A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry
to those leaving the MT field - sm
Posted: Mar 01, 2010
How long do you think MT'ing will be around? I'm going back to school to become a social worker, something i've always wanted to do, and need the income while i'm in school. In fact, today was my first day. Its an online course and it will take some adjusting, but I feel its time. I'm following a dream, MT'ing was supposed to be temporary but it is such a cushy job, who would want to leave it?
I think the problem is, there isn't the same money to be made as there once was. I've never made over 42k so going down to 30k this year wasn't a big deal. I just adjusted my consumption and spending. I also have a husband who works so that takes the edge off of the worry about the loss of income. I do understand how hard it must be to go from 60k down to 30k as you live a life style according to your income.
I've always been a person who stuck to the schedule, rarely did overtime and just worked my job and lived within or way below my means (thanks mom for teaching me how to squeeze orange juice out of a penny!) My heart goes out to those who just have a few years left before retirement and cannot go back to learn a new trade.
It was so hard for me today with my first class, working full time but it could be worse, I could work outside of the home AND be in school. I'm just trying to count my blessings. So even if my paycheck goes down to 20k I will stick with it and just adjust my spending accordingly. I still work at home, I make money doing it, I have benefits, yes the work is harder, having to multitask, but i'm lucky enough to have been doing this 16 years, so I can figure out the mush mouths, stutterers, foreigners (about 90% now) and the extremely innaccurate ASR.
I feel bad for the newbies who come into this profession.
My point is how long do you actually believe we will be needed? More than two years?
How long? - cmmcd472
[ In Reply To ..]That's like asking the doctor how long you have left to live, lol! If I'd listened to the gloom and doom about being replaced by VR, I would have been gone years ago. Good luck with your schooling but hang onto MT too as there are no guarantees you'll be able to find employment as a social worker. Not to rain on your parade but jobs are scarce in all professions.
You should be fine ... - my 2 cents
[ In Reply To ..]Congrats and good luck on knowing what you want to do and going after it!
I think some form of this job will indeed be around for awhile. The jobs will just be harder to get, and it will be harder to make a good salary. Appreciate your understanding for those of us that can't afford the income reduction.
So, in your situation, I would not worry. YOu should be fine. Again, good luck!
choices of career - mt is me
[ In Reply To ..]Ten years ago, I went to get my BA. Did MT through that. Spent the last 4 years getting my masters and did MT through that.
Have you checked salaries for social workers? Not much better than MT, I'm afraid.
MT will be around for a long time, just in a different sense than we may all be accustomed to.
If you're going to school, I'd recommend staying with MT while you do it if you need to work a job at the same time. The devil you know and all that.
Good luck with your career change!
If your making 20K as an MT... - why leave?
[ In Reply To ..]Your lucky. I have never made even 20K as an MT. If I was making that much I would be sticking with transcription, but I am not making that and honestly don't know too many MTs that even come close so if you don't want your good MT job I will take so that I can be home for my kids. :)
MT is gone - Judy
[ In Reply To ..]You are certainly one of the lucky ones! I was 61 when my position was eliminated and cannot find anything else, so income even less! Like you said, a good thing my mom taught me how to economize. I started my own business and am out of the transcription work now completely.
MT is gone - catherine
[ In Reply To ..]Congratulations Judy on making the transition...I am right where you were...I'm 58...and the company I have worked for "all of a sudden" has no work. Any time of night or day, NADA...
what did you decide to do instead of MT? I have sent out barrels of resumes and have a 30 years solid experience...no one even responds!
IMHO - Lynda
[ In Reply To ..]I have already lost my IT job to EMR. I think I am the first in a long line of MTs this is going to happen to. I have an in house job that is probably not going anywhere soon, but is lucky to pay 10k a year as it is part time with only 2 general surgeons. Within 5 years there will hardly be any MTs left I'm afraid.
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