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I agree... lots of flexibility offers

Posted By: a happier lifestyle... on 2008-01-04
In Reply to: On a brighter note..... - MTinMO

This is not the only field that offers flexibility or work from home status.  Congrats on your raise!  It's nice to know someone else likes this line of work....


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Love the flexibility, can't say I like the job. Anyone agree? sm

I'm an MT of about 10 years, 6 of which have been at home, and now I'm just trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my life.    I love the flexibility of being an MT (at home) but really can't say I enjoy being an MT at all.  I like working on my own and all that, but listening to awful doctors day after day just isn't too much fun!  lol   I'm forever contemplating going back to school (have 2 years of university credits from 15 years ago) but then I'd have to go outside the house to do whatever, and after the gazillion costs that go with that, probably would make less money (not that I make much now, mind you!).  Does anyone else feel the same way?  In my ideal world, when both kids are in school (I've got 2, ages 6 and 4), I'd go back to school full time to be a teacher or something.  The reality, however, is that we can't afford it.  Even if we could, would I really want to be a teacher and be stuck to a schedule every day (I'm an IC now and can work whenever, just 24 hour TAT)?


So, that's about all I needed to say.  Just very curious on what others feel about "long-term" career goals, kwim?  Thanks for your thoughts! 


I agree...I love being an MT and the flexibility it gives me...
nm
There are lots of us out here who agree with
You! I post off and on - most days just don't have the energy, though, as the negative just is so draining. But there are cycles on here, and sometimes for a short time the kinder people are the majority. I miss a lot of the old time posters. This board had a wealth of great regular posters, all driven off by the chaff. They didn't leave in shame or anything, just went on to more professional pastures. Its just the dark side of human nature - this board often reminds me of Lord of the Flies in cyberspace! Know what I mean? And exactly as you said, if these women - and I do for the most part believe 100% that its the women who are negative and catty - if these women saw us face-to-face at the old water cooler, they would drop the nasty mouth immediately! I love the MQ board - this handful of malcontents who work for a company that they claim to believe is robbing them blind. And they trash their bosses and the very hand that signs their paychecks! Its so shameful. If they truly believed they were getting robbed, they'd be long gone. And its got nothing to do with waiting out lawsuits. Some people are just wired like this. Again, every water cooler has them, and these are the lowest of the low in the work place - whether in house or at home employees. We can soften their gossip if we hang out for a while. It does work. Mostly, though, we can't respond to their obvious troll posts - its so hard, but sometimes you just have to not respond. That's what feeds the trolls - don't feed the trolls!!
I agree. Lots of information here. Also, sm
abbreviations and their expansions can be handed by using a double letter at the end if you want it expanded...CVA=CVA and CVAA=cerebrovascular accident. For 2 words I usually use the first 2 letters of each word, caca=cardiac catheterization. pued=pulmonary edema. Also try to develop long phrases where you use the first letter of each word. ptor=The patient was taken to the operating room, as well as different versions of where the patient could be taken, recovery room, angiography suite etc. Let your imagination run wild. I make a game of it and still add things on an almost daily basis. Good luck.
I would agree with the walking. And drink lots of

water.


I actually lost 20 lbs. after I started to work at home. No pastries, donuts, pies and candy in the break room anymore. :)  And I've had time to walk and I drink water instead of tons of coffee with cream and sugar.  Of course I still have my one cup in the morning so I won't yell at the kids. :)


Truth is, as an MT, I can't afford pastries or gourmet coffee.  The water comes out of the faucet and the exercise membership, i.e. walking the dog around the neighborhood is free!


Worked for me.  Give it a month.  You'll not only lose the 10 lbs., you'll really feel great.


Gotta agree with you there. My mom was a lab tech -- lots of Christmases and sm

Thanksgivings and other holidays she had to work.  Guess that's why it does not bother me so much.  The world doesn't stop spinning just because it is a holiday.   But those same people who do not want to work holidays would be stunned if they went to the ER and no one was there ... or their house burned down because the firemen wanted to be with their families  ... etc.


On the other hand, they did make it known to their employers when hiring on, so if the employer hired them, knowing that, then it is the employer who should get the "shame on you" to placing an extra burden on those of us who ARE willing to work and do our share on holidays.


