GREAT post. So true. I've been in this business
Posted By: Yeah! on 2008-08-24
In Reply to: When you hire on and run out of work -- - Here's what I did to prompt some action!
for 30 years, and never ever had more than an hour or 2 with no work. Not acceptable and doesn't happen to me. I work my behind off, am fantastic at this, and not 1 employer has ever done that to me, and probably never will. Just like you said, if I hit no work, I call and straighten the situation out. Don't ask questions about the account, about what MT can or can't transcribe it, just state that no work is not gonna fly with me, and I am always treated with respect and instantly given work, which I also thank my bosses for. Give and take - it goes both ways. I'm there when they expect me, and I'm there when they need me, and we're all happy. Can you imagine some MTs getting ANGRY at you? Again, another scream or throw up reaction from me. Some of you MTs really need some psychoanalysis, if you know what that is...obviously your income is NOT a necessity, and this is probably a job for you and not a career. You get out of MTing what you give and what you expect, nothing more, nothing less. Expect to be treated like garbage, expect slave wages, expect no work, expect disrespect, and you'll get it, and it seems like many MTs are looking for this! Thus the continual postings asking about companies we all know STINK. There is no other explanation - you want to be kicked to the curb and probably put little effort into your life across the board. Such a shame.
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Great post and very true! I read these today and was amazed that someone's first thought was pay
I agree that circumstances can make loans necessary but the OP sounded more like she uses these on a regular basis. No I'll have to learn to budget for the difference, just oh no, now I need to go to Payday Loans and pay 400% interest.
We have the potential to earn what we need to, although sometimes lately it is harder and harder.
Good for all of you. Wish I had seen these earlier.
p.s. Can someone call and tell my BIL to grow up too?
Do you feel better now? !! Business is business, most of it should be confidential. Why post on a
x
I'm also a true IC; not a business owner
I subcontract for a very small business. I have one of my own accounts (so I am the contractor for that account), and I also subcontract for an online company.
Your comment: with the exception that I don't work for an MTSO who is making money off me while I'm doing all the work.
You are not doing all the work if you are not being the person that has to answer requests directly and collect money from that practice. As you should know, there are administrative tasks involved in maintaining your clients.
An MTSO will pay less because they need to make the money for doing the administrative tasks.
I am doing both. I have expected the online company to supply me with sample reports and also I was trained on their software, which is only fair since they want me to send things to them through their software, which I agreed to do in my contract. I have no quota, set schedule, or any of the such. I type when I want to do the work from a pool. To me, this arrangement is perfect. I can simply sit and type all online and am not worrying whether I'll get paid on time because it has never been a problem.
I guess the point I am making here is that when you are the contractor, you can use your system when setting up your clients. Even though I consider the online MTSO my client (I'm the subcontractor), I agreed to use their software, and I also was trained to do so.
To state to someone that an IC requires no training is just outrageous especially when that MTSO wants you to use their software, equipment, client specs, etc. If it were the other way around, then you would tell the MTSO what software you use and then you would require no training and could create your own client specs. The MTSO cannot have it both ways. It's one or the other.
JMO. 
True.. my favorite is no longer in business
but was my very first job out of school. I didn't realize how good I had it until I left to work for M/Q and then it was too late. I couldn't go back. The owner eventually lost her two largest accounts and had to close shop after 15 years.
I've had my own non-MT business, before, and when -
penny-pinching clients (most of whom were wealthy, I might add!) tried to intimidate me into lowering my rates or else they'd go to another source, I told them to do whatever they felt they needed to do, because what they WANTED to pay for my services still did not affect what I HAD to pay for my overhead. What I WANTED to pay, and what I HAD to pay, were two different things. (Some of these clients, even though my biz was not MT, were DOCTORS, too, I might add.)
Meanwhile, I had clients who knew my work was worth what I charged, and in addition to being the best to work for, they were also the most likely to tip. So whenever price-raising became a necessity, I knew the drop-outs that wanted to search for a better deal were usually the problem clients I didn't have time nor energy to deal with, anyway. Give 'em a deal, and you always end up losing money. They usually require more time, more hand-holding, more explaining, more effort to collect from, and they usually want the sun and the moon, and they want it YESTERDAY.
