I think we're arguing the same point
Posted By: just saying it differently on 2008-03-03
In Reply to: If offshore wasnt paid less, US MTs wouldnt - have to accept less. Got it? nm
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Well your statement sounds equally closed-minded to the one you're arguing with
Where one person prefers to live and why is their own business and no reason to diss someone else's personal choice.
No you don't know what you're talking about. The point is
no matter what you call it or how you slice it, the only difference in tax payment between an IC and an employee is the 7.5% self employment taxes and also, less the deductible expenses. I don't know who does your taxes but I bet it isn't you because you don't know the first thing about them. It only costs 7.5% more to be IC status. period.
Point is -- He told you to do it and you're not.
lol
You're right, to a point, Sherri
I really WAS very blessed that my first 2 service jobs were under excellent mentors. I have some horror stories from my hospital job after 3 years of service work (yes, I did it backwards, lol!) - the jealousy, the backbiting, the (very wrong) accusations of cherry-picking. Our in-house "quota" was 1000 lines in 8 hours. I could do that and still take a 15-minute break every hour, so I was regularly posting in the 1500's and had once or twice exceeded 2000. The jealous gossip that inspired still confuses me. I tried hard not to talk about my production, but everybody could see everybody else's production for the day, which doctors they had transcribed, how many reports, etc., so there was just no way to avoid being compared to everybody else. The icing on the cake was when I needed FMLA (and then used that up and needed an unpaid personal leave) to care for my dying child. I couldn't leave the job because I was the one carrying the health insurance that covered his treatment, but you better believe I was out of there within 6 months after he passed away!
And I didn't get started talking about a particular supervisor at a particular service (NOT the Q or any of its acquisitions). I was every bit as thankful that she WAS NOT my first supervisor as I WAS thankful that Fran and Carolyn were my first mentors!!!
Anyway, my point to this whole tirade, whether others agree or not, is this: While our profession may be doomed in the long run, we will feel better about ourselves and be able to sleep peacefully at night if we remember to treat others with kindness and respect. We don't have to be everybody's perfect mentor, but at least we can try to not be hurtful, and at least we can find a few to mentor that we are hopeful will succeed.
Good point! You're funny! :-) (sm)
She is a mess, however, my best girlfriend heard that she just signed a contract for 3, count 'em, THREE more years. How can this be?? Simon will make this his last year unless they offer him another mint to stay. I can't imagine.
You're still missing the point. She needs to hear ALL sides.
Like I said somewhere way down below somewhere, many of us have done it successfully, but TIMES HAVE CHANGED. She needs to hear ALL sides, and she needs to know what she will be up against if she decides to pursue MT training.
I fully support stay-at-home moms. I was one myself. Still at home most of the time with pre-teens and a college student. I'm thankful every day that I did not have to put them in daycare. I applaude those who make that decision and make it work. My kids are well adjusted, secure, and all-around good kids. I will never regret my decision to go to school to be an MT so I could "work from home."
BUT IT DOESN'T WORK WELL FOR EVERYONE. The OP needs to hear the good along with the not-so-good.
As far as MT being an "at-home career," I've been an at-home MT, in-office MT, at-home editor, in-office editor, QA manager, QA consultant, and a college MT instructor. There are many avenues in this career; not all of them are at home, and there are advantages and disadvantages to all situations. I've seen it from a lot of different perspectives. My personal experience with MT has been great. But I've seen (and have personally known) many whose experiences weren't so grand. I've also had students who were talented, motivated and truly gifted for the profession of MT who spent thousands upon thousands of dollars, not to mention the hours of work, to earn a certificate with the hopes of working from home immediately after graduation so they could stay at home with their young kids who were suddenly faced with the harsh reality that the jobs were going to India, and most, if not all, MTSOs require 2 years of experience and won't even consider a new grad. As I stated previously, there ARE exceptions to this, but there are FEW exceptions. That's a fact that needs no debate. Granted, motivation, hard work and perseverance do pay off, and the motivation to stay at home with one's baby is the strongest motivation I can think of.
But still--again--stick to the original question and lighten up on those who don't see the world as you see it. There are many, many perspectives and she will benefit from hearing all of them.
