That's because we're worth it!
Posted By: MTMan on 2005-12-27
In Reply to: Men appear to be making more income in this industry - Men showing favortism
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What we're worth
 Right now I get $23/hour. Seems like a lot, but where I work we're subjected to a lot of abuse. So right now I'm starting to wish I could make more. I only know how many minutes of dictation I do on an average day (about 130-140), but have no idea how many lines that translates to. Wish I did know, to see if maybe I should be working somewhere else on a per-line basis.
getting paid what (we think) we're worth
You may chuckle at what you're being offered, but there's a possibility that the company you're applying for a position with cannot offer more than that. If they're billing the client 13 cpl but after all of the overhead (401K plans, paid time off, software programs for MTs, employer's share of the SS tax, etc), comes out 5 cpl (which leaves 8 cpl), how are they going to keep enough for company expenses (i.e. lawyers, accountants) and still pay a decent line rate to the MTs.
So, unless you have access to the accounting books and have access to the profit and loss statements, you don't really know why MTs are not offered more than they were in the late 1980s to early 1990s.
My two cents, for what they're worth.
Leasing never worked out for me simply because I put too many miles on a car at that time just going back and forth to work, etc. It did, however, work out wonderfully for a friend a mine who lived about 2 miles from work, took one car trip per year, etc. In fact, she came out great at the end of her lease and leased another one. She will probably buy this outright at the end of its lease.
Now that I'm no longer traveling for work, I would very seriously consider leasing were it not for one thing. I have now built up value in my car and it's simply not the best option for me.
Two ways to look at this thing.....good luck!
You're absolutely right that we are worth more, so when are you going to stop
.
I'd hire an attorney and do a quickie divorce. They're cheap and well worth it.
If it's uncontested the attorney can help you amicably sort through what needs to be split and do it fairly and according to the laws of your state. This will avoid potential problems later.
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!
A job worth doing is worth doing well ...
If you do not want to do your best, get another job.
But that is what I would do - worth the $.30
nm
what are your worth?
To do business at this rate, the hospital would have to be contracting the jobs themselve. Most hospitals I am aware of, go through a service, which has overhead. So to that 7 cents you have to add pay for management, building, utilites and all the other costs of doing business. The services I work for charge anywhere from 11 to 13 cpl, so it really isn't any cheaper to go through a service or have your own accts from the hospital point of view.
And is it worth the $189?
It sounds quite interesting, but that's a lot of money to shell out for an expander. Do you find your production is a lot higher compared with regular word expanders?
For what it's worth...SM
I did say that in my opinion, drinking on the job, regardless of amount, was unprofessional and somewhat irresponsible. (I stated MY opinion of the SITUATION, not directed at anyone in particular.) I think most employers would agree with me on that one. You obviously do not. This topic has been discussed and removed several times now - if you don't like the "unpleasant" posts, why keep bringing it up? Do you need the validation from complete strangers?
Don't post the topic if you're not prepared to deal with multiple viewpoints. Simple as that.
Worth it?
YES! An ergonomic keyboard does take a couple of days to get used to, but I doubled my typing speed after those couple of days and do not get "tired" hands as quickly. I would strongly recommend getting one!:)
Yes, it is worth it! sm
We have VPI (Veterinary Pet Insurance--should be on the web) and it's great. You can pay monthly or all at once. It doesn't help much with the little bumps and bruises, but our boxer had a major ACL repair done and it saved us tons of money. She's worth it!
for what its worth
your marital relationship is the most important relationship in your life- its who you chose - you din't choose your parents, siblings or kids- everyone deserves to be valued and respected in that most important relationship- if you are being repeatedly hurt by your spouse or you are hurting your spouse -after you are aware that behavior is causing pain, no matter what it is - then you are not valuing your relationship or being valued in that relationship... Either way, you need to do something about it- get counselling at the least
Not worth it!
