to long time MT - the cost of living is about the same as the midwest - sm
Posted By: - on 2005-10-22
In Reply to: Personally, I would relocate for the type of job you describe sm - Long-time MT
you can have rent ranging anywhere from $500-900/month depending on where you live and what you want. It's not expensive like NY or DC or VA. The line rate is ABOVE - A-B-O-V-E 8.5/line and the docs are fairly easy with the exception of a few marblemouths, but I think every hospital has to have a few marblemouths, or it just wouldn't be right. If you are seriously thinking of it and would like to send us a resume, let us know your email and we will contact you!
We posted this because we wanted to know our options - rather than to have an outside service take the overflow.
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You either need a job to fit your cost of living or a cost of living to fit your job. sm
While I agree that you cannot live in California on $35,000 a year, no one is forcing you to live in California. Suze Orman says either find a way to lower your expenses or find a way to earn more money. It's common sense :)
There was a post a few weeks ago about not everyone being cut out to be an MT. I agree.
The original poster needs to stop whining and either get a job that pays more or get a new career. She can make $15,000 on minimum wage at a mall or Walmart.
BTW, it was insulting of her to say that MOST woman don't need to work. How dare she? In this day and age, most adults need to work. This is not 1958, this is 2008. I am not a bra burner, but my husband and I both make similar money, clean the house, cook, raise our 3 children. I am just lucky to have a job where I can work from home. I hated commuting anywhere, hate traffic, no patience.
But that doesn't mean that I work less. I treat my job like a job. I work in my home office but I work all day. I do not do laundry, chat with friends, cook. I go to work each day by getting ready as if I were leaving for an office, pour my coffee, make sure I have everything I need and start. I take bathroom breaks and a lunch break and take the full hour that I would somewhere else. I work 8 full hours as I do not include my lunch hour, so my day is 8 to 5. When I am done for the day, I turn everything off, leave the room and close the door, as if I were in an outside office.
My husband has a salary of $71,000 and I make near the same as him each year. I do not work overtime except very rarely, an occasional Saturday here and there, just like if I were on salary in another profession.
I am not perfect, but I love my job and do it well. I also know that MT'ing is not for everyone, although it seems as if a lot of MT's who are not very good at their jobs have a sense of entitlement.
Variables in cost of living
Some states sound good, but then check out the taxes - real estate tax, personal property tax, sales tax, cost of heating/cooling, transportation, license plates, insurance, etc. A lot of it balances out in the end. Some states have outrageous license plate fees, (I paid over $600 for my car last year). I also get a personal property tax bill each year for everything including my dishes and silverware. State income tax is out of sight. Cost of heating in winter is unbelievable. I have to have 2 sets of tires for the car, 1 for winter, 1 for summer. I have to have 3 complete wardrobes for the weather changes.
does anyone know the cost of living in Bangalore? I need a job... lol nm
x
Cost of Living Increases
I work for a large MTSO and after four years have not received a cost of living increase. Is this standard operating procedure? Things cost more than they did four years ago. Do you think CEO is getting the same pay as four years ago? Any thoughts?
Cost of living is higher
In eastern bloc and Ireland and India. They're gonna want as much as we make. And if not now, then soon once they seal the deal. Plus our HIPAA laws still don't apply anywhere but here. There is still that.
It also depends on your cost of living.
I live on the California coast, which basically means I can't make a living at the national going rate. Fortunately, I also have one small local account that pays at a rate commensurate with the local cost of living, and because I have this, I can survive. Not sure I'd call it a good living, but I can get by.
They haven't forgotten about the cost of living.
They are having to compete with India and other countries and to do that they have to hold their line rate. Their rent goes up, they have to pay support staff, etc. I'm sure the majority of the companies are not struggling to meet their obligations every month, but the profits aren't what they used to be. As MTs we were spoiled when we were making $60,000+ year when that was very good money, but now that $60,000 doesn't go very far, but you'll be hard pressed to find that kind of money in most positions in other job markets.