I also had some clients leave and go with someone cheaper, only to come crawling back on their hands and knees when they tried the competitor's service and realized it wasn't such a good deal, after all. There is a lot of bluffing and posturing that goes on in business, and those who are willing to lose a little initially in order to stick to their principles, usually come out the winners in the end. Those who allow their clients to call all the shots end up trying to please everyone, but in the long run please no one.
That's not true, my friend owns a payday business
and if you borrow $300.00 you pay $45.00 for that loan ending up paying back a total of $345.00. Maybe that was just a very unfortunate situation of your friend.
I've been in this business 12+ years
now - worked for five companies before this one - never been happier. Work is steady. Pay is above average and always correct and on time. Lots of communication and feedback. It is a good place for me - I plan on retiring from here.
Well DUH - I've had a successful business for many
people who don't want to deal with the headaches of having their own accounts, one of those headaches being not being paid for an extended period of time, come here and complain about the difference between what the company makes and what they are paid.
I've been in the business 20 years and it is
NEVER slow this time of the year, especially when the beds are full because of the flu. I think maybe some MTs are working extra to pay off Christmas bills so that there may be less work for others.
I've been in another service business for myself -
in the past. When the time comes to raise prices, everyone gripes. But if your skill is above that of the competition (in MT case, US vs India), it's worth asking more money for.
Will you lose clients? Of course. Some, anyway. I did. But you know what? The ones I lost were always the worst clients - the ones who wanted everything yesterday, and wanted a special low fee on top of that. They were the hardest to deal with, and often ended up costing me money to work for. Losing them was a blessing, because then I had openings to take on better clients.
Not only that, but the truly GOOD clients, when told I were raising my prices, sometimes actually said, 'You're still not charging enough,' and even tipped on top of my fee for service.
So this fear people have that you can only stay in business (ANY kind of business) by undercutting the competition and cutting corners is unfounded, and does nothing but hold them back.
I've been in this business 20+ years and never
been asked for a background check and if they want to run one they can pay for it. It is a scam.
I've been in this business since 1978, sweetie
x
That''s great and I've heard they pay great as well.
I just have heard a lot of adjectives for a few accounts - zinger, killer, impossible, etc., and I sure know I couldn't hack it there. But I'm sure they know what they are getting into when they sign up. 
It is not against TOS to post the name of a business
Ok, you've got me, it's true
Yes, I started the thread and asked a question, then confused the issue further by going off on a tangent and not answering my own question. I'm misspelling words in some posts and not in others. I'm even posting as you and attacking myself. And to add to the confusion, I'm signing my posts with a name that I use everywhere else on the board just to throw people off.
Have a nice day. Really.
no - it is true I've heard of it also nm
::
I say that because it is true. I've been doing this for 20 years, sm
but 2 kids through college and yes I made more 10 years ago than I do now. If I don't feel like I'm being compensated I move on.
That's just not true. I've hired and fired MTs over the
In fact, in most cases, the CMTs were the least flexible and unable to take constructive criticism. Some didn't even pass the test. At first, I was quite shocked by this but I grew to ignore the initials. Therefore, to me, those intials do not cause you to stand out. Some CMTs were grandfathered in without ever taking an exam, and to my recollection, the exam even changed at one point, so not all CMTs are on equal ground with equal knowledge. Therefore, it does not accurately portray excellence, just tells you which ones took AHDI's test. That's it.
Very true. I've also found 20-30 years in SM
makes a person resistant to any kind of advancement in technology. I've seen MTs of 20+ years who don't even use an Expander because they don't want to learn anything new. Then they complain that they can't make any money.
We post frequently for a couple of reasons. Not only are we constantly hiring for new business, but
regularly keeps your ad near the top of the list. In my experience, we get far more responses when our ad is in the first ten. Hope that helps explain it.
