I have been an MT for 15 years. I feel burned out, SM
Posted By: question on 2005-07-15
In Reply to:
and was wondering how others deal with it. I can't seem to get my momentum back.
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We all get burned out, don't feel alone. That is good (sm)
money. You can set your own hours, etc. But, taxes are a concern as well. I went to work for our local nursing home and found it more rewarding emotionally. Actually was left money by a lady I use to stay and play cards with. So just remember to be true to yourself and there are people who do good things when you least expect it. So your efficiency obvious has not gone ignored, but take the break if you feel you need it and go back when your ready. That's the great thing about being an IC!!
You have my respect, I was that way for years, but got burned out! nm
x
Unfortuantely this lady has pretty much burned her bridges with everyone years ago. sm
No one...and I mean no one will set foot in that house to relieve my in laws. It is a very sad situation.
if you feel like that after 12 years, and I feel like that after six months
what hope is there?
I only have 4+ years but I feel some of it is
dependent on the MT tools like spell checkers, electronic dictionaries, etc. Also, you may learn to do everything the first year and hire on with some company that has a limited amount of specialties or no variety in the type of report you type. Or maybe you are totally correct in some cases. Just thought I'd offer another perspective.
byyye:)
Don't feel bad. For the first time in 2 years,
I didn't get my lines or hours. Work has been low lately. I've usually been way above the required production.
Dummy, don't feel bad. I've been doing this for 16 years
NM
I feel your pain. I have 30 years experience,
MT and QA, but have found it takes so long to go thru the whole testing process before even speaking to a human - while I love working at home and online, its one drawback to me - having to apply amongst apparently thousands of others, and you are just an email address for most of the process. Very tiring. And the testing? Horrible! There are some programs that help you hook up your foot pedal - Express Scribe? But still its so awkward. I easily transcribe 300 LPH without a sweat, but on testing? Its so not user friendly. I would apply at so many companies, but just get overwhelmed at the thought. At least I'm just looking for part-time work, though, so it is easier to put it off. Hang in there! And I know what you mean about not hearing from them. I have always tested perfectly, and often don't hear from the companies for months - other times, I will have an offer within 2 minutes. Just depends on the companies, but to hear nothing is so disheartening and unprofessional.
Thank you for your answer! That helped me a lot. I have been an MT for 4 years and feel i should ma
n
No, I do not feel that way, but I understand. A few years ago, I was feeling similar, but
when I look at what I make an hour ($30-40) who is going to pay me that without a Masters? I have it pretty darn good and will see it through until retirement - about 30 years from now (hopefully if I live that long) LOL.
You just need to find a good paying company or hospital and you will feel much better. The healthcare industry is here to stay, whether it be VR or offshoring. Most hospitals are bringing MT back in house. Not all hospitals agree with offshoring out of the country. There is a big world out there - go get em. Don't be discouraged.
30 yr and not burned out
I suppose it is different for everyone as to how to keep it somewhat fresh.
for me, maybe it is because I seldom 'kill' myself on the job (rather 'for' the job) anymore unless there is a dandy bonus. I have a comfortable pace, take frequent breaks and set reasonable line count goals.
When i'm done working, I make time for myself, relaxing, gardening, messing with my critters, etc.
I try to keep a good attitude about my work (venting when i'm irritated vs. getting ulcers) and am truly thankful for what God has provided, which helps reinforce the good attitude.
I have been an MT for 15 yrs and I am burned out too. Don't know how people say they
zz
But I crashed and burned.
All three MTSOs had the bulk of their work on the same day each week, so it didn't work out. I quit one and only do the small one on the weekends or evenings. I asked the "good" one for more hours so I didn't have to work three jobs.
It's one thing to think about how much money you "could" make if you were working XX hours at XX lines per hour. It's quite another thing to actually do it. I get slower the more I type and the later in the day it gets. It's better for me to get up early and crank out as many lines as I can by noon. Then if there's anything left, I can do it at a leisurely pace.
Me thinks you have burned one too many..
I'm also in agreement with the movement to legalize marijuana, but come on--do you think this group shares your views? Save your passion for the petitions.
I am so burned out....someone revive me please!!!!
I have been doing this job for 14 years and my production has just bottomed out. I just can't seem to get anywhere. I have a great job working from home for a hospital who sent us all home eight years ago with health insurance, great dictators, large volume of work (270 bed hospital) at 11 cpl on a 60-character line. I also work for a brain and neurospine clinic at home and they pay me 13 cpl on a 65-character line. I could be making all kinds of money, but I just can't seem to get motivated anymore. I really don't want to change jobs, I just need some ideas on how to get yourself going again after being in a slump. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated before my husband kills me for not pulling my weight on the financial part. Thanks guys 
burned to a crisp
Anyone else finding it difficult to stay focused in long dictations? I can feel energetic when first logging on to work, but after a couple of long dictations, I'm burned out and ready to throw up. Wondering if I need to change careers after over 2 decades in this field. Didn't used to get burned out like this. Menopause kicking in, too, and it seems like my memory is going...
burned to a crisp
Thanks, you guys, for helping me feel like maybe I'm not losing my mind. :) Great ideas from both of you (vitamins, herbs, lots of water, splitting the day into halves or thirds). I know that I'm capable of doing so much better (if I only had a brain, like the song from Wizard of Oz!). I used to be super-productive and made excellent money. Nowadays, I can barely pay my bills. I second that emotion about naps during the daytime.
burned to a crisp
Wow. You DO sound happy! I'm happy for you. :) Do you need a degree to enter your career field?
those burned oils stick to EVERYTHING.
