Loss of flexibility
Posted By: sadMQ on 2005-10-03
In Reply to: Now Im curious - not MQ'r
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. 
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My dwindling paycheck, loss of benefits, and loss of respect is all the proof I need. nm
,
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. 
I had that flexibility at MQ, but we also ran out of work so much,
x
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!
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 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!
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.
I agree...I love being an MT and the flexibility it gives me...
nm
I agree... lots of flexibility offers
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....
So sorry for your loss.
I'm sure your sweet Lady knows you love her, and she'll be waiting for you over the Rainbow Bridge.
I am at a loss too regarding this sm
I was called on Friday by my supervisor. She begged and pleaded with me to please work this holiday weekend, and I said yes (my own stupidity since we get nothing extra for doing this).
So, I came home early today to type more and........no work! DQS has nothing for me, and I do 6 different accounts. Let's just say I am a little upset. Yes, this is the Amherst office.
loss
I certainly understand what you are going through. I lost my brother 2 years ago and it still hurts every day. We were so close, I was his major care giver for his last 2-3 years and i still find myself picking up the phone to call him! But I must say, the hurt DOES eventually lighten up a little bit. Good luck to you!
Sorry for your loss...see msg
Please grieve in the way that helps you. I know this doesn't sound like much help, but I grieve for a father I wished I had known. I lost him when I was only 16 y/o...he wasn't a part of our family, my brother and I didn't really know him at all, but when I went to his funeral, I felt so sad inside and I am now 45 y/o and still feel a profound sadness at NOT having a father in my life. My friends have lost their fathers over the years, and even though they grieve, they know I didn't have a real father at all, and they all say at least they got to know and live with their father, he was a daily part of their lives, and for that they are ever grateful. They too understood my grief.
I know you are truly grateful for the father you had in your life, someone to talk to, to lean on, to make you feel special and cared for. A girl needs that in her life. It would have made a big difference if I could have been so fortunate. Who is to say what is normal grieving time, but if you feel it is interfering with your daily life, please see a counselor or perhaps join a grief therapy group, so you can share your grief with others who can and do understand.
I understand about not sharing too much with your husband...my husband had his father in his life and lost him many years ago. But I don't think he really understands my grief for NOT having that relationship. Grieving is a solitare process, but there are others who perhaps can share that loss with you.
My prayers are with you.
loss of dad
I too loss my father at the end of September. I think you are handling it fine but grief is differant for everyone. So I thought I would just post a small note about what has helpped me. I do not look at it as my father is gone. For me, he has merely graduated to a differant plane of existance. This plane of existance allowes his spirit the freedome from his failing corporial body, so that now instead of being able to visit occasionally, he is with me all the time. He is no longer in pain, and all those little memories are his way af saying I am still here with you, watching over you. I still talk to him and ask his advice and guidance, and usually if I am very quiet.. I can hear what he would say. Perhaps it is just my imagination or perhaps it is really his spirit making conatact. Either way it gives me comfort and makes the loss a little less painful. I hope this helps you in your time of grief. My best wishes to you.
I am so sorry for your loss
I have a Beagle that I took in a short time ago. He came from a shelter and has had some medical problems. Although I have never been in your situation, your post made my eyes tear up. Pets do become such an important part of your family and you love them so very much. Just know that you have ended the suffering of your beloved pet and a better place is to come.
God bless!
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I know what it's like to lose a pet too, and to have to put them down. I had a 16yo cat that I had to put down about 5 years ago, and to this day it still makes me cry when I think about that awful day.
Take some time for yourself to grieve the loss of your beloved friend. Time will help.
Again, so sorry you lost your friend.
your loss
I am so sorry for your loss. We had to put our beagle mix down about 6 months ago. I was sure I would never want another one. We really miss her. We have healed enough to start thinking about another one. We began to realize just how much they give and never ask for a thing back.
Job loss
I know how you feel. My department was outsourced also. And, to top it off they asked me to train my replacement. I had been with my company for over 20 years. So, I guess that did not mean anything. Currently I work for a national; but, I plan to go back to school and get out of transcription. It is getting harder to make a living transcribing, which I used to love doing; but, I have come to the point where I know I will have to make a career change.
I am so sorry for your loss
When I was in the military, one of our docs read an OB ultrasound on an anencephalic fetus. He didn't bother to pick up the phone and call the OB, and somehow either the report didn't reach the OB or it didn't get read. In any case, the initial ultrasound was when the woman was in the first trimester, and it wasn't until she was well into her second trimester and had a second ultrasound that her OB became aware of the situation.
I don't know what happened with her - whether she carried it to term or not, but obviously it could not live outside the womb. And if she had found out during her first trimester, it would have been a lot easier on her physically, if not emotionally.