You're just wanting to argue and point out flaws.
Go on and wonder and murmur.
LOL
Don't even both arguing with her because
it will make no difference. She has this thinking that no one can change, and quite honestly I think she is quite a hypocrite. Look at the gab board where she says none of us could make it working outside of the house because we are not professionals, but really housewives trying to make a living.
Oh, I'm sorry, you can't look there because all the posts probably got deleted...yet some of her nonsense is still there.
Oh, I'm sorry, you can't look there because all the posts problem got deleted...yet some of her nonsense is still there.
And I am not arguing that at all and I never
what you are doing with your time. But when you are not meeting the deadline and you always have an excuse as to why you couldn't meet the deadline, and it's because you are doing everything BUT getting your work done, then it's time for me to find a new MT. If your personal life gets in the way of you meeting your deadline, then I will find someone who makes getting their work done a priority. Some people seem to think that they should take care of everything they want to do and then if they have time, they will get their work in by the deadline. Sorry, no. That's why I said work first, then play. It's called good work ethic. And as I said, I don't care what the MT does when as long as the work is turned in by deadline. If it's not, then that's a problem.
I'm not arguing with you - sm
All I was saying is that one has to look at the end picture and decide for themselves if it is worth it or not. To look only at the cpl is not sufficient.
Yes, the industry is no longer MT friendly. Platforms are definitely not for our benefit. I have worked behind the scenes for too many years when some plaftforms were just in beta testing stages. I've walked away from accounts because it just wasn't worth it any longer. But not everyone is in the same position that I am lucky enough to be in.
For now, I know I can't leave my house and make more than $25 per hour without completing my degree, so until then I'll stay where I am.
To those below arguing politics...
Please dispute this. I welcome it. It seems like Bush's "lies" had lots of company, although those quoted below have washed their hands of their own comments. How convenient.
"One way or the other, we are determined to deny Iraq the capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to deliver them. That is our bottom line." President Clinton, Feb. 4, 1998
"If Saddam rejects peace and we have to use force, our purpose is clear. We want to seriously diminish the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program."
President Clinton, Feb. 17, 1998.
"Iraq is a long way from [here], but what happens there matters a great deal here. For the risks that the leaders of a rogue state will use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face."
Madeline Albright, Feb 18, 1998.
"He will use those weapons of mass destruction again, as he has ten times since 1983."
Sandy Berger, Clinton National Security Adviser, Feb, 18,1998.
"[W]e urge you, after consulting with Congress, and consistent with the U.S. Constitution and laws, to take necessary actions (including, if appropriate, air and missile strikes on suspect Iraqi sites) to respond effectively to the threat posed by Iraq's refusal to end its weapons of mass destruction programs."
Letter to President Clinton, signed by Sens. Carl Levin, Tom Daschle, John Kerry, and others Oct. 9, 1998
"Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process."
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D, CA), Dec. 16, 1998.
"Hussein has ... chosen to spend his money on building weapons of mass destruction and palaces for his cronies."
Madeline Albright, Clinton Secretary of State, Nov. 10, 1999.
"There is no doubt that ... Saddam Hussein has reinvigorated his weapons programs. Reports indicate that biological, chemical and nuclear programs continue apace and may be back to pre-Gulf War status. In addition, Saddam continues to redefine delivery systems and is doubtless using the cover of a licit missile program to develop longer-range missiles that will threaten the United States and our allies."
Letter to President Bush, Signed by Joe Lieberman (D-CT), John McCain (Rino-AZ) and others, Dec. 5, 2001
"We begin with the common belief that Saddam Hussein is a tyrant and a threat to the peace and stability of the region. He has ignored the mandated of the United Nations and is building weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them."
Sen. Carl Levin (D, MI), Sept. 19, 2002.
"We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country."
Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002.
"Iraq's search for weapons of mass destruction has proven impossible to deter and we should assume that it will continue for as long as Saddam is in power."
Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002.
"We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developing weapons of mass destruction."
Sen. Ted Kennedy (D, MA), Sept. 27, 2002.