I like the flexibility too, and I really need it so - sm
I will be sticking with it for quite a while. I cannot see any employer dealing with me needing mornings/afternoons off here and there to go to my chiroprator (since my accident in 10/2005-got T-boned by someone who ran the light) 2-3 x a week right now; take my 2 daughters to dance 2 x a week at 4:30 and 5 in the afternoon; go the the Oncolcogy clinic 1 x a month (now, was a lot more) and also Radiology every 3 months for my 5-y/o's cancer f/u; take/pick up my kids every day at 7:30/3:30 at the bus (granted I have 2 after school options available to me so I could eliminate the afterschool pick up or at least make it later). Would any one other that a PT employer put up with that, NO , I doubt it. I tested, passed, etc. a screening position for the TSA 2 years ago here in Richmond. Was going to take the job too as they said (at first) I could work 10-2 which would have worked good for me, but the pay sucked--I only make slightly less doing MT and I am no speed demon--and it was not worth the gas, daycare, mileage on my truck (about a 45 minute drive to the airport)--especially in the summer when the daycare costs triple. So I said thanks but no thanks. If I was offered $20/hour or even $15/hour I might have done it, considering it was "national security" it was not worth it to possibly put myself in harms way. So in order to get a job outside and be worth it you have to make at least $30K+ I think, not easy to find with just a BFA and office administration experience. I hope to finish up a paralegal certificate I started 9 years ago, need to re-enroll again at U of R....pricey though, 1 class costs $900...I have about 14 classes to go to get my certificate then maybe I will work outside the home, but that will be years down the road from now as it will probably take me another 7 to complete it as I only take 1 class a semester as it is too expensive and I have way to much going on. You should probably take a course or something, good to stimulate the brain and for a change of seen. I have not been back for 5 years and miss it. Meant to in 09-2004 but then my mom got ill, then died, then Jen got sick 6 months later...just could not find the time or inclination to re-enroll. But time to do it, in the meantime I will relish in my flexibility! (sorry for the book, tend to get carried away!)
Like the flexibility and usually really like the job. Of
course, there are some days that are not so great. Worked outside the home for years and I think I appreciate being at home more because of that. Wish I had known about this many years ago when my children were small.
BBQ, slaw, cornbread, ham, casseroles, lots of veggies, chicken pastry, lots of desserts!! BIG fami
.
I had that flexibility at MQ, but we also ran out of work so much,
x
Loss of flexibility
I haven't gotten my packet yet, but it sounds like we will have to submit a set schedule.  This is a problem if there is no work within your scheduled hours to work (which happens to me nearly every day).  Then I have to rearrange my life to be able to make any money.   It isn't going to work for me anymore.   
Like the sound of ur flexibility
Who is it that you work for? MQ but don't know who that is.
While getting more bonuses and flexibility and
Make sure you get the whole picture, okay?

work flexibility
I certainly empathize with your plight, and I get angry when I see these companies advertise for at-home moms and service wives. I am thinking it is not as it seems - without flexibility and its hard on the MT and the family. I also am looking for that very thing -flexibility enough to take care of my family's needs and meet MT requirements. That is not too much to ask for.
I was promised I would have flexibility, then NOTHING
I agree with you about the 24-hour TAT. I think some of you are misunderstanding what I expected and what I was told. I was told in my interview that their perfect candidate for at home MT was "people with small children". That came from my managers mouth! If that's the case, how can they think typing straight 8 hours a day is possible with small children in the home with you?

Furthermore, I am the lowest man on the totem pole, so I don't do STATS or anything that is very time sensitive.

My work that I do isn't usually signed off by a doc until a week or so later!

I'm not asking for 24 hours to do my work, but a split shift would be nice and they won't budge.

It doesn't help that I'm the only home MT with small kids. All the other MTs are older, with grown kids or never had kids at all.

I feel like I'm in a losing battle. I really need this job, so I do the best I can.

I know that if I could work a better shift that works for my family, my production would be even better.

Besides, the fatigue factor of typing for 8 hours straight is pretty bad.
Your idea of flexibility obviously isn't the same as
You'll have a better idea of questions to ask up front next time.

Also, though, changes can happen that can make them change how they work.


If she wants the flexibility, go to IC status with someone else. (nm)
x
The time flexibility is
the greatest thing about this work. My daughter's are grown but at times something will come up that I need to take care of and it's never a problem.

We are very fortunate!
Lots of inexpensive decorations at Big Lots. Had a party last year.
s
The biggest pro for me is the TOTAL flexibility...

As long as I get the work done, I can do it when I want to without being chained to my computer. 


Plus, I don't know why you think ICs net 50% less than if they work on an employee basis.  I've worked as both an IC and employee and, although I don't have benefits, I make much more as an IC.


Love my job there too. It's been over 2 years and I still like it. The key is flexibility
The work can fluctuate but if your patience and have some flexibility, they are awesome to work for. If you set to a certain schedule, it may be harder for you. Overall, they truly are a hidden gem.
LOTS and LOTS of video tapes and DVDs.
x
Yes, yes and yes!!! I had so many offers...

after I graduated that I was shocked!  The standard 2-year experience requirement was waived by every company I contacted. 


Yes, M-Tec is totally a self-paced, self-study program, but there is also incredible 1-on-1 instructor support.  The program is very comprehensive and definitely not easy but well worth every penny! 


If you want a career as an MT, you can't go wrong with M-TEC. 


