Axolotl - Have a question for former employees

This inquiry is directed to any Axolotl MTs who were hired within the last 2 years and either quit or were asked to leave after only a few months of employment who are willing to honestly say why they left Axolotl. 

Hope you guys are willing to help me with questions that I am sure the company does not like asked.  I have seen some good comments about Axolotl on the board but like everyone knows there are either cheerleaders or disgruntled ex-employees giving the majority of replies.  I need something in between.   From reading the posts there seem to be lots and lots of MTs who only work for a company (any company) for a few months and then leave for one reason or another.  It seems that quite a few leave in less than six months because what they were told when hired was not what ended up being the actual day to day work and the MTs feel they are not making the money they thought they would.  Not to say the recruiter intentionally lied about ESL dictators, work availability, QA requirements, or non-paid daily activities during the interview process but somewhere along the line miscommunication happened.  I hate taking time to apply, take the test, get hired, fill out a mountain of paperwork, get the computer set up, train, memorize all the different requirements, deal with QA and management, only to end up quitting or being asked to leave after only a few months and then having to start the process all over again.  Not that anyone would ever run out of companies to work at since there are hundreds of transcription companies to pick from, it’s just that I don’t like to job hop.  I would rather stay put in one place for several years before needing to move on again. 

 I have heard from a couple of different sources that Axolotl has changed A LOT over the last 2 years since they added several new accounts.  MTs who have been with them over 2 years are usually the cheerleaders because they are only working on established “old” accounts and don’t deal with the new accounts.  What I have heard is that many of the MTs who were hired by Axolotl within the last 2 years have either quit or were asked to leave in less than a year because the “new” accounts are unbearable.  Many don’t even make it through the first month because QA is very stringent and the MTs feel they cannot achieve both minimum lines and maintain the stringent QA standards. 

Since I am getting lazy and don’t want to job shop over and over again I would appreciate if any former Axolotl MTs would be willing to answer the following questions: 

1.  How long did you work for Axolotl?

2.  Why did you leave?   Did you quit on your own or were you told that you were not meeting standards and they were letting you go? 

3.  Now that you know what Axolotl expects are there any questions you wish you had asked before being hired? 

Feel free to e-mail me if you want to keep your reply private. 

Thank you.  I appreciate your honesty and willingness to help out. 

• Axolotl - Have a question for former employees - curious
  • Axolotl - me

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How does Axolotl define a line?  Do they pay for spaces, headers, footers, & expansions?  Are you docked for blanks or sending things to QA?  If so, how much.

Thanks for the info.

Have a fabulous 4th!

Along with the platform, ESL %, pay range, lpd required, split shift or 12-24 hour window available, I would be interested in knowing your personal experience with this company, what type of relationship you have with supervisors and other coworkers, etc.  Otherwise, the all the 411. 

Thanks!

Anyone ever hear of this company?  I am considering and any information appreciated

Thanks

Any Axolotl employees out there??  Are you happy? 

I am considering accepting an offer from them.  It seems they have a lot to offer.   I am currently with Medware and very, very unhappy with them lately. 

Any advice appreciated.

The company is fully aware of what it means.  If you go to the website, you will see. 

When I hired on, they actually sent me a salamander on a keyring!!  Their name is different because they, as a company, are different than any other!! 

I have transcribed now for 14 years and trust me, I have never had a better employer. 

Their benefits are awesome, their pay is more than competitive and I cannot think of one thing negative about them. 

MT25, I've also heard good things about this company.  Could you tell me what Lotus Notes are?  I am thinking about applying with them.  How would you rate the majority of accounts?  Hard to make lines with difficult dictators?  Do you transcribe for several docs or just a select few?  Thanks!

Axolotl expects quality and reliable MTs.  Due to the fact, they do not overstaff, it is IMPERATIVE, everyone be there for their scheduled shifts.  They provide OUTSTANDING and affordable benefits, as well as more than competitive pay. 

If you meet the above standards as an MT, then you should apply.  If you don't meet these standards, then you need to find a company who doesn't expect you to produce quality documents and to show up for your shift. 

I have been an MT for 13 years.  Axolotl is better than any company I have ever researched or any employer I have worked for.

If you are looking for former employees who did not meet the above standards, I am sure you can find them.

Does anyone know if Axolotl is hiring?  Everything I'm hearing about them sound really good.  My only concern is that someone posted they only have about 75 employees (kinda small), and if they hire more MTs, the workflow may be low...hmmm.

I wanted to thank you for all the information.  I am seriously considering applying.  So far, this one appeals the most to me.  I am still trying to decide if I want to make the move; this is something I take very seriously.  It has just been so difficult to make the money at MQ with all the changes; it almost seems intentional on their part to make it more difficult for the MTs so that they don't have to pay out these quarterly bonuses.  I could see having 3 or 4 accounts....that would be ideal, but 13 unfamiliar accounts with specifics to learn for each.....this, I find to be outrageous!!!  With all of this going on, they are driving their MTs (even the veteran MTs) right out the door!  BIG MISTAKE.

Did you send your resume in and they called you...is that what your saying??

I have never worked for Transcend but I have worked for Axolotl now for 2 years.  They are a great company with a good line rate, great benefits and a very user-friendly platform.  In my opinion, you cannot go wrong working for Axolotl!!!

It's just what I'm looking for.  Heard a lot of great things about it.  Nice people, etc. Lots of positives!!!!  Sounds like a place to call home.

Health, dental and vision.

As far as your work schedule and hours, you are expected to work the schedule and hours you agree to work when you are hired.  If something comes up, they are really good about working with you.  I work a 35-hour week.  I don't know if that has changed or not as I have been there 2+ years.  The line minimum is the same and is 1200 per day for 35 or 40 hours.

I feel we have the best QA/editing team!!  You are never degraded or talked nasty to and there is always someone available 24/7. 

When you first start, 100% of your work will be going to QA.  Then, there is a 3% review of your work monthly.  The system automatically/randomly pulls the reports. 

Axolotl is known for their quality.  If a percentage of the MTs work is not checked, then there is no way of knowing what kind of document the MTs are producing. 

I know several knew people that have been hired, a few I have referred myself.  They love it at Axolotl and cannot believe how great of a company Axolotl really is. 

No, you cannot use Instant Text with their platform.  They said it messes things up when it uploads to the client??

Shorthand is supplied.

Axolotl has a great platform, lots of work and also a great QA department.  You definitely will receive feedback as quality is the #1 priority.  They have great benefits at very affordable prices.