I've always heard if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. n/m
x
I've heard they don't offshore anymore. Don't know if true.
nm
I've had a great experience
so far in my year with Cymed (Spi-BSO). Apparently, some disagree, and while I did have an initial experience with a somewhat cranky supervisor who eventually left, admitting burnout, my experiences since then with new supervisors have been great. They always have work, they leave me alone and let me do my work; I do have a set schedule, but if I need to vary from it slightly, it's no big deal as long as the work stays caught up. I'm sure if you mention your situation, they'll work with you. They only hire actual employees, no ICs. They only hire management from MTs (i.e., have been there and know what it's like), have been around for 20+ years, and even the work itself is good--a few mumblers, but at least 80% of the dictators, if not more, are surprisingly clear-spoken. Check 'em out.
--CTT
If your facts are true, make them public. You've nothing to lose and everything to gain.
How can you be putting your head on the chopping block when you are anonymous here?
Details have not been given in your posts. Please show us ALL the details.
Why would you be putting your head on the block by pointing out supposed anomalies in the raise structure?
Any recruiter can give out that information because it's the same for everyone. Any MLS can go to the website and see it. I have it here in front of me. I would like to see you defend your statements, because I'm not seeing the proof here.
Why would you be putting your head on the block regarding incentives?
Any recruiter can give out that information, if it exists. That information also can be seen in the job boards and on the website, as it's public knowledge. I sure don't see any out there, nor have I for months.
Why would you be putting your head on the block regarding enticements?
You say they are readily viewed on job boards, but yet you can't give details. Any recruiter can give that information, too, as they post the ads on the boards. They can also be seen on the website. However, looking back over a lot of weeks of posts on various boards, I don't see one "enticement," so we're going to need YOU to point them out to us.
If the enticement is the pay structure, then you're benefitting the same as everyone else. If the enticement is the ads, well, you get the same opportunity for shift differentials, the same CMT pay, the same benefits, the same production incentives, don't you? What don't you get that you deserve?
Also in regard to enticements, I've got to ask for clarification on a statement you made:
"...look at past and future ads on MT Jobs, etc."
Do you have details on what the company is offering in the future? If so, let us all in on it so people who don't work at Transcend know what to wait for.
Finally, no one should need to email you, because all of YOUR information should be made public IF IT EXISTS, and you shouldn't fear making it public, IF IT'S TRUE. Having people email simply allows you to privately promote your version without having to publically defend the truth of of your claims.
If you can't back up your claims, then please concentrate on making the best out of your own situation, okay? It's not right to make statements that can't be supported with facts. It doesn't help the company and it doesn't help you. If you're a loyal employee you should be trying to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Maybe you could offer your assistance on the quality council.
I mean the 3rd post below this is true.
nm
Your post is so very true! sm
Unfortunately, in my 25+ years in this profession, I have never had a dream job. I have had my own local accounts and worked for several MTSOs over the years. We all receive our share of garbage dictators, as well as wonderful dictators. Currently, I have days where I receive nothing but terrible dictators who take me twice as long to type as my better accounts. On these days, I may make under 100 dollars. There are other days where I can make much more than that when I have fluent speaking dictators and easier accounts. I found over the years, both having MTs work for me, and working for MTSOs, a versatile MT who can take the good with the bad, is the most valuable MT. You not only benefit yourself with learning many doctors and specialties, but you also become valuable to the company, and likely to be kept long-term. I can remember working 12-14 hours per day 6 days per week for years. This dedication and perseverance not only helped me make money, but continually educated me while making me a valuable asset to the company. There is no way I could ever type this many hours now, as my hands, wrist, and neck will not permit it. For any of you who are unhappy with your company after knowing you have given your all, research other companies because most (I know not all) will appreciate a qualified, experienced, and hard working MT. Good luck to all in these trying times.
I've had great luck. it is hit or miss as with ANYWHERE..
depends what they are looking for at any given time.
Sponsors, companies know. can see through the padding.
Of those, I've only worked for MDI-MD, and they're GREAT...
Good luck on your decision. Sounds like you have some great opportunities from which to choose. Go with your instincts and I'm sure you'll do fine.
How was her post rude? True, she does
seem a little snotty, not wanting to start apparently at the bottom of the totem pole where newbies do, and not fully realizing that the workflow in this business waxes and wanes, but she was not rude. Just extremely inexperienced.
Guess I missed it.