 


CPL offers
are usually set in motion by what the MTSO is receiving in pay from the facility. As a small MTSO, I am very much restricted by what the facilities are willing to pay me as a vendor. It is an unfortunate circumstance, but it is a sign of the times. There are MTs willing to the work for 8 CPL, and if not, the Nationals outsource it overseas. I think that sums it up in a nutshell....It is a shame, but it is where the industry has gone of late. EMR, VR and outsourcing cutting into what a MTSO can get from the facilities for line rates. Sad but true....I hope you find what you're looking for.
I am not a CMT and I get job offers all of the
much unless you like having initials after your name.  It is not like you can put it on your reports.  XXX/xxx, CMT - can you?  So no one but the company you work for (who probably doesn't care) and you will know... nobody else.  Most CMTs complain they aren't compensated enough anyway, so who gives a hoot?  The only benefit I see is having initials after your name, which unless you are in this field, who knows what that means?  Sounds important, but to have to pay hundreds to test and then to fail only to have to pay hundreds to take it again?????  I'd think that one over and over and over and over... JMO.  A penny more a line???  Just seek out your own account and you'll make lots of extra pennies per line...  believe me!
It is only because no one offers that anymore
nm
I don't think anyone offers PT MTs benefits - sm
at least I have NEVER heard of any. I don't think I have ever even heard of any PT job that had benefits. All you can do is start making phone calls to said companies and ask them. Good luck.
Just because someone offers their opinion,...
and it differs from another's, does not make it negative.  You didn't hear what you wanted to hear in my responses, but that does not mean I am being negative toward you.  I just think you need to do your own work.  Asking for help is one thing, and asking for a handout is entirely different.
You may not need all that MPWord offers.

I've looked at MP Word several times myself and it just more than I need, although in a different setting/situation, I may need all the options. If you have a choice and you have MS Word available to you, you will be fine. You should have an encryption method available to you; WinZip offers encryption with it's Pro version, about $50.


Just something else for you to consider.


When you take on too much work. Getting 2 PT job offers plus have FT with national (sm)

Two local doctors offering me 2-3 hours per day each, plus the FT (about 6 actual hours of typing a day) with a national. 


One doctor is orthopedic, the other vascular surgeon (H&Ps in office).  One is a mumbler, the other has a lisp.  The national job is radiology (fairly easy - would be faster if I could master IT, though).


What should I do?  Am afraid I will take on more than I can handle and at same time, refuse a job that I later will regret.  I need the money, needless to say.  Anyone ever face this? 


I wonder if the state where you live offers
In Georgia they do have this, and a person who is convicted of a felony and completes the sentence requirements then has their rights restored, such as voting and the ability to officially answer "No" when asked about a felony conviction. Supposedly the information would not be available to a potential employer and most others, though I believe some are still privy to the information.
Does anyone know if IT offers a trial period? sm

From the comments on this post and the post I placed yesterday, I am convinced I would like to try IT.  I hate to spend $189 though and not like it but I do not see on their web site where they offer a money back trial period.  Also, do you know if you download it and have it immediately or if it comes in the mail? Thanks to all who have offered their opinions, it really helps!


Whoa, are you blessed! You see offers out here for 6-8 cpl
s
Only do Free offers - no cc needed!
Take a look at my blog again - even in free offers they are trying to sell you something, you simply say "No Thank you". Also, I included a couple of links that are how-to guides. E-mail me if you need more help or visit the forum. Best wishes!
For Iowa their 12 cpl is good. IHP usually offers...
11 cpl to contractors. If you're from Iowa IHP should be one you recognize, their statewide.

The local service in Waterloo, pays their MTs 6 cpl, ridiculous. Hospitals paying hourly are still around $9 hourly.

It's the midwest, for those others who don't know but cost of living is nothing near other areas of the country.

Personally, I work for a national on the east coast and make 10 cpl employee status, far better than anything I've seen in my home state.
Have 2 job offers, one pays 9 cents per 65...sm
character line and the other 11 cents per 85 character line.  I am not sure how to figure the difference so am not sure which might be the better offer line rate wise.  I would SO appreciate some help!
MQ offers PT employees benefits
You have to work 24 hours a week to be eligible.  I don't carry the insurance, so I don't know much else about it, but I'm sure if you read through the MQ board, someone on there will mention it and you can email them.
2 separate companies/offers
x
Medgarde offers PT and just noticed that they ask if you own Lanier.
nm
Obviously, she can or the offers wouldn't be coming out of the woodwork.
I've been turning down offers lately, too.
The place I work already offers 800 numbers for all
inside accounts and most outside accounts as well. Not all are not good to the MTs.
U.S. offers them medical school at a discount
if they remain in the country and practice in out of the way places for a period of time before returning to their country or to a higher wage earning position within the medical establishment.
This is cool...ShortHand offers monthly SM

subscriptions.  I have a free trial right now and was worried I wouldn't have the whole $99 after my trial, but I can buy a subscription and save for another month!  That's so cool!  I didn't know they did that.  Didn't know if others knew, so thought I'd share. :)


Chickadee


Have you seen: Internship offers 3cpl on Job Seekers Bd?
Even as an intern, that should be considered criminal. I don't understand what some companies are thinking when they do that sort of thing.

Just a thought.
Bytescribe offers a 14-day trial (DocShuttle).
xx
Stedman's offers 1/4ly now? Didn't know that. Love it anyway! nm
s
I received 2 job offers from posting here just last week.

Switch offers free trial so can see if it is what
x
Stedman's offers great discounts, too..
x
Cardioscribes offers insurance and 5 days PTO to their ICs. nm
nm
My homeowner's carrier offers business riders, but
it's only additional liability in case one of my clients gets injured on the premises, and then a computer equipment rider.