I've thought about it, but am usually too burned out ..(s/m)
.. at the end of the day to want to do more transcribing. But that may be a good way to get my feet wet... maybe filling in as a part time IC for someone who is on sick leave or vacation, so it would only be temporary.
Thanks for your thoughts!
I'm majorly burned out. I have CTS, and I've
recently started on antidepressants. While I haven't actually changed companies I've been looking. I've interested and/or tested with multiple companies and every one has offered me a position, but none of them can offer me the flexibility that I need, the line rate I currently make, the easy platform I have, not to mention I have been with this company 5 years so I'm comfortable with my dictators. The thought of having to change all that I think would be too stressful, so I'm staying put. I don't really have any issues with my company, I just thought a change might help get me out of this slump. My line count keeps going down and I need it to go up.
Sorry I can't answer your question, but wanted to let you know you aren't alone. I agree with other poster, take some time off. It might not be the solution long-term, but it will give you some time to rest. Even if you just take a 1/2 day off (since you're an IC and you s/l you need the $$) it will help.
Try "jaded and burned" and it's more accurate
Sure, there are bad MTSOs, but I get sick of people blaming all the MTSOs for all the problems. Flaky transcriptionists are nothing new; it seems they just "get around" more now that we have Internet based transcription.
Once bitten, twice shy. Twice burned, thrice learned. :) nm
x
Update on another one burned by Four Seasons Transcription
Okay shocking news here. I just received part of the pay Robin owes me. Why, not sure. Supposedly she''s in the hospital, but I also was told she's famous for "being in the hospital for surgery" as an excuse for nonpayment. I'm still not sure what made her go ahead and pay part of what she owes me... I just hope my other invoices get paid as she bills the acct for them. Now if she seriously was in the hospital she has my sympathy BUT according to other MT's she's burned... this is a signature Robin move... minus the actually getting paid... I honestly don't know what to say.
BioSpot not safe, burned the hair off the back of my cat.
please see link. Cheaper when using pesticides on your animal companions is definitely not the way to go, and use all other topicals very sparingly.
http://www.apnm.org/publications/resources/fleachemfin.pdf
Yet another one burned by Robin Hall/Four Seasons Transcription
Robin managed to find me via Guru.com. I wish I had read the earlier warnings about her on here back then. I kept on working believing she way pay, falling for her excuses. She's very good at what she does. My paycheck was 5 weeks late when I finally said enough and told her I could no longer work for her on 02/01/08. Since that time I haven't been able to contact her through home phone, cell phone, e-mail, yahoo messenger or anything. I even tried calling her business number listed on her website for Four Seasons... guess what... that number has been disconnected with no forwarding number. She got me for over $800. The part I feel the worst about is I referred a friend to her shortly after starting with her myself. Robin now owes that friend over $900 and has still not paid her to this day. I know there's nothing I can do (still investingating legal action though) about what she did to me. I mainly want to warn other MT's about her. Please... before any of you accept a job at ANY company IC or employee.... check them out in any way possible.
Becka
You're right, i spend way too much time on this board when should be working, I am just so burned
NM
I feel people who feel like this post
needs to a) either be a stay at home mother and not work or b) realize that she is no queen bee and I could care less about a degree. What company out here that you know of compensates for having a degree? Means nothing to them. Your working and being there when they assign/need/require/whatever is what you should do IF YOU WANT A JOB in this field, otherwise get out and do something else or become that babysitter.
You're not losing it, you're burned out on your main job.
I feel for you... I am having my own "version" ;-) of these kinds of struggles. Lots of recent changes at the admin level have made my job do a 180, going from a really great one to a really crappy one.
For me, it's a struggle to get through the day with a shred of motivation. I get distracted in the way you discuss as well.
I just try to make my environment as comfortable as possible and make the best of it while I decide what the best way is to deal with the burnout... I figure if I can't change my inner brain workings so that I still like this job, I need to find another one, or this feeling will possibly get worse!
I hope it works out for you. Wish I had some better advice for you, but this really does look like burnout and extreme job dissatisfaction to me. We all wear it differently. Try to be good to yourself while you figure out a solution.
No need to feel badly for me - feel badly for an adult who has no control of his/her own life!
I hope these people didn't produce any daughters! Bad, bad example!
