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

Why can't we be friends??? - SSchildmeier

Posted: Nov 24, 2009

JUST A THOUGHT OR TWO!! I have to say that I am tired of this being a battle between the seasoned versus the newbies!

I love being a MT and have been successfully doing it from home (with a 2 year old and a 2 month old nonetheless) for the past 2+ years (I do not work an 8-5, but instead work around my kids and often am typing late at night, which is fine by me...and I make a pretty decent wage as a newer MT)! But I would NOT be where I am without my great friend and "mentor" who has been doing MT for 20+ years! She has assisted me with listening for job openings, sharing resources, allowing me to do vacation coverage when she goes out of town and just being supportive! She is NOT a negative person whose loss of jobs or lowered wages has made her bitter and I love her for that!!! She never once tried to dissuade me from becoming an MT, but rather tried to show me all sides, positive AND negative, so I could make an informed decision. I wish those of you who have been doing MT for years would be more willing to be mentors rather than trying to drag down new MTs! In fact, if some of you seasoned MTs would see the gusto and enthusiasm and hope that a new MT has, maybe it would wear off on you and increase your outlook on life...and the MT profession! I love the relationship I have with my "mentor" and would not be as successful without her!

In closing, I do have to say that this forum is for new MTs or people who are looking to become MTs and negative anger does not help them make an informed decision on whether or not this profession is for them. I understand times have changed and things are not what they once were, but these people are coming for a well-rounded opinion on this profession (or just spent a year of their life going to school to be an MT), so the responses to questions (whether you want to post a postiive experience or a negative one...because we do want to hear both opinions in order to make an informed decision) should be written with kindness! Most of us learned "if you can't say something nicely, don't say it at all!"

Thanks for your time!

A big Amen. - A Yearbie

[ In Reply To ..]
Well said. Your post was concise, NOT rude, and hit the nail right on the head.
Lets see how the rest chime in. :)

nicely said, thanks, I am neither new nor old...nm - whatever

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nm

Response to SSchildmeier - Fingers

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Very nice post. Unfortunately, you will always get negative and positive posts from both seasoned MTs and newbies on all of these boards. It would be nice if kindness was contagious, wouldn't it?

I very seldom ask for advice on these boards, simply specific information. I normally take opinions with a grain of salt. That being said, there are some people who simply cannot be helped. It does not matter if they are seasoned MTs or newbies. They have nothing better to do but get on here and stir up trouble, negative posts, and whining about this or that instead of working. I think they are just lonely/bored.

Playing the devil's advocate here (and many MTs are indeed negative), some experienced MTs state their opinions or experience very bluntly, honestly, and to the point. They do not sugar-coat anything. They are miserable (and rightfully so, I have been there). Some may take them as being rude, nasty, hateful, etc. I am sure many are not meant that way. They probably just want out of this business or want to stop the changes that are taking place. You should avoid/ignore these as you choose.

You can still find mentors on here and, yes, they will probably try to discourage you from getting into this business, just as your mentor did. They are being honest. Most are not really bitter people in general. It is your choice to accept their "experience" or not, but do not think they are criticizing you or your abilities, just what the business has become.

There are those who bring problems on themselves in many ways. Their posts speak volumes about their jobs, attitudes, and lives.

This is the real world. If some of this discourages you from your goals, then you were right to find a mentor who warned you but would actually encourage you in your goals. It will either work or not. The MT herself has a lot to do with that.

Good luck to you and congrats on your success.

another response regarding mentoring - annuder old MT

[ In Reply To ..]
I have almost 30 years or experience in this field and would not mind mentoring a newbie; however, Ionly have my income to rely on and mentoring someone for free does not pay my bills. I have done mentoring in the past, and it was EXTREMELY difficult to try to work and mentor a new MT. I have also seen this happen in the workplace with newer MTs and one in particular, many years ago, would ask "how do you spell this word?" Our response to this was "look it up" and at that time everything was not electronic like it is now.