Your post is so well written and so true...
I realized that saying something really will not make any difference and venting my frustration has made me feel better. I really can understand where you have been and know that everything happens for a reason and the way you handle each and every situation in life defines you as a person. I am going to stick it out for now, but have an offer from another company I am really contemplating, as I will be back doing my specialty of reports and maybe can finally get some decent lines again, as I really like to be able to eat out once in a while. ;oD
All of the replying post is true.
Even if you do meet your line count by the 3rd pay period but don't meet it later because there is no work to transcribe, you still get the nasty grams and phone calls and told to work 24/7 to stay employed. The MTs who don't have this problem are given preference in order to help them make their line counts, thus reducing the work volume of everyone else.
They also just completely changed their insurance, reduccing benefits and raising the employee portion with only about a 10-day notice.
above post is very true regarding Bayscribe nm
nm
Sorry, meant for *not true* post (nm)
xx
Yes, I was hesitating saying this in my post before, but this is true,
doctors use their handwritten chart notes and their notes.
Also in almost all 3rd world countries.
"Was" is the keyword here! Up until the sale, they've been GREAT! nm
.
I've never clocked in/out, great company to work for.
x
I did QA, didn't find their platform great. I've seen
a recent post where they pay 8 cpl. Sound quality and dictators horrible and no way is 8 cpl enough. They have constant tunover.
I've heard the pay isn't that great, nice people tho. NM
:
Great place to work. I've been there a year.
Exactly what do you want to know?
X-Press' website says they have over 400 MTs. Is this true? Your post sm
says a small group of co-workers. I am considering working for them but I am getting conflicting answers, which worries me.
Very nice post - all true statements! - nm
nm
QTers - post previously true
Thank you to whoever had courage to post about QT losing their large account, for all I know their only account at this point. I had for months heard rumors of the work going to outsourcing and now our latest check sure looks like an Indian had signed it. So figured work would always be light and would have to supplement. But thanks to kindness of a stranger posting where the account is going, I won't miss a beat with a paycheck and with an account I have worked on for a long time. So if those of you were doubting whether it was true, it is true and I believe they are still hiring for more positions at the company that starts with W. Good luck to everybody. How could such a good company go down the pooper so fast?
This post is true. Pay attention people. nm
x
Good post, Amber. And true, too. All professions
restructuring. But anyone with eyes can see that even though the MT profession has changed, there's still a TON of work out there. You know, it behooves the employers out there to have doom and gloom run rampant and the MTs thinking that they can't do any better than 6-8 cpl. Sometimes I wonder if they're the ones spreading most of the doom and gloom, and then some naive MTs are picking it up and shouting it too!
Post here in Jan. 2007 said they have mandatory overtime. Is this true?
s
On the contrary, I find your post refreshing and true. sm
I agree whole-heartedly that MTSOs AND MTs are in it for a paycheck. It's not personal. If you don't like your employer's treatment, find another company where their style is more to your liking.
This is the best post I've seen on here.
I hadn't heard of Futurenet, but you must be good if you respond as you and remind people of loyalty. I was fortunate someone took time with me, as I had been away from this for a few years and needed to reintegrate. I'm barely making a crust, because it is the slow period of the year ~ it was always that way for me. I appreciate what goes into training on both sides. For me it's like trying to build a business again. I really appreciate the interaction and correction, as I'd like to be the best I can be and many little things have changed. Truthfully, I had burned out in this field and I didn't know if I wanted to get back into it, but I love it and I'm glad I was given the opportunity.
I guess I've been reading a lot of these posts, as I used to work for Medquist, but when I wsa there they were fine ~ but things have changed all throughout this world in the past few years.
Sometimes, we need to vent though, and perhaps it's better to do it in here where it's a bit more private.
Ok .. back to lurking ~ :o)
Great post. ....sm
Very much appreciated after all the negativity. 
Great post!
I post my opinions on companies when people ask, but always try to remind them that that is just my experience, might not be the same for everyone.
Thank you for posting this. It was well said!
Great post!
They should state this upfront- and not wait to be called. This years' winner in a field of ___ contenders, is ___
Great post. nm
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