In my opinion, it would be better to wait for something that pays a little more. At 6 cpl you are going to work your butt off. I mean, if you think about it that's what the people in India are getting paid, either 5.5 cpl or 6 cpl. I think American MTs are worth more, much more, but that's just my opinion. If your current job is not too, too bad where you can't wait it out, I would say look around and give it a little more time. Gook luck!!
Is being an MT really worth it?
I've been doing it for about 10.5 years and have interacted with a number of fellow MTs. One thing I notice is that very few of the wonderful MTs I've known have been WITHOUT depression, anxiety, and/or panic disorders.
Is it possible that sitting in front of a CRT doing the same thing all day every day in complete physical isolation isn't healthy?
There are lots of reasons I want out of this business. There's one. Have a good day :)
worth it
You are right about being isolated. Right now I have my 3-year-old at home with me, but in a couple of years, it is going to be me and the cat until the kids come home. I'm not really worried about it though. I know a few moms and other MTs can call if I get lonely.
As for the depression and axiety, I had before coming into this profession. You just have to take every day as it comes and enjoy the sunshine when its there.
Very worth it
I bought mine of ebay about 7 years ago for around $700 new and love it. It is well worth the money as it will never wear out.
I tried it. It is only worth it if you -
want to read about how wonderful it is that they are now training and credentialling overseas MTs. That is the truth. If you don't believe me, you can waste your money on it.
Not worth it
I didn't quit smoking with Wellbutrin, but used the generic nicotine gum 4 mg then 2 mg, which tasted awful, but stopped the waves of rage from quitting smoking. Wellbutrin made me giddy for a few hours, then I crashed almost instantly and would become solemn and depressed, which made me want to smoke. Does anyone know why there is a drop off like that? Is that normal with these types of drugs? I don't take anything in the way of medications unless I am deathly ill.
Yes, well worth it (SM)
It was definitely worth the $15K, but after years of trying all the other fertility treatments and having them *fail* (total of all of those was probably $10 to 15K as well) it was just such a risk. I knew if it worked it would be worth every dime and then some, but if it failed it would only send me into a deeper depression. Not a good thing. Thank goodness for happy endings. Make that thank GOD!
I'm so glad to hear other success stories. No one knows the agony of infertility unless they have walked in our shoes :-(
Thanks for the post.
Would it be worth it?
Hi everyone. Been reading your postings and thought you could help. I presently work in a clinic but have been mulling the idea of working from home. Would it be reasonable to assume I could make at least $9.00 an hour working from home (realizing I would get paid by cpl) Should I quit my job and go for it?
Thanks
Here is my exp for what it's worth: SM
I used to do what you do....I felt like I had a lot to offer, never had a problem getting a job that paid a good wage, great insurance, great vacation.
I got into MT as a fluke and for the 1st 5 years I made a ton of money and worked at home. Along the way, I became less desirable as an administrative assistant--had been out of the field for too long, I think.
When the MT pay started going down and I found I had to work 12-14 hours a day to make less than what I was making in the beginning, I really have tried to get an admin. asst. job again, but I am losing the job to people who have been employed right along the way while I was here at home.
Stay with this job--ride it out. You are likely to have to work 12 hours a day or more to get your lines in and keep your benefits if you come home to work.
What you are worth
I don't believe it is true that MT is a bad field or a declining field. It is a great field and anyone who is capable of going through the education and gaining experience will find it is well worth it. Negative attitudes make every job unappealing.
Get the training and check out the companies. I have been an MT for 17 years and have always made no less than 50,000 a year. I only work 8 hours a day, no weekends. I love the job.
Is it worth it?
I posted a message yesterday on the New MT board. I haven't seen a response. Can anyone give me advice?
I am disabled and need to train in a new profession. After some reading and researching, I wonder if I should learn MT.
With so many jobs going to India, Philipines, etc is there really work (and I mean work that will pay me enough money to more than survive) in the US?
With Dragon, is it easier for non English speaking persons to transcribe? I am really nervous. I can't waste time and money learning something that is no longer offered here.Is it worth it?
I apologize for the redundancy. I am new to posting, and this is my third try.
I think it is worth it.
I think it would be worth pursuing MT and coding both, to increase your career worth.