"The last UN weapons inspectors left Iraq in October of 1998. We are confident that Saddam Hussein retains some stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons, and that he has since embarked on a crash course to build up his chemical and biological warfare capabilities. Intelligence reports indicate that he is seeking nuclear weapons..."
Sen. Robert Byrd (D, WV), Oct. 3, 2002.
"I will be voting to give the President of the United States the authority to use force-- if necessary-- to disarm Saddam Hussein because I b elieve that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security."
Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Oct. 9, 2002.
"There is unmistakable evidence that Saddam Hussein is working aggressively to develop nuclear weapons and will likely have nuclear weapons within the next five years ... We also should remember we have always underestimated the progress Saddam has made in development of weapons of mass destruction."
Sen. Jay Rockerfeller (D, WV), Oct 10, 2002.
"He has systematically violated, over the course of the past 11 years, every significant UN resolution that has demanded that he disarm and destroy his chemical and biological weapons, and any nuclear capacity. This he has refused to do"
Rep. Henry Waxman (D, CA), Oct. 10, 2002.
"In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weap ons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al Qaeda members ... It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons."
Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct 10, 2002.
"We are in possession of what I think to be compelling evidence that Saddam Hussein has, and has had for a number of years, a developing capacity for the production and storage of weapons of mass destruction."
Sen. Bob Graham (D, FL), Dec. 8, 2002.
"[W]ithout question, we need to disarm Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal, murderous dictator, leading an oppressive regime ... He presents a particularly grievous threat because he is so consistently prone to miscalculation ... And now he is miscalculating America's response to his contin ued deceit and his consistent grasp for weapons of mass destruction ... So the threat of Saddam Hussein with weapons of mass destruction is real ..."
Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Jan. 23. 2003.
Help I am arguing and can't stop!
Folks just reading what you want to read? I said I have to drive across Brown, Clermont and Hamilton counties into Indiana to get to those kids and their other grandma does not have a computer. It is a one hour and 20 minute drive each way and no I did NOT want to retire. They could not be taken out of school to come here. At our age and living in rural areas, we could not find babysitters on such short notice. Listen as a single mother raising my kids, I worked two and three jobs. Times are different. And if you had read my post you would have seen that I drive a long way to get to them and they have no computer. Just stop it OK? I just got a private email from a gal on here...she says y'all are suffering after effects from the full moon and the eclipse. Lighten up....I ONLY wanted to know how to get a job that would let me earn less than $900. If it were illegal or an "easy" way out....no one would let you do it and they DO, even Social Security. I just wanted info on how to be an IC. You folks need a stiff drink. Take care and thank you....and thank you to A and also to K.....you two know who you are...and you answered my questions. And also in this day and age, you just don't leave your kids with "anyone." Our family is small and isolated and this was our only option in the short run.
I can't believe you guys are arguing about something so stupid. nm
x
Exactly! And now the original poster is arguing
with us about working Christmas when that was her supposed original dilemma - we can't win, eh? Unreal. And now that I feel like mentioning it - not having a contract is nothing to brag about - there are laws for patient's privacy issues, etc., and our industry is going to be challenged by US citizens who, while finding out about offshoring Indians transcribing our work, are also not thrilled at the idea of their next-door neighbor sitting in their living room with jammies on, transcribing their medical records without any legal contracts - scary stuff. Not professional to say the least. Of course, the original poster will now argue that she is a 100% pro - though she didn't know what her rights were when it came to working holidays...
Sorry. I wasnt arguing with you. Im just generally
it just gets me p1ssed off, and then i start ranting!
What a clear case of nothing better to do -- arguing over something so silly. nm
x
I didn't apply, so that's a moot point. The point I was making is that
she's ranting here about something that doesn't even pertain to most of us. You can't come to a MT message board railing at MTs without getting a response. That's why it's not called MTSOstars. Also, it's unprofessional of a business owner to let her emotions overrule her common sense. As for the newbies, they'll learn. We were all newbies at one time or another. None of us was born perfect, not even the MTSO.
