did everything and didn't have to compete with others or engage in office politics, emotional outbursts, control issues, territories, etc.

only you will know - 1mt

[ In Reply To ..]
if the job is good for you, but if you're having a hard time finding a job, what harm would it do to give it a try if they offer you the job. If nothing else, you will gain some more experience. You didn't state whether your MT position was working from home or in an office, but if it was working from home, I think that makes it all that much more difficult to find a position out in the "real world." If the pay and hours are what you are looking for, I say give it a try and see what you think. Everybody's experiences and perception of their job are different. I recently left MT also after about 12 years. I actually liked my job as an MT so it was difficult but I knew I had to do it because of how things are changing and I needed a more secure future. Good luck to you.

You don't say if you have a job, but having one and building - a broader resume would be top

[ In Reply To ..]
priority for me. From there, I'd make further plans. For instance, if I liked it I might choose to transition to an optician's position, perhaps with an eye to eventually continuing on to become an optometrist (pays a lot more); in any case, I could study during quiet times in the office. Or I might use my improved resume to get a clerical job in an insurance agency. I might stay on that job while I took some accounting and/or IT classes so I could get a job with my own office in one of the local chicken factories. Actually, I'd never do that, but you get the idea.

Came back having given this about 20 seconds' more thought. I'd take the job and then find out what good jobs are going unfilled in my area for lack of trained people, pick one that suited me and paid minimum $XK after a year on the job, and then train for it. How's that for a plan?

Thank you so much, everyone... - (see message)

[ In Reply To ..]
You have given me some great things to think about and wonderful, thoughtful input....thank you all for taking the time to post!

No, I'm not currently working but have been trying not to jump into just ANYTHING because I don't want to have a lot of job-hopping, if I can help it, and would like to find something for which I'm well-suited. I have "a thing" about not wanting to take a job, let them spend time and money training me, and then not stay very long....guilt, guilt, guilt. I wouldn't feel the guilt if it was for an MTSO, the way they've treated us; but a local office--well, I know myself, and I would stay too long, even if I wasn't happy. I know--I'm very bad about over-thinking things, and that's something I need to work on, but it's hard to get a leopard to change his spots, I guess.

If I'm fortunate enough that they offer me the job, I'm going to accept and hope it leads to some personal and skills growth. I know I'm a very good employee, so it's not like I wouldn't have a lot to contribute--it could be a "win-win" situation if they give me the chance! (haha) :-)

I really do appreciate everyone's input and advice...thank you!

Good for you, Ex-MT. Actually, I totally agree about - wanting to honor whatever agreement

[ In Reply To ..]
I enter into. Nobody's ever made a mistake hiring me, either. Best of luck with this one.

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