Is no raise after 7 years acceptable?
Posted By: EB on 2008-10-06
In Reply to:
I work as an independent contractor. I have been with my office (had two doctors to begin with, took on a third two years ago), and I have never raised my rates. I went in and talked to my docs about a raise today (after emailing a couple weeks ago to set up a meeting about it). Not only did they say that's NOT happening, but the doc actually told me he expected my line count to go DOWN with the new system they are implementing. He was upset that he had been paying me for a line count that included macros of a few paragraphs and it only took me a few key strokes to get there. Also, they checked around and someone under-bid me for 2 cents less, so they were acting like they are doing me a favor by paying me my same line rate. Am I crazy to be super upset about this?
Complete Discussion Below:  marks the location of current message within thread
The messages you are viewing
are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select
the boards given in left menu
Other related messages found in our database
no raise in 3 years
same here -- have you asked for one -- i did and was told that I was sending over 20% to QA - imagine that with the docs that we get -- there is no way to win at MQ and if there is would someone please let me in on the secret!!
Two years without a raise
I have worked for this doctor for five years and have not received a pay increase for the past two years. His patient load has increased very much in the past few months. Is it OK to to type a letter requesting a pay increase? It is very difficult to get a hold of this doctor???
tHANKS
no raise in 10 years....
and finally I left that company due to major issues, and lo and behold, the only place hiring was hiring at the same low rate I started with 10 years ago...their reason? They have to keep costs lower to be competitive. Unfortunately I had to take it because there is more steady work and affordable insurance. Its hopefully going to be a stepping stone to something more instead, I hope!!
Only 2 years and no raise?
I have been working at this type work now for 30+ years. Lets see, my last raise was inhouse probably in the late 80s. I would never hold my breath on getting raise. I think you are supposed to type faster- the faster you type, the more you make. Slim pickings in this particular job now.
No raise after 2 years, you are kidding, right?
Loads of people have not gotten a raise in they can't remember when. Two years??
she gave it up after 6 years to raise kids...nm
Besides, that donation is squarely out of MTs' pockets. I haven't had a raise in the 3 years
x
This has not always been the case, hence it hurts more. Merit raise/cost of living raise
dd
The raise you're describing is a merit-raise, - (SM)
and I agree that a worker has to go above and beyond in order to get them. But what doesn't seem to happen in this industry is COST-OF-LIVING raises, which should automatically come to workers either in small increments yearly, or in larger increments every 2-3 years. Without wages that are at least somewhat *realistic* (and modern-day MT wages are a pathetic joke), it's no wonder quality workers are harder and harder to come by, and much harder to retain. An MT should not have to work sweatshop hours for 7 days a week just to keep their head above water financially.
I think either is acceptable.
I think either is acceptable. It depends on the account specifics, some accounts I have worked on request that it only be single space. I learned to double space while learning keyboarding and I think it is accepted either way. I think it makes the report easier to read if you double space, but that's just me.
Of course, the acceptable way to do it is the
x
You really think it's acceptable sm
to pass up the "hard jobs" or ESLs that an MT might not be able to do and leave them for someone else who might be better equipped to handle them?
I think the MT that needs to do that has not business being in that work pool in the first place even having the opportunity to pass those reports by. They shouldn't be employed. 
Thanks! It's nice to know what is acceptable. nm
tt
Could they mean that a wireless USB is not acceptable
xx
is it acceptable in our guidelines, if so I will
do it too.
SH's a lot more widely acceptable than not. SM
If I were interested in browsing the want ads, I'd contact ShortHand itself to chat about what platforms don't work well with Shorthand even after their finetuning. That way choices wouldn't be unnecessarily limited and no dependence would be placed on possibly questionable info from Personnel personnel. Best wishes.
My question - why is this acceptable? SM
When did it become OK to have a doctor with a thick accent dictating so badly that we can't understand simple diagnoses, lab values, and to submit reports full of blanks? Why is it OK that docs without thick accents are mumbling, holding the phone so close we can't understand? Why is the staff at hospitals so afraid of the doctors that they can't ask them to please slow down, speak clearly, etc.? I am absolutely convinced that the staff and hospitals just don't care anymore.
I know it says it once and once is all it takes. We are moving away from it but still acceptable.nm
nm
Sounds like any old pair of cut offs would be acceptable....
The description reminds me of my MUCH older brother's wedding circa 1973.... She was barefoot, he was in ripped jean cut off shorts, the preacher looked like something that crawled out from under a rock, and when he asked my brother if he had anything to say, he "grunted." Gawd, it was awful. I'm sure this wedding you're going to won't be that bad, but if the bride is barefoot and the groom is in khakis, then any decide informal summery outfit would probably be A-ok.
Honestly, I've done both and QA is easier. If the pay is acceptable, TAKE IT! sm
I learned MORE doing QA than doing MT, and it's still easier. You have the benefit of the rest of the chart to help you fill in blanks. Trust, it's not a scary job. If I could make a decent wage at my company I'd absolutely go back to QA.