You'll have to learn ESLs and speech recognition software to keep up with the MT side of it.
Email if you want. I'd be happy to talk more about it.
Is it worth it to become CMT?
Hi - I have been a Transcriptionist for 9 years and have considered testing to be a CMT but I want to know if it really matters? I'd welcome any opinions either way.
Thanks!
You are worth more than 8 cpl
I can understand your frustration. If you do not think that 8 or 9 cpl is worth it to not have to put up all that it takes to have these accounts on your own and not through the MTSO then you obviously have never had your own accounts. Now I have, and I know what it takes, and it takes a lot more than sitting down and typing the report knowing your anatomy. When you have your own account, you have to do it all as far as keeping records, interacting with the office staff, technical issues. When you accept the 8-9 cpl from the MTSO, that's all you are expected to do is type. When you are making the 17 cpl, there is a lot more to it. Have you had to beg the physicians for your paycheck or play sweety nice to their office manager just to get your money? I'd say probably not. Now, if you do not like the 8-9 cpl, then open your own MTSO and you can charge more, but let me tell you something, you are going to be responsible for a heck of a lot more than typing that report and knowing your anatomy.
What's it worth to ya'?
NM
Please tell me you are worth....
AMEN!!!
It's been worth it for me (sm)
Both for work incentives and for personal benefit, I'm glad I did it.
What we are worth
We are worth only what the market will bear. There are significant downward forces now on MT wages, with offshoring being a major one. I used to recruit nurses and heard a lot back then about their feeling that they weren't paid what they were worth, and I'm sure they're not, as we are not, but the economic reality is that all pay is based on supply and demand. That's the facts, and the only thing that will bring wages up is a shortage in the labor pool. That obviously has not been the case in MT over the last few years. Wages only go up when there aren't enough qualified applicants to fill needed positions.
Is this worth while
Can one really make a living working for this company??? Is the pay worth while?? Are the benefits there??? 
for what it is worth
I think you should be paid more, but I doubt you will get it. The worst authors, longest minute dictations with very lines, etc.., always get passed off to the better MTs unfortunately.
It is worth however much someone is willing to pay for it. nm
x
IT IS WORTH IT oh my it is WORTH it!!! sm
Sorry to shout, but you know, if you want to make the big bucks you MUST have a real live Expander program.
While I am personally in love with Smart Type, it has so many limitations, I can't give you a recommendation. If I had it to do over again, I'd become dependent on InstanText. This is a similar and in many ways better program than Smart Type.
GET IT, GET IT NOW, DON'T PASS GO AND SPEND THE $200!
When you it arrives, email me and I'll give my 20,000 or so expansion library/glossary that you can use with it. Sticking with it, you'll find your production effortlessly go up and the wear and tear on your hands go down.
She has already said not worth it to her to
x
Just how much do you think you are worth?
I earn less than that being an MT and live quite comfortably, my only real debt being credit cards and car payment. I guess it depends on where you live.
Is it worth it?
I am a single mother of one and am thinking about going into MT, but with all the downsizing that is going on do you think it is worth it? I've seen a lot of posts lately about veteran MTs being worried about their jobs. I don't expect to get rich, but right now i'm umemployed and have been making a living selling on ebay. I would like a career with more consistency and benefits.
Thanks for any input!!
Kelly
Yes, I think all in all it's worth it
You might want to consider working in-house for a year or so to start out. It gives you an opportunity to have a "mentor" and get a real feel for how things really work. In-house also provides better pay and better benefits usually, though not always.
Working at home is great. You get to stay in your PJs and save on gas, eating out, etc. There's none of the cattiness you get in an office setting. It also requires a lot of discipline. You have to get used to the solitude and not being able to run to someone for help with something. It's just you and your computer.
In the end, I'm not sure if I had it to do all over again that I would pick this field. It works for me now b/c I don't want to have to start all over again, so I make it work. But given the chance to go back in time, I think I would have chosen something more along the lines of a physician's assistant or medical administration. But that's just me.
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