58, AHP/self-taught, trained at hospital 5 years, now with 2 of my own accounts for 10 years, employ
Also worn out 2 keyboards in 4 years. I will never retire. DH will come home some day from work and I'll be slumped over my keyboard. I put in 14 hours a day 7 days a week.
Pack years = packs smoked per day x years of smoking - sm
25 pack-years = 25 years of 1 pack a day, or 12-1/2 years of 2 packs a day.
I don't think pack-years applies to someone who smokes only cigars. But I don't know for sure.
I worked for Cbay for 3 years. I was also part of their lay off back many years ago. sm
Even though I got stuck in a lay off era, I still love the company. They paid well then. The people were nice (exception of 1 person) and if I had the opportunity I would go back again. Fortunately (or unfortunately - depending on how u look at it), I have a great paying job right now, so I am not looking for a change. I do know that at one time, they asked management to accept late paychecks, but never sure of the reason why. My check was never late.
I know it used to be 5-10 years back, but the laws changed within the last 2 years. They can only g
x
6 years legal then switched to medical 17+ years ago. sm
I don't mind doing legal and will do it now from time to time, but be prepared to be totally bored out of your mind.
At least that's the way I feel. I love to transcribe, learned legal in college, went on to get my paralegal degree, etc., etc., but I did temp work when the kids were younger, which was about 90% medical and I would never go back to legal except for once in a while.
Booooooring.
Only 3 years away from reaching total years for retirement
but if I had to do this and raise a family, would feel exactly like you do. The pay is terrible compared to what I used to make. I work 32 hours a week, hope to be able to continue even after full retirement age. I have worked on VR now and unless places get to where they really do not care about how their reports look, think they will need MTs. I very seldom do a report and it is 100%, just cannot remember 1 like that and most take a lot more editing. Working now because want to, not have to anymore, thank goodness!!
I dumped my ex 20 years ago, but got lucky 13 years ago
It would take me all night and pages and pages to describe what a bad person my ex-husband was. After six years of putting up with his OCD, verbal abuse and alcohol, I left him the house, took the kids (5 and 1) and didn't look back. That was 20 years ago.
I wasn't looking to get married again, but I did. After 13 years I only complain when hubby doesn't see things my way. :)
My older kids, who were 5 and 1 when I left, are married and have kids of their own now. My husband gets the Father's Day cards. Their "real" father sits alone in the perfect little house I left behind and let him have and he drinks himself into oblivion every night because nobody is "perfect" enough, including his kids and his grandkids that he never sees.
Sad, but true. So glad I smartened up and got out of there when I did.
We have been supporting other countries for years and years now.
What is the big deal. Look at your clothes, cars, items in your house. You will see mostly China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan etc., etc. We have not supported our own people like we should have for years now!!!!
Only 2 in 13 years for me. First Edix for 8 and now Webmedx for nearly 5 years. nm
.
When I trained, back years and years ago
We did not have spell checking nor the internet (Google for instantaneous help). OMG, how did we do it? We used Correcting Selectrics with the lift-off tape to correct errors- you only had dictionaries, both English and medical, to look up things so yes we did have to learn to spell all those big longgggggggggg words.
MT: 24 years. Same company: 11 years same co. after buyout.
x
Grammar Question: 9 years' ago or 9 years ago? *sm*
 I have a terrible time trying to remember this rule! HELP!
Worked inhouse for years and years
Inhouse transcription from 1973 to approximately 1992 and we had no downtime for answering the phones and when the physicians came into the room (or others) needing some assistance, just part of the job. I did not feel bad about doing it then and I dont see why you would either. You don’t realize that probably you are making right now more than if you are outsourced, right? You have hourly salary plus incentive. Guess how many of us have that now? Probably inevitable about outsourcing so I would say just enjoy while you can. The pay our here now sinks further and further. I make, for instance, 4 cents a line for voice recognition and 8 for straight. Now, more complaining?
19 years old...married 26 years. nm
n
they've been doing this for years and years (nm)
IMHO
People have been saying that for years and years - SM
however, I am working fewer hours and making more money. I think maybe the answer here is working as an IC for a one-owner company. MTSO was an MT for many years and she knows the secret to making lots of $ is putting your MTs doing what they do best and leaving them alone.
I don't think it is the "national" part of services that hurts. I think the low wages can be gauged by the number of suits in the company. More suits = less $.
And why pay QA? Just hire people experienced/good enough to do the work correctly the first time.
I have been doing Radiology only the last two years after several years (sm)
of acute care. I love it and find it easier although not as interesting as acute care. I was told by those who hired me that a good medical Transcriptionist will be able to do Radiology even with no experience in it. There are some specialized terms but easy to learn. I would never go back to acute care unless there were very good dictators and good sound quality.
30 (!) years; OTJ (don't think there were schools 30 years ago) nm
:)
Years ago it was 7 years. Not certain as to status now.
10 years here, too, and making 8.4....same as i was 5 years ago. nm
f
Shame on me.. Am I the only one with 4+ in 2 years, but with my last one 2 years.
Lots of little "stints" in between, just trying to keep my head above water.
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