In BOS, pg 172, follow-up is still acceptable for noun/adj (see page 172 in parenthesis) nm
nm
excuse sees acceptable to me since it's a mandatory call.
Life is too short and this seems small to me. Maybe it wouldn't be if I were in your shoes, but it does to me right now, for sure.
Enjoy life, one day at a time.
Never said that typos were acceptable, what I said was is 100% accuracy expected 100% of the time.
Yes, I used to work in a docs office doing this as well as other things and but never had this problem.That is why I am frustrated. My question was whether or not there was a curve for MT'ing or not. I guess I just was not clear on exactly what editors/QA were really meant for. I thought they were more of a saftey net for a TX company to ensure that everythign that goes out is what it should be. But I guess I was mistaken.
Anyway, I was thinking that maybe there was something else similar in this field that would be an option for me to do. Since I actually like this line of work, I don't see why I should give up so easily.
Lastly, its just me, but I actually think staying at home with my kids is a perfect reason to do this for a living. I mean seeing as though I actually do want to earn a honest living doing something that I have experience doing ...why not? It's better than relying the government for money to support my family isn't it?
Gotta a question... When you have an offer from a company, is it acceptable to basically..SM
give the company a set of terms. Here's my issue. I have 15+ years experience as an MT and I am finding after I've accepted the job, that I am placed on the crappiest account they have because of my years of wonderful "experience". Then I'm told that they are paying me the higher cpl rate not because of years of experience but because I'm working on the crappy account that no one else can do.
I find it very difficult to earn a living this way and wonder if there are jobs out there where a seasoned MT can just sit down and type carefree 8 hours a day. I'm not saying I don't want to ever type ESL dictation, but can I get an account where the majority is not ESL?
I'm good at what I do. I love OP notes and don't mind challenging work, but it's simply not fair. I feel like I'm being penalized for my years of hard work more than rewarded and I resent it.
It is good to know it is acceptable to wear slippers to the store, I have been wondering about
:}
Makes you wonder how they passed grade school grammar. No it is not acceptable.
I agree 100%.
not at all. that word and the double hocky sticks were ruled acceptable in the late 50s -
and no longer curse words.
Funny, the other board Hitlered it, but they allow the one where the typist pounds his head on the keyboard and blood spurts EVERWYERE until he is dead.
Guess violence, suicide is funny to them.
What is acceptable error rate (i.e. error ratio to line count).
Thanks.
MQ raise
My last raise was in 1998. When I asked for one last year, I got one quarter of a cent. Then three quarters of a cent were taken away from me when I started DocQscribe, as I was told I was gonna make so much more money with DQS.
raise
May want to follow up with a phone call, sometimes if they get a lot of email it is easy to overlook them. That's what I do if they don't get back to me as soon as I think they should, anyway :)
getting a raise
How does one go about getting a raise as an independent contractor? I am not even in the same state. Shoud I e-mail or phone and how long should I wait before asking? In the past, I could always ask a co-worker, but my kids are my co-workers now. Does anyone know the correct protocol?
anyone with DSG ever get a raise?
d
Raise
I've been with MQ for a good while and I'm happy (just because my office is awesome), but I'm an intrigued with their production comparisons (ASR vs non-ASR) and interpreting polls (after the first one I sent that they "interpreted," I never sent another).
My theory on raises: Since the ASR rate will be reduced, you already have a "built-in" raise by not doing ASR. This is not to say they won't give raises eventually, but if you ask for one because you are doing the scum, they will say, "Well, the ones who do ASR don't get paid as much."
My advice to you would be to do ASR. Or get a different job because with MQ, this is the future. At least if you can master it and as the ASR improves (you'll get faster), you won't have a continuous diet of bottom-feeder material. That would absolutely drive me crazy. They probably eventually will eliminate all non-ASR'ers anyhow once the system is more refined.
Just total speculation on my part.
raise?
I hope whatever they gave you in the form of a raise compensates for what you have to go through, day in, day out, without any reprieve, and without even a good doc thrown in for good measure. Does it? Was it at least a buck an hour, and preferably two bucks? Or was it two bits? Keep your eyes open, MQGuy. It won't be long before you are OUTTA THERE! (Will the 0.050 cents per line, or whatever paltry sum it was, pay for your psychologist to keep you as sane as you are now?) I wish you luck, and I mean it sincerely. They got you hook, line and sinker.
Do ICs ever get a raise? -sm
I work as an IC for a great company. I have been with them almost 2 years now. I would like a pay raise. As an IC, do I ask for it? If so, how is this approached? I have worked as an IC for almost 10 years for various companies. Some give you a raise, most do not. I would stay with this company either way. TIA
Have been there over 4 yrs and no raise other than
across the board raises that everyone gets, latest being $0.002/line. (No that wasn't a typo, it was actually a very insulting .002cpl). Was told upon hire there would be merit raises. Asked about one after a year of exemplary service with 100% QA and was pretty much laughed at.
pay raise
I was wondering when it is appropriate to ask for a raise? I was thinking around my first year anniversary. Also, how much is usually given? Do they up .5 cpl or 1 CPL? Just curious.