The sad part of it is many of these schools do not teach the proper research skills to new MTs, nor do they give them a REALISTIC expectation of potential earnings. JMHO

There are givers and there are takers in this world! - wordlady

[ In Reply To ..]
I was very moved by your words and your perspective on the MT world. When I first came here a couple months ago it was mainly to see what this board was all about and to help people if they needed help with a word. I soon learned the vitriol that spews from so many of these MTs. So many of them are bitter, angry, lonely, and vindictive. Kind of remind me of kids playing in the playground and fighting over the ball. I have been in the medical field for 30 plus years and doing MT for 20 plus years. I still love it to this day. I learn something new every day and find it very challenging.

Let me give you an example of an angry, lonely woman who lives across the hall from me in my apartment. She and my sister used to be very good friends but no longer are (my sister was the caretaker of this building). I was in a very serious critical car crash a little over a year ago. I had many surgeries and almost did not make it. Long story short, I do not have a car because of that accident. I have some disabilities from that, one of which is my left foot. I need a cane to get around and need to take the bus wherever I go. This lady knows that and do you think she would ever offer to let me ride along to the grocery store with her so I could get a few things. Never once has she offered. I put an ad up on the bulletin board in some time ago asking for help for a ride to the grocery store maybe once a month. I offered to pay. I said I was disabled and could not get things to carry on the bus... not a lot anyhow. I left that ad up for 3 weeks and not one person offered to help me.

Let's face it, most people are too self-absorbed. They don't know how to give, how to listen, how to be there for anyone. They are selfish. I see no compassion from their hearts. Especially if there is "nothing" in it for them, they figure, why should they? I have always come from a place of love and compassion, not judgmental or spewing such venom as I have seen some do here. I say "there but for the Grace of God..." At the age of 62 almost now, I have seen the highs and lows of life and continue to experience it. I pick and choose who is in my life now. I would rather be alone and do my own thing than crawl to anyone. I have a healthy self-esteem, hunger for learning, hunger for living, and many interests. In the end, we can only pick ourselves up each and every day and go through the journey of life. I am so glad you have a mentor and someone who supports you for you, just you. That to me is what life should be about, helping and supporting one another, not fighting over such trivial things. I think in their hearts they have many fears and they just can't let down those walls.

Did not mean to go on and on, but it is so refreshing to read a post like yours that has some meaning, something to think about, rather than read this cat-fighting all the time. Good for you and feel free to e-mail me also if you should need any help in the way of transcription.

My thoughts - gourdpainter

[ In Reply To ..]
First I am sorry for your troubles. My life philosophy kind of has become "I felt sorry for myself because I had no shoes until I met someone who had no feet." With such a bad accident I would say that you might be thankful that you are alive and also be thankful that you are able to walk with a cane and take the bus. There are many who can't even do that.

Lest you think everyone is uncaring, let me tell you that is not true. Some yes but many not. Here's an example of why some people may have stopped caring: Locally a woman in your age group had her house burn to the ground. No insurance (her own peril). However, the community raised nearly $1000 and donated everything from clothing to household goods and even a temporary home. The person who led the "help" program lives in poverty, yet they put $10 in the pot which was more than they could afford. The recipient woman took the donated money and went to a casino where she won something like $3000. She then took that to another casino where she, of course, lost it all.

I have been duped more times than I care to count but when it comes time for the final judgment I don't want to attend the Final Judgment and be told "I was hungry and you fed me not....." As a matter-of-fact husband and I just made arrangements with our optometrist to see a lady who can hardly see and get new glasses for her which we paid for ourselves. She said she would repay us...maybe and maybe not but I can sleep well because I helped someone in need. A "good" story is that I once gave a car to a needy person and that person passed the car on to another needy person, a college student. If I lived near you I would offer to drive you where you might need to go and chances are if I heard about your need you wouldn't have to ASK me.

This is not to toot my horn but just to agree with you that there are givers and there are takers. The "takers" probably have a lot to do with why there are so few "givers."

