Exit Strategy - John Doe

Posted: Nov 26, 2013

I've pursued this line of work more out of obligation rather than choice. I know where the wind is blowing, so I'm going back to school for my Associate of Applied Science. But I'll have to juggle work and school for 2 years. I currently work an "Indian QA" company. I had a rocky start, such that I had considered quitting and I take my chances with another company. I wisely stuck with them (after advice from this very board), and it's a good thing I did, because the seemingly better prospect didn't pan out. The "Indian QA" has a schedule that doesn't butt heads with my class schedule, and it has treated me better than MModal or Nuance. They've even had me do some QA work on my primary. The primary is on Dragon/EditScript, a program which fits me like a glove. But there are the occasional problems with low volumes, and that tends to get worse this time of year. They've recently given me a backup account. But its TERRIBLE. It uses a different system that's as far from user friendly as you can get, with difficult dictators who also happen to fly the verbatim flag like tyrannical jerks. My primary got easier after time and perseverance, but I was on fairly generous orientation pay when I was learning it, and I didn't have the aforementioned coursework that I will have to juggle with any job. I have already asked my supervisor to be released from the backup, and am fearful this will make me seem like an ingrate, given how helpful they have been thus far. The school has a fairly good career services program, so I'm wondering if maybe I should leave the MT profession earlier than anticipated. I can't imagine very many MT companies offering student friendly schedules (thought I've never had to ask for one before), and I can't picture my current company upgrading me now.