But the MTSOs knew the cost of living would
contract with the hospital was even dry. They cut it too close by too much bottom-line bargaining, and didn't leave any wiggle room in order to be able to continue to pay the MTs that are the ones who actually produce what it is they're selling. No wonder we all play job-leapfrog all the time! The way they do business is too short-sighted to even be believed, sometimes. And the hospitals (most of which are WALLOWING in money) are taking total advantage of the average MTSO's lack of foresight, and most MTSO mangers' lack of even the slightest clue as to what medical transcription is, or how it's done. It's all too pathetic for words.
Heard no more raises or cost of living either.
a
Medware has been paying $14 for years, No cost of living increases there! nm
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Slipping Backward - Line Rates and Cost of Living
This is for those of us who have been in the business awhile.
I stumbled across an online calculator that lets you input a dollar amount and a year in the past, and see what it would be today with cost of living increases. (Link below).
You can use this with line rates and do it two ways - either as cents, which gives you a whole number result, or as dollars, which gives you the decimal portion as well. In other words, if you made 8 CPL, you can either enter it as $0.08, or you can enter it as $8 and then move the decimal point over to the left two places in the result. The multiplier is the same either way, so the dollar method with the extra decimal points is more precise. Just remember to move the decimal point over.
I was making 10 cpl in 1990, so I gave it a spin and ran some different line rates through it using 1990 as the base year:
8 CPL = 12.96 in 2009
9 CPL = 14.6 in 2009
10 CPL = 16.2 in 2009
11 CPL = 17.8 in 2009
12 CPL = 19.4 in 2009
Is there any doubt that if the line rate had even kept up with the cost of living, people would not be feeling the way they do about this industry?
Then I did something else and tried different input amounts to see what amount in 1990 would have equalled 9 CPL today - a typical line rate. I had to back off to 5.56. Someone earning 9 CPL today is making the equivalent of less than 6 CPL in 1990.
It's kinda fascinating playing with this thing (the way watching a train wreck is fascinating, I mean). Here's a link you can paste into your browser, or you can follow the link at the bottom of the post.
http://www.aier.org/research/worksheets-and-tools/cost-of-living-calculator
These companies cost US all the time, right?
What really sucks is that I looked for a LONG, long time -sm
before joining DRC - wanted a highly reputable, not-too-big co. that was LOCAL, and that treated its MTs humanely. I'm very happy with DRC & had planned to stay with them permanently.
I have been an MT for a LONG time but
stupid old old Medrite and DOS. I just find the lines super super hard to get! My QA scores are fine, but my counts suck :( I keep building my Expander hoping it will come around but it looks hopeless. I am very discouraged.
To long time MGr no more
Mine was a chronic illness that has improved with treatment; still, I can see how HR discrimination might possibly get in the way.
I would love the flexibility. Where can I find out more about what IC status is? I have some vague idea, but no real idea of serious pros and cons. Thanks so much for your reply!
They did a long time ago
I worked at OSi a couple years ago and they used to have a supervisor who would tell people to do that but she quit working there. She told at least three people that. I heard they don't do that anymore but maybe not, she was the only one. They always had the disclaimer if you have line/time to make up in email's. Funny because she and I both work at the same company now but she is just MT at this company.
no, long time, don't let them get you down --
They're bad, not you. You know they treat(ed) us like nothings. It's not the profession, it's that particular company. Shop around, find someone better. FN's strategy is to belittle everyone and make them scrape for work. Do like me, pick up your toys and go somewhere else. Also, on the way out, be sure to get in your digs and burn that bridge. They do not deserve us. My new short-term goal: Bash FN and show them for the money-grubbing rats they are.
I have been an MT for a very long time
I'm 37. I raised my kids doing this on-site and from home simultaneous; my kids are 14 and 9. I worked long hard hours. I still work hard. I don't have a zone and I hop up and down from my desk so as not to make my body work so hard at this, but I make good money and I get to stay at home. I also get to see all events my children are involved in. I take a day off whenever I want, and yes I have my own accounts. Please don't be fooled by this 24-hour TAT. Most practices do not require that strict TAT if you have your own accounts. It is the online companies requiring this TAT because that's how they get their big clients. They promise big and most times cannot deliver.