MQ raise?
and how might I ask did you accomplishment the acievement of 2 raises in the past 3 months for MQ?
Wow, I need to ask for a raise! I am 1:2
5 min of dication takes me 10 min to transcribe. If I have to re-listen to something, or look up, it may take 11 minutes.
to ask for a raise?
To make a long story short, I've had this account for 4 years, and am on a salary. At first I didn't think I would make any money since it was a salaried accout, but as it turns out, some days there is much to do and other days there is not as much, so it rather evens itself out, but then there are days when I'm working from daylight until dawn, but those days are rare. Four years ago this was great money. However, the COST OF LIVING has gone up exponentially! I love this account, but it's my sole income; I have no other accounts. Thus far I've been able to make it on this account and prefer to not take on anymore work because, as I previously mentioned, some days there is more work than I want, but it has to be done. It would just make life much more difficult to take on more work for the days that they slam me, which outweigh the light days. My problem is this: I really want to ask for a raise, but afraid to rock the boat. I realize all they can do is say no, but then, once I've mentioned wanting a raise it might plant the seed that I might be moving on if they don't give me a raise, which I have no intention of doing, but how do I tell them that? I can't just say when asking for a raise: "Can I have a raise?" (them) No, you cannot. Me: Okay, just thought I'd ask. I am at a loss as to what to do about this situation. Any advice would be so much appreciated from anyone with experience in such a predicament as this. Thank you very much.
to ask for a raise?
I own the account personally. It is not through an MTSO.
Wow, sounds like you've gotten the really short end of the stick, and I feel so bad for you. I hope you'll get what sounds like a well-deserved raise, or be able to find another company who will appreciate you for what you really do. Good luck to YOU.
Are you asking for a raise or trying to get an
s
What's a raise?
I'll take the one dictator. I haven't gotten a raise the entire time I've been at the company I work at right now (several years) and I never know what will land in my workpool. One dictator by choice? I'd give my pinkie finger for an account like that and gladly look up everything! What a fool.
we will never get a raise
they will just crack the whip harder...work faster, longer, all day long, all night long so you can make more money more money more money. it is a vicious (brain freeze, is that how you spell it)?
Asking for a raise sm
Speaking from experience, this is not time to rock the boat, so to speak. With the economy the way it is, perhaps they will pretend to go along with you and start searching elsewhere. Been there, done it, think it over very carefully!!! Everyone is replaceable, I found that out the hard way after 20 years of faithful service, and they told me I was the best in the state! Be very, very careful unless you think someone else will pick you up right away. Under-bid by 1/4 of a CPL!
can an IC ask for a raise? nm
nm
No, no raise here, either.
I still make the same rate with my local doctors that I did when I started in 2000. With the company I am an IC, I actually make 4 cents a line less, but the work is abundant so I am still thrilled.
It sounds like you are lucky to still have a job where you are. I wouldn't push it. If you are not happy, start looking for other doctors. If you are content where you are, don't rock the boat.
As ICs, no, we never get raises. If I need more money coming in, I raise my production 100 or 200 lines extra a day, improve my shortcuts, push my speed to the limit. There's always room for improvement. If there is not work sufficient enough for you to do more, then take on another local doctor, if you can.
I try to keep myself thinking of the blessings that come with my job, what it allows me to do for and with my family. This is not a profession where we can dwell on what we are not getting, cause we'd all quit, even the employee status MTs.
Ask for the raise
You should ask for a raise...if you have been working there for two years with no raise, no bonuses, and of course, I'm sure you don't get any insurance or anything like that, you definitely deserve a raise...don't short change yourself, you can bet the office raises their office visits, procedures, etc. when things get tough on their end...you deserve a raise, and besides, if you don't ask, you will never know...the worst that could happen is they say no....but at least you asked. I recently asked for a raise, and got it...I work from home as an IC and type for a local doc...I pick up tapes and deliver the transcription, etc., but I got the raise. Even if I worked in the office, I would have asked for a raise.
We as MTs need to get the idea out of our head that we don't deserve a raise...if you're doing a good job, have experience, and do the work that they expect from you...ask for that raise!
no raise??
Cost of living??? Who gets a cost of living raise as an MT? I want that job!!! I have done this for 35 years and no cost of living raise for me. Raises when I was working in a hospital and was a supervisor in the early 1980s and still transcribing and only got raise because my line count increased within a certain period of time. And believe me I was making much more THEN than I can possibly get now, due to no work, and the amount we get paid per line is going down and we still have to work more hours to get that. But I still hang in there. What is to do at 56??
A raise!?!
Heck, I've been taking regular pay CUTS for the last 10 years! They laugh in your face when you ask for/expect a raise.
pay raise - not
Not only are we NOT getting well-deserved raises, but per-line wages are being cut!
|