I hope you take this in the light it is offered and don't take it as another "unfriendly" person. God bless you.

Well put GourdPainter! - Sunshine State MT

[ In Reply To ..]
That was such a great post! I'm fairly new to this board, came across it by accident.

I really enjoy reading your posts GourdPainter!

Have a great Thanksgiving!

This brought a tear to my eye Gourdpainter... - wordlady

[ In Reply To ..]
The part that brought tears to my eyes is how giving you are... not for any alternatives but out of the goodness of your heart. You give unconditionally and in that part I am you. Did you read the part of my post where I said, "But for the Grace of God go I." I am grateful that I did not lose my foot, did not lose my life. I am even grateful that the accident happened because it was a wake-up call to me. You see, I made one terrible choice the night of that accident. I got into my car under the influence of alcohol and I was actually on my way to a casino, but I never made it. Instead, I lost control of the car, went off of the exit sliding down a chain-link fence and came to a stop when my car hit a concrete wall. I woke up in the hospital in ICU 12 days after the accident and after having had 4 surgeries already, with more to go. My dear sister was at my bedside and tole me what happened. I had no recollection really as I was in a "blackout." One split second decision and my life was changed forever. The first thing I asked her was... please tell me nobody else was involved or hurt or died. She told me no, it was just me. I cried and cried a gratitude of tears that the good Lord was looking out for me that night. It has been a very long road of recovery for me, both physically and spiritually.

I can't believe I am divulging such personal things on a board full of strangers but maybe that's a good thing. Maybe my story will help someone. I know, because it has given me a new perspective on life. I lost my drivers license, was court-ordered for treatment and "bought" into the program and am sober and active in that program. I hear a lot of accolades from people in the program. I am a giving person. I hold nothing back in helping others, but then again, I have always been that way. I can't tell you how many times and ways I have helped people less fortunate than myself. I do it because it's in my heart; that's just who I am. On the other hand, it does hurt that I do not have one single person that I can count on today. When I was in the hospital for 6 weeks I had so many family members and 2 very good friends that practically had a vigil around my bed. They watched me get better. I don't even receive a phone call from most of those people that thought I was going to die. But, I ask, where are they now? Where are they when I need them the most. I have found it very humbling indeed to ask for help from them and they cannot help. They will offer at times but then never show up. That hurts because then I feel totally abandoned. I am working every single one of these holidays because what else would I do. That's not me feeling sorry for myself; those are just the facts. My one goal now is to work as much as possible, try to save as much money as possible, outside of all these medical bills and to get a car. That is a big loss of independence, not to even be able to go to a movie or shopping. Yes, I can do some of these things on the bus, but not everything and especially now with winter coming I know I will be pretty much trapped in this apartment because I don't dare take a chance and go out and rebreak this leg that is almost like a wooden leg to me. So I am taking it one day at a time, one moment at a time and thank God there is that glimmer of light still flickering in my heart and soul.

I want to thank you again for reading my post and really listening. I am pretty much like you after all. I take what I can use from these boards and let the rest rub off so to speak.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and all of us, as that is what Thanksgiving really is isn't it... a time to look at our lives, reflect back and go on from there. God bless!

All I can say is God bless you s/m - gourdpainter

[ In Reply To ..]
All I can say is God bless you. Let those of us who have never made an error in judgment cast the first stone. I am glad that you have realized what led to the accident and corrected it. I hope your telling your story may reach someone who may be just an accident waiting to happen because they make bad choices.

Your story makes me incredibly sad and I wish you were close to me (you aren't are you?) In the meantime please take this hug from me. If you were near you would certainly be invited to join my family as we gather on another joyous occasion. They are traveling now and are about an hour out. I pray they will all arrive safely.

A few more comments to clarify - SSchildmeier

[ In Reply To ..]
Thank you for all your comments!

I for one enjoy hearing both negatives and positives about the MT profession because I believe it gives us a realistic picture of how it once was and what it has become. My idea behind the post was to ask simply "why does either side have to be rude about it..." and it is very refreshing to see so many of you who have life experience who are not bitter and who are willing to put your two-cents in a helpful way! Kuddos to all of you!