You missed my point. My point wasn't perks but prestige...nm
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The point wasn't that it was copyrighted. The point the poster tried to make
:(
That's not my point. My point is previous owner hired
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not my point, actually. My point was the bigotry is the same.
The bigotry's always there. Not all "Mexicans" are Mexican, nor are they all illegal. My point is, though, people used to make remarks about cabbage smell about the Irish just like comments are made now about how nasty Mexicans are.
Every time somebody says something about "those people," something bigoted is coming out. That's all I'm saying.
For Pete's sake, you're not terminating a pregnancy, you're just typing a report after the
It's already been done before you even hear about it, and NOTHING changes regardless of whether you or someone else types it. Sheesh.
It's not funny when you're on a board where language is one skill you're selling.
.
Hope you're gonna have a glass of wine while you're relaxing
in your spa goodies. Congrats!
Well, you're all complaining that accounts are current and work is low, so, gee, maybe they're
focusing on WORK, as in CLIENT and transcribing, as maybe half of you should be focusing on!!
If you're experienced, try for 9cpl or higher, and you're lucky to get that! nm
s
Skip it. No one cares. Either you're good on the test or you're not.
x
You're probably right. Plus we're losing our percentage of good people by .... (sm)
allowing every loser from every 3rd world country on the planet to just stroll on into our country, some legally, most illegally, and take advantage of the social services all us hard working little gerbils pay for by having money taken out of our pay every month. But I don't think we're all lazy. Just the ones on permanent welfare driving around town in brand-new Cadillac Escalades. Saw one just today on the Bayshore Fwy. Brand-new black Escalade with expensive spinner wheels, with 5 or 6 Mexicans in it. Well, who knows - maybe they stole it and it was on its way to a chop-shop. Smart-and-hungry people aren't always hard-working and honest.
You're not going to find a word expander for free. You're going to have to pay
g
You're forgetting all the stuff you can't buy when you're UNEMPLOYED!
Unemployed people have a hard time buying anything, including cheaply made offshore products. How many will have to end up depending on public assistance? That means more tax dollars being eaten up - besides the taxes NOT being collected from the overseas workers. In the long run, are you really enjoying a lower price?
If you're on the job, ask for samples to do it how they want it. If you're testing, separate o
s
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.
Don't know what you're complaint you're making with this post. sm
You stated in your original post that you don't want to work weekends or odd shifts. What is your definition of an odd shift? Second shift? Third shift? Sounds like you want to work M-F on days. Sounds kind of rigid to me. 
Personally I like second shift, so everyone working days means more work for me! 
You're not under a rock, you're just like me... an adult with more to
s
It's not because you're beautiful, it's because you're an IDIOT!
Does that make it any clearer for you??
YOU'RE A SACK OF CRAP!! YOU'RE NOT
THE ADMINISTRATOR. WHAT DO YOU THINK WE ARE IDIOTS???
 
Honey you're not being a shrew, you're being a
I don't get it when husbands and wives *allow* the other to have money that THEY work for...just don't get it. Go buy the flippin' keyboard and tell him to take a hike! (To put it sweetly!)
Why is it the only expander you're permitted to use? How would any know what you're using?
xx
They think they're smart to accept it, but they're
m
If they're withholding taxes, you're not an IC.
As an IC, you should already be paying taxes. That said, the only benefit having them withhold FICA is that your Social Security/Medicare share will be less. Social Security is 15%; if you're an employee, you pay 7.5% and your employer pays 7.5%. As an IC, you pay 15%. Doing the math, 0.0925 would be your 0.10 minus 7.5%--the 0.0924 is just a tad less than you're making now.
We're out here (good MTs) but we're busy! sm
I don't recall ever taking an employment test where I wasn't offered a job. My MTSO does not even look at my work unless I happen to have a question or a blank, which happens maybe once in every 30 or so reports with an ESL. If you find a really good MT, how much training would be involved? Certainly you would save time in the long run once they're trained and you don't have to check all their work.
If you're one of the MTDesk clan then you're ok
wersdffa
You're right if you're single it's tough.
I am an IC as well, but I have a husband with benefits and makes a fair buck. I am fortunate after 20 years to able to work from home. I worked on site for 17 years with a "chocolate cake" the day I left. Nothing more... The loyalty in any profession is gone, gone, and gone again.