I had never liked that particular doctor. He always seemed like he became a doctor because of the money, not because he wanted to help people. After the incident described above, I disliked him even more.
and im sorry for your loss
i actually meant to post that to the person above you... but i must have clicked on yours last ...
I don't know what it would be like to lose my father... but I can only imagine so I hope you are doing okay!
I am sorry about your loss. nm
X
weight loss
I use TrimSpa (baby) it's working o.k. I am making a conscious effort to not fry, not add salt, eliminated cornbread (I'm a Southerner), etc., etc. I work a lot of night hours and this helps me with my snacking between 9 p and mid. I do drink green tea. I think it boosts my metabolism....
loss of MQ lines
You especially loose lines when you have to do the back to back to back reports like many docs do. You spend more time putting in the ADT stuff than typing and we know we don't get paid for that. I purposely have sat the full eight hours in my chair and not gone on the net, not done anything but type during those hours and still am down lines. I would love to know if we are getting paid for spaces, I know they say we are, but.........
loss of MQ lines
Well anyone can obviously tell who spends more of their time on these boards gossiping than actually working at the job they get paid to type for!
weight loss
just a general word of encouragement to everyone trying to lose weight that YOU C-A-N DO IT!!!!! I am very small-boned, 5' 6', and weighed nearly DOUBLE my normal body weight. Looked like nothing but a big bowl of pudding. One day I decided to move. Maybe it was the Nike slogan, but I just did it. Could barely walk around ONE BLOCK. But I walked the block. One day, I could walk two blocks. One day I walked a mile. Took me two years to lose the weight, ladies, but I got skinny and toned by EXERCISE (95% walking, a bit at the gym, not much), and sensible eating. Every single reader here knows what sensible eating is: Eat healthy, not overprocessed food, and don't eat too much of it PERIOD. Deep down, we all know that. Admit it and change your eating habits -- and walk and/or exercise, and you can do it. By the way, I am not holier than thou, I did used to take ephedra at half the recommended dosage, every day in the early days, just to take the edge off at dinner time, when I would rip off the cabinet doors cuz i got so hungry for the deadly four: pasta, potatoes, rice and bread. Couldn't get enough of it. decreasing (NOT ELIMINATING) these and making myself full with veggies and water did the trick. I eventually eliminated the ephedra. GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU. Nike: Just Do It.
hearing loss
Has anyone noticed a loss of hearing over years of MT work? A new report on the news says that continuous use of head sets can cause hearing loss. I have noticed it (and tinnitus) among me and my MT friends. Anyone else?
hearing loss
After 30 years in this job, yes my hearing is REAL bad! I'm going to start pricing hearing-aids this month, mightly only be able to afford one. Insurance companies - if they are generous might pay for one - if you work at GM I'm told. I'm certain this job has accelerated a natural aging phenomenon. I'm hoping to make it another 5 years. I can't interview for another line of work if I can't hear the interviewer!
I don't see it as a great loss. Bye.
p
weight loss sm
I tried the following - a little more walking, no more white bread,(12 grain), flavored non-dairy creamer instead of cream, not water-friendly, so drank a lot of non-caffeine tea (raspberry) and Sweet & Low (don't think this is a good idea). Tried Benefiber chewable to add bulk and fiber; lean beef, 90% lean a few times a week only, sweet potatoes instead of white, only 1 at a time and generally cutting out the obvious (no alcohol, fried foods, rich pastry). Took off 15 lbs. and was able to get into an old Size 10 for my reunion, from a 14, and saved a bunch on new clothes and felt great! Hope I can keep it up. When my son was getting married years ago, I hated the "mother of the groom" puffy chiffons, so I stationery biked from Feb. to May and went from a 14 to a 10 (700 miles total) and wore a lovely silk suit. Unfortunately, I ate my way back because I felt the "empty nest" syndrome. Once you lose, don't snooze, keep it up! You'll like yourself better. This profession can ruin your body, take control by getting up and moving around as much as you can. I did not do that and suffer the consequences with my back, my right thumb is totally painful so that I can't open jars, unlock the babies' safety belts, etc., it comes upon you when the damage is done. Don't let it happen to you, exercise when you can, you're worth it!
Has anyone used LA Weight Loss?
If so, what were your results. Any info would be greatly appreciated. TIA
LA WEIGHT LOSS
I tried it and lost 40 pounds in 3 months or so but it came back as quick as it went. They are VERY expensive. Currently not working on anything but GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!
Sorry to hear about your loss.
I lost my dog this year when he got hit by a car. I still get teary-eyed thinking about him. Talking about the pitbull I had a previous neighbor/family who had a Doberman that they didn't take care of. He was outside 24/7. All they did was feed him and he barked and barked and barked whenever we were outside or anyone around the yard. He ended up dying so they got another dog. This time a pitbull looking dog which I found out was an English bulldog? maybe. There are some people who just have to have a dog that has a tough reputation. It sounds like those near you didn't just have a rep. I'm glad to be moved away from them. They were nice people but I hated that they didn't take care of their dogs very well.