Wordlady, I wish I lived near you! My heart ached for your situation and I pray that God puts someone in front of you who will care for you and love you and assist you, not because you asked for it, but because they saw a need that they could fill in your life! My husband and I are children's pastors as well and we are working hard to teach our kids to not be self-centered, but to be world-centered, to go outside of the church and see what needs they can fill, even as little kids! I hope and pray that they listen and take in that lesson and create a new generation who truly loves to help their fellow man (mainly because for the most part my generation really stinks at it...I am 27!).

As far as mentoring goes, my mentor does not help me with things like spelling words and research...that is my job solely and if I can't find it in my research, I turn to the Word Help Board (which is FABULOUS!!!). I agree that the schools do not teach researching very well (mine went over it a bit, but not at length), but that is a main part of being an MT (in fact, I found this forum through researching a word I was not sure of and stumbled over a post by someone who had the same question!)! Instead, my mentor is someone who I can gab about the positives and negatives involved with MT (I lost an MT job when I was 8 months pregnant and was 1 month in a new house to EMR which frustrated me because I needed that job and couldn't find another (MT or not) because of how pregnant I was...and she just listened and offered advice and kept an ear out for me for job opportunities (luckily, I found a new MT job shortly after my son was born...yay!). She also provides me with resources that she gets from the hospital (such as updated addresses) and she gives me her old MPR books as well. That is really the only mentoring that I need from her, but it is wonderful knowing I have someone on my side in today's day and age.

Again, I thank you all for posting to this and for being some of the willing people to bring kind remarks (whether they are positive or negative) to this forum. I know we will always get the bad with the good, but it is refreshing to see that there are people who genuinely care about each other (even though we are all strangers)!

About being friends - gourdpainter

[ In Reply To ..]
Let me just say this, I have been attacked many times by those "unfriendly" people on this board for my views. I have been sued for slander, libel and defemation of character by an MTSo for posting my TRUE experience on this board trying to be helpful. In spite of all this, I continue to try to help anyone who posts or asks me a question.

I do not think everyone who advises posters to look to another field outside of medical transcription are mean, hateful, bitter and unhappy. I know I certainly do not fit in that category. I think you will find plenty of helpful and friendly faces here. It is sort of like life in general, you get the good with the bad. My suggestion would be to ignore angry posts and take what you can from the othes. Make your own decisions based on what you read and using your own common sense. You can also google MT and get lots of information if you put your search in the form of questions. I advise everyone to find another career, MT just is not it anymore. I also try to help those who have already spent money on school or for whatever reason want to pursue the career for whatever reason.

There are a few MTs I know personally who still make fairly good money doing MT but they become fewer on a daily basis. I also know many who have left the field, one who is waitressing while she goes back to school.

Good luck to you and I'm for everyone everywhere getting along and being friends and friendly but I doubt that is ever going to happen.

Good to hear positive stuff. - Diane

[ In Reply To ..]
I feel very encouraged by all you're said on recent post.

It's easy to get "lost" as a new MT without a friend or mentor. Your comments have helped me shape my new MT career.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Diane

Have you finished your training yet? - Simple questions

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NM

Training - Diane

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I am waiting to start the AIM MT internship at the end of December.

Diane

why do you have to wait so long to start?...nm - omg

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

I will be able to tell you something - Gracie

[ In Reply To ..]
If you read the other postings this person has, she does not answer you UNLESS you are gushing the merits of people doing MT work and how she will be able to do it and so on. Read the posts further down and you will get the idea, only good ones in her favor are answered, not ones questioning anything.

To Gracie - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
Yes, Grace, I have even her a new name: CLEOPATRA, because she is the Queen of Denial.

She has this fantasy about MT; wait until she actually has a job and then see what happens.

Intern waiting - Maple Grandma

[ In Reply To ..]
I was told, once I applied, tested and passed, that there would be a waiting list.

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