Most companies want new employees/ICs that will take low pay and that won't cost much in the way of paying vacation time.
I do take every Friday off and try only to get on to check e-mail, etc.
However, I wouldn't trade being here for my kids at this point.
There are headaches no matter what profession you are in. It seems if it isn't one thing it's another.
Raises? Out of the question in this profession since most are afraid they will lose the account including myself. I also underbid my last account because I wanted the account so bad. I should be charging more.
It is a neverending cycle really.
But, I still enjoy the work, so I guess that's the difference. It does take will power to sit and type. Some people need that boss hanging around to keep the production up and the incentive of a nice paycheck is just not good enough.
Good luck with your new job! Sounds great!
If you're new, good - if you're not a newbie, not so hot
Would need to know how long you have been an MT. For a newbie, this is a pretty good rate of speed.
However, if you have anything over a couple years of experience, then this is not too hot.
Also, what are the dictators like? Is it a "United Nations" account??
If you ARE capable of 200 lph or more and you can't seem to get it, then the problem has got to be with the platform you are using. In my experience, the platform into which you transcribe can make or break your paycheck - so if the platform stinks, then I hate to tell you, but there is no way you will be able to improve your line rate. I have quit jobs because of awful platforms more than once.
You realize by doing that they're making more money & you're making less? You should reconsid
A point well taken. However.....sm
...on the other hand the June Cleavers of the past had no alternatives. The liberation of women over the past half-century has given us the strength and self-reliance to walk away from an abusive or dead relationship or marriage.
I see your point quite clearly.
The FBI has consultants over there. There have been search teams from day 1 and also a search team from Texas. These people have cooperated with US government. They are also conducting an investigation of one of their citizens who more than likely has rights not to be interogated by a foreign government. You seem to think these people are illiterate and stupid. You have preconceived notions from the media and Mrs. Twitty that the Arubans are protesting, which is this country is like a third-world country run by idiots and keystone cops.  So open your mind and think things thru. Our government has messed up so many things in its own right (sex offfenders lost in the system or set free for example) why would you think they could get this right?
The point is?
"Can you believe there is trainee from India, living here in the U.S., who has been training on my primary account for the past TWO months at least....the problem is all she wants to do are the good American dictators and she is ALLOWED to skip, pass over, cherry pick past her own countrymen's bad dictations."
You have a high up source in your company who told you this? Why? And this issue has not been discussed with those in charge? Why?
What platform is this Indian in America working on that she can cherry pick past her "countrymen's bad dictations"
The only reason I question this is because it would be very ethical for this high up source to be telling you this and if you get mad enough you could blow the whistle. But since I have no dim-witted unethical high sources in my company who will actually tell me there is an Indian MT who is living in America and for two months has been "allowed" to cherry pick I couldn't fathom how you could possibly have this info.
So you knowing this is probably not good for your blood pressure or your high souce informant's job security. What's the point in you having this info?
another point sm
we have failed to mention that working at home can be VERY isolating. Sometimes I go for days and the only other adult I talk to is my husband. If you're on your own, you need to make sure that you stay in touch with friends and family, or else you can become very isolated before you know it! There's a lot to think about when it comes to working at home, these are just a few of the issues being discussed here! 
I see your point.
I'm not afraid of my kids, and I am their parent, not friend. I just don't want to completely isolate them from the world. I don't think controlling behavior is healthy because it can backfire and cause rebellion. (Personal experience.) There comes a point when you have to turn your kids loose in the world and hope that all of your parenting sticks with them. Meanwhile, I was just wondering if there were any nice kids left in the world, or if I'm just overly anal or judgmental.
I let these kids on my property, but I'll admit that I'm tired of having to watch them so closely. I correct their bad language, call them on their lies, check pockets before they leave, or hide things so nothing gets stolen. My kids aren't the Hitlers, but I don't see why I have to be so diligent with other peoples' kids. And no, my kids and I are not perfect. I just don't know where to find "nice" friends.
your point
I'm not. Only 3 more days to go....
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