Braggin? Naah... I call it knowing how to manipulate and manage my time to benefit myself. I've never taught MTs and have no desire; I hated cross training on-site and still hate teaching. I'm just not good at it.
I'm an IC, so it's my way or the highway!!! 
That's a really long time.
The company I work for sends out the checks on Monday and I get them on Wednesday, sometimes Tuesday if I'm really lucky.
I have been there a long time
Pay always on time. Various platforms, not just Spantel, which is a little cumbersome but not awful. I have NEVER had work taken away from me and thrown in the trash after it was assigned to me. Management now much better. Seems wrinkles have been ironed out, which is always needed in any growing company. Very happy there.
Long-Time MT-NY
You betcha we do! Here is the link. I hope we are allowed to post links here. If not, the mods can take it down and I will apologize. This has tons of stuff made in the good old US of A!
http://www.madeinusa.org/
Yes, a long time ago when I used to get
my checks mailed, now I always opt to have direct deposit for that reason. I remember the owner of the company had to stop payment on that check and issue me another one. It didn't take that long, but like you, we needed the money. Maybe you can ask them to re-issue you a check and then send it FedEx or next day delivery since this puts you in a bind, or can they trace your check and see where it is? Sorry to hear your news, I hope you get your money very soon :)
i have been doing asr for a long time now
i think one of the very first accounts to start it, so the recognition is very good on my account. Also, I speed up the dictator at least 1 or 2 steps but i do listen to every word. the only other thing i do is not use the mouse much and use the ShortHand macros for editing that are posted on community page. i don't mind asr. I would take an all-ASR account over no work any day.
Its a lie, they were both in MT industry long time before they met
x
Ummm....I have been with MDI a LONG time
I know a lot of MDI MTs and everyone I know says how many lines they will do on any given day, but they are NOT required to work specific hours. As I said, I've been with MDI a long time and before that I was with Signal, which was also Dorothy's company, and it worked the same way.
I worked for MQ for a very long time. sm
I really loved working for them until the recent changes, and I agonized over my decision to leave. Now that it is done and over with, I can honestly say that I feel I made the right choice. However, now I find myself desperately searching for that job that I can settle into and be happy with, and hopefully outdo my 8 years with MQ. I definitely don't enjoy changing jobs.
I worked for them a long time ago.
Left in 2003. They were nice enough to work for. Not sure how it is now.
I also have known her for a long time and that just does not sound like her IMO. nm
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Been MT'ing a long time.......
In the good old days companies were smaller and run by managers that were actually MTs and could relate to their employees. Now most have been replaced by managers with business degrees, little or no MT experience, and a corporate mentality. It is sad.
I e mailed them a long time ago and
x
I got their info -- seems to take a long time (sm)
to receive the first pay.
The hospitals take a long time with IDs sometimes. I know that the sm
account I am lead on takes anywhere from 2 days to 3 weeks. It is a source of frustration for the management team as HR hires because of a need and then the hospital takes forever. Not all accounts though. Some are same day.
This was a long time ago, Since DD was put in place, there have
been no problems. It has been in place for over 2 years now. Why would you bring something up from years ago? You forgot to mention that they sent out the bank letter to everyone that it was not a bounce but that a deposit had not cleared yet and the fact that they covered everything immediately. Tell the whole story if you are going to open your mouth at all. No work? You're nuts. They have more work than anywhere I have ever worked. What's the real story?
I have not seen them advertise in a long time.
I have never heard anything negative about them to my recollection though.
I have not seen them advertise in a long time.
I know their recruiter left and I really have not seen any ads. They do have a banner on this site though.
Any long-time Amphion MTs out there? HELP!