Hearing loss
Is there any new technology out there on improving hearing loss besides hearing aids? My DH has a herititary hearing loss that seems to be getting worse these past few years. He refuses to wearing hearing aids even though we have spent $$$ on them. He is a teacher and it is getting very difficult for him to teach his classes effectively or without students making fun of or taking advantage of his hearing loss. Just curious if anyone knows of anything before we spend $$$ and time seeing doctors that will tell him nothing.
Hearing loss
My son who is 11 has worn hearing aids since before he turned 3, first the BTE kind (which were mini) and for the last couple of years, since he has shown so much responsibility, he now has ITE very small,programmable aids. Quite expensive, but worth it.
One of the contacts that assist me in the state (VA) with school issues recently sent me additional information; included was a brochure from NFSS Communincations which is a supplier of assitive-listening devices.
However, I would not just randomly purchase an item without discussing it with an audiologist that you trust. Fortunately, my son's audiologist is wonderful beyond words and quite helpful.
I have quite a bit of additional information on this subject if you need it.
My son says to tell your husband just to get good hearing aids and wear them. (Nothing mean intended, he just knows that if he can hear with assistance, then why not wear them). He has explained to the other children that basically it is just like someone who wears glasses to see better.
I hate to see anyone struggling due to this matter and hope that he finds something he is comfortable with. Good luck!
jrm
That is horrible. I'm so sorry for your loss (sm)
Those animals should be outlawed as well as the people who train them to kill. We have a Golden Retriever who is the sweetest thing in the world and we love her and she wouldn't hurt a fly. I am an animal lover but I do not like pit bulls. I also have small children and I'm thankful no one in our neighborhood has a pit bull. Again, I'm so sorry for your horrible loss.
My condolences on the loss of your
dad. I lost my mother a few years ago when I was 43, and I know it's rough.
I would encourage you to reach out to your physician, clergy person, or a bereavement support group in your area. There are even some options online to help you work through your grief. A short course of an anti-depressant might also help.
I can tell you that things do improve. It might also help to remember that your father would never want to suffer. Be patient with yourself, but try not to hold onto your loss. Moving on with your life doesn't mean you love your dad any less. Best wishes to you.
Loss of father
To wimt: I lost both parents within 7 days of each other. I cried off and on for a couple of years. It takes time to heal and everyone is different. It always helps to surround yourself with people you feel comfortable with and you feel give you support. Plus, grief counseling never hurts--only helps. Good luck to you.
weight loss
I needed to reduce my cholesterol, so I really cut down on fat in my diet. By doing this, I not only lowered my cholesterol, but I lost about 13 lbs. in 5 months! This is so much safer than those fad diets.
weight loss over 50
Thanks so much for responding and for your words of encouragement! At age 56, it's very encouraging to hear this. Small goals and one-day-at-a-time are very good advice Thanks again! (and congratulations on your weight loss too!)
loss of income
I think this is happening to many of us in this profession. I am making two thirds of what I made 13 years ago and there is no way to get clients in my area as one hospital went out of business, two merged and gave the docs laptops and the largest only uses one service and has a 10 year contract but I have heard they are giving all new doctors laptops too. The hospitals in my area own most of the clinics, family meds and speciality offices too. Time for me to think about something else.
hearing loss
Has anyone heard of Transcriptionist losing their hearing due to the long hours of listening on the headphones?
Hearing loss
I have been an MT for 35 years. I started with tinnitus in my left ear about 3 years ago. Saw my doctor who sent me to an ENT doctor who said I also had TMJ. Then he sent me to an audiologist and I have some hearing loss to low tones in my left ear. I still have the tinnitus, and loud noises, loud music drive me crazy. I am now going to look into homeopathic treatment for the tinnitus to see if I can get some relief. But, the ENT doctor and audiologist did tell me that it was from using the ear phones for all of these years.
Hearing loss
I think hearing loss is inevitable due to having the headsets inside the ear canal so near the eardrum and the bones of the middle ear. Perhaps a worker's comp problem if you are an employee. Or a work-related disability if it is bad enough. If so - I can tell you from experience, start saving now - hearing aids cost at the least $6000 for 2 (if you need them for both ears) and to date I have not found an insurance company that will cover any of the cost and I have been looking for the past 17 years for an insurance company that would cover them.
hearing loss
Thank you everyone for the replies on my question regarding hearing. Since I started 2 weeks I'm already noticing weird pluglike sensation in my ears everyday. Not to mention I work in a room with loud filthy mouth MA's. At times I have to up the volume so that I can hear clearly. The weird thing about the sensation in my ears, it's that I feel fine in the morning but by the time I leave there's that sensation again. Sometimes I even open my mouth with to pop my ears. I just hope this isn't progressing into something serious.
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