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

Cannot find a job for decent pay. - Joyce

Posted: Jun 16, 2011

I have been unemployed for about a year now. MQ took over my hospital and thus the entire transcription department was eliminated. Even the union could not keep this monster out. About 15 of us lost our careers. I have looked into several positions and cannot find any company that will pay me even 80% of what I am taking home on unemployment benefits!!! At 58 years of age I am too young to retire but perhaps too old to learn something new. Any suggestions? Thanks.

58 is the new 48 - Dreamweaver

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. However, I am glad to hear that you were laid off versus your former employer "looking for a reason" to fire you (being "union" may have protected you from that?).

I have an idea for you. What's your favorite specialty? Look in your Yellow Pages and send cover letters and your resume to doctors in your area. Or, let your personal physicians know that you're seeking employment. MDs are a good network for opportunities: Went for a doctor's visit and walked out with a job offer despite I wasn't looking for work. Met a doctor socially; he offered me a job despite I wasn't looking for more work. Worked in an office and a referring physician called me at work and asked if I would transcribe for him, too. Another place where I worked, one of the MDs was leaving and asked if I would transcribe at home for him. Etc.

Or, if you know an MT who's an IC, maybe you could subcontract.

With your acute-care background, you have good possibilities. The highest line rates I've seen on this Website is for an MTSO called ROI (radiology/IC status).

I hope this has inspired you...at least a little bit.

Wishing you success.

58 in the new 48 - Joyce

[ In Reply To ..]
I appreciate your advice! Great stuff! I will start looking for doctors in the area.

58 new 48? Tell that to the hospitals I apply at! - I"m 60, could pass for 40, but - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
of course, not only do they never see me in person, but there's no way to hide your age these days when applying. Of course, that's not to say that I don't try to, but when you were at your current job for 5 years, and your previous one for close to 30, they can figure it out by doing the math.

It doesn't take a crystal ball to see that there's going to be a WHOLE LOTTA AGE-DISCRIMINATION going on in this country in the next decade, as all of us Boomers hit that magic 6-0 and 6-5 birthday. So, if we can't work, and we can't afford to retire, then what? A firing squad?

Proofread - Proof of the Matter

[ In Reply To ..]
What is your proof that these hospitals at which you have applied have practiced age discrimination against you?

TOTALLY AGREE - I'M 58 TOO! - oaf

[ In Reply To ..]
You are so right! I've been looking for a part-time job for months and nada, zip, zilch. I have 35+ years experience (much of that acute care). A few years ago there would have been a zillion offers. I guess we practice saying "do you want fries with that" or the every popular "Welcome to Wal-mart" - sad note there they never called either!!!

Just curious, didn't MQ offer you a position with them? - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Same thing happened to me a few years back, whole department wiped out. We were all offered positions, although I am the only one of us still with MQ. Just wondering if they are no longer offering jobs to displaced hospital employees.

Just curious, didn't MQ offer you a position with them? - Joyce

[ In Reply To ..]
We were using the DocQscribe platform (which MQ was helping us with) and then they made a deal with the hospital. The deal included NOT to hire any of the current staff. We were saddened that they didn't include us in the deal.

I think you dodged a bullet by not getting hired - by MQ, which is Evil personified. nm

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

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