Where's the work?!? I'm hoping to get some straight answers from some other MTs (i.e., not management). I'm a newbie (less than 2 months) who was hired to be full time and for the 4th week straight I'm lucky to get 4 or 5 hours a day! They keep saying it will get better but I'm getting less work than ever! Has anyone else experienced this? How long were you all on mandatory overtime before the workload suddenly plummeted? I decided to work here because everyone on the message boards said how great Amphion was and how there was always tons of work and the people were so wonderful. Yeah, the people are great and nice and professional and everything, but sadly that is not going to pay my bills next month. Maybe I should look for a 2nd part-time job to complement this one!!
How long does this slow time last. nm
:
Been with SS for a long time. Things are getting better and better.
All of management has been working very hard to improve things and I have seen big changes with a lot more to come. So far all of these are to benefit the employees.
you're not alone - been doing this a long time
but every slow down, expected or not, causes anxiety - I think we all feel more anxious now than we used to because we know the work is being done electronically and offshore. I got a second job just to try to save money for the lean times and emergencies. Only one provider in this household - nervewracking! I think you hear a little anxiety in the other posters' replies too - they are trying to reassure themselves in the process. This holiday seems to be worse than I remember it, this is more like Christmas and Thanksgiving! People must be really taking off! Imagine that.
How long from the time you submitted
your resume until they called you?
Long-Time MT, you're so very right ...
I'm one of the MT's still on straight transcribing and after having my primary transferred to PI and having the majority of decent work either going to ASR or being outshored I'm struggling every day just to try to make a below minimum line count. My paychecks have been nothing short of pitiful. It's so frustrating.
I used Meditech for a very long time.
I highly doubt you will make $20.00 an hour unless you work your fingers to the bone. There are some accounts that probably have what they call canned text, but these are usually built by the company or IT people and not by the MTs themselves.
I can say I learned to flip around the screens after a while, but you have to use your F keys a lot, which is sort of different than straight typing in Word.
Question for Long-time KS (sm)
Do you e-mail your daily line count in every day? If not, how do you do it? (I am not familiar at all with computers or Word or any of that, so, if you do it differently, could you please give instructions too? Thank you!
She has been there a very long time, but not since the beginning. sm
If it is who I think, she came from DDI to OTI. I was with OTI in the beginning and SE was not there until years later.
Time long gone when we could be separatists.
x
Long-time Futurenet IC...sm
I've been with Futurenet both full and part-time since 2001. I have ALWAYS found them to be a very good company to work for! The pay is very fair and is always on time. The people are extremely friendly and always willing to help. Work can be low at times, but Workflow does make an honest attempt to keep you as busy as possible. In my experience, when I start finding myself low on work, all I have to do is ask to train on another account and they always are more than happy to allow me to do so. Let's get real, everyone in this industry experiences work shortages at one time or another during the year. I personally won't work for anyone else!!!
So please don't listen to the one person on this board who is apparently hell bent and sounds to me like she has some sort of agenda. Bottom line, if you don't work you get the boot. If you cause problems and stir up trouble, you get the boot!
Listen to the MTs in this thread that actually work their normal schedules and have been with the company for years. There are WAY more satisfied employees or ex-employees of Futurenet than there are disgruntled ones.
By the way, welcome home Krista! I had no idea you were back.
I did for a long time, but job sharing
with another MT. Do you have a friend who is a transcriptionist? My friend and I worked our regular jobs and switched off every other day with the other one. We both made great extra money without feeling like we lived at the keyboard.
It has been little or no work for a long time now.
And the only thing I can get are those editing jobs that don't even come close to reimbursing you for the time spent trying to clean up the mess. I think making money at Transcend is a thing of the past. This company is definitely on my list of things to get rid when I do my summer housecleaning.
Long Time NY MT, would you mind
telling me what your line rate is?
Who is J&R? I figure I know but they have been gone a long time AND sm
one of them passed away. Get in with the times.
I have worked there for a long time
and the trainer at All Type is excellent. She is very patient, precise about the process, and no question is too dumb for her. She never makes you feel stupid for asking. All your account specifics are in writing so you can refer to them instead of sitting there in the dark. The typing platforms are varied but not difficult to learn.
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