my personal experience on a set schedule versus flex
Posted By: see message on 2006-04-15
In Reply to: I'm new to working for a company (m) - Need some insight please.
I have worked for 2 companies now that want a set schedule and they DO watch to see when I will be on. There are several reasons for it, and I'll try to explain from their standpoint.
First I found that if they have a stat and I am scheduled to be working, they NEED me to be on to take that stat. Another issue is QA coverage. They need to hire QA personnel to pick up any blanks I left and still get the report to the client withing TAT. So if I work outside my assigned shift time, they may not meet TAT because they didn't have enough QA staff. On the flip side, if the QA staff has nothing to QA, then they transcribe and take the work I would normally get, leaving me without any work when I eventually DO log in.
I am a high producer and can get my required line count in 5 hours, not 8, and when I do work 8 I may find myself without work the next day.
It is a delicate balancing act for everyone. I decided to take the 9-5 employee job, but also have a back up account on those no work available days as an IC so I can always make sure my paycheck is reliable.
You have to go with what works for you.
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Same here . . . no personal experience
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Just asking you to consider that your experience is personal, as is theirs.
x
My personal experience...sm
Our pay for VR was dropped to 60% of our MT CPL rate. The theory that VR produces more lines for MTs is, IMHO, hogwash. The dictators I had were so bad, I usually blocked out paragraphs and retyped them. VR took my pay down to near minimum wage and I had to find another job. BUT, if you can, give it a try to see how it works out for YOU. I once received 2 long VR reports from an unfamiliar account and breezed through them with very little editing. That's where you make your $$, if you are lucky enough to get dictation like that. Good luck with whatever you decide.
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anyone have personal experience with leasing a vehicle
I've never owned a car, end up upside down on the loan, owe old loan on top of new loan, and own it for so long it starts to tinker and I pay for repair on top of the loan. What is the downside of leasing? I heard you sometimes have to pay, but only if you drive over the limited mileage right? Working at home, that saves mileage on commute which makes up 70% of it I would suppose. Plus being new it won't nickle and dime me to death with repairs, low payment because you only pay for the amount of money it would depreciate for the time you own it. Any personal experience with this, and is there red tape or hidden small print? Going to start looking really soon, I only hear bad things but its from people who drive a lot. I think a new car is a necessity in this day and age, with all the swindling mechanics and the dependence to get from here to there. A new different car every three years doesnt sound so bad either.
It may your experience versus the type
of jobs you are applying for. Do you have acute care with all specialities or just clinic.
65 character line versus gross lines versus pay by word
I am checking into other options for transcription. Can anyone tell me how to compare all of these types of lines & also payment per word? I know companies use different scales, so I wondered how they compare. I have been paid on a 65 character line with spaces, but I may be making a change in the future - don't want to get burned.
Thank you in advance!
I flex when I have to, which is often.
xx
I'm going to try that. I did the flex point sm
counting once and was always starved.
I lost 72 lb in 2 yrs on WW, mainly flex. sm
I had trouble with Core plan b/c, ahem, "eating until full" wasn't mentally do-able for me. I needed more strict limits. WW works wonderfully, either program, but I recommend joining Curves or another type of weight-training / cardio program, or even walking, to realy boost your loss.
WW is sensible (eat ALL foods in moderation) and long-term do-able. Good luck.
need flex hours MT-ing?
www.accentus.ca
Best company for flexible scheduling. They ask for a committed number of hours but don't care when you do those hours, as long as it is within a 2-week time frame.
Flex time
so this means instead of being told to flex our time and come back later or on our day off we should be paid for the time there is no work to transcribe?
flex hours
The company I work for used to be very lenient of when we typed just as long as we got in our hours for the week. This got out of hand and they wanted more of 8 hours a day, but still lenient of when we typed (some where putting them all in at the beginning of the week and having long weekends every week, making the workload really crazy on Monday and not good for patient care). Now they are making different hours they want covered and we have to work exactly the times assigned. Some of us are fine with this, others are not. Do you work scheduled hours or whenever you want. Just curious what is happening out there in the rest of MT world.
Hand-Eze and/or Soft Flex...probably
Soft Flex forsure
I wear my SoftFlex gloves daily. I agree that after 15 minutes without them you can definitely tell a difference. I also have the Smart Glove- (had to dig them out of a drawer to make sure what the name was). To me they are just plain awkward. The bean-bag feeling is weird and feels like more of a strain on my wrists to type with, like my wrists are too elevated or something. Wore them once. My vote would be SoftFlex!
Soft-Flex gloves
Where does one find these wonderful gloves? I have tried everything and not much helps, certainly not splints. TIA
I can flex some, but I cannot make up an entire day of nearly no work!
:-( They do not want any excuses as to why people cannot work, but those of us who are here and WANT to work have nothing to do. Really makes me feel loyal to them, 'ya know????
Soft-Flex and Handeze are 2 brfands of gloves
that MTs often use. I use SoftFlex. They are thin nylon with a bit of spandex. I got them for the little wrist cushions they have that protect the medial nerve when the heels of my hands started burning. They do protect the nerves and cured the burning, and I remember to wear them because they keep my hands warm. I love stuff that serves a dual purpose. :oD Oh, and I do have Raynaud's, so these gloves are good even for somebody with that problem.
In addition to the Soft Flex gloves I recommend...sm
an ergonomic keyboard (the old Microsoft Elite PS-2 is my favorite and I have three stockpiled); but, the thing that has made the most difference for me has been typing with my keyboard in my lap. I have rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthitis in my hands, as well as CTS. Transcribing with my keyboard in my lap has been a miracle for me.
Has anyone had good success with Weight Watchers flex point program? sm
I tried South Beach for about 10 days and have lost 10 lbs but I want something that is lifelong and to me SB is too strict....Thinking about switching over to Weight Watchers...Anyone have good long term success with it? If so, how much did you lose and how fast?
Question versus gross lines versus 65-character lines....
I have always charged or been paid by 65 or 60 character lines or per letter or space typed, but have never been paid or charged per gross line.
What is the advantage of this? If I were to charge 11 cents per 65-character line including spaces, what does this figure out to for an average line rate and how do you do this calculation?
I'm wondering if it is financially beneficial for me to bill by gross line or to keep it the way I have it. I do know some accounts will only pay per 65-character line, as this was the deal my first own account I recently acquired. They were adamant on a 65-character line, but didn't specify with or without spaces and I personally would never not charge for spaces.
Thanks for explaining this. I appreciate it and hope everyone has a speedy day.
Experience on top, current experience first. Education second. Leave out ALL fluff.
Recruiters don't need your life story. They need to know if you can do the job. If you want, put your current employer, then state "I have 20 years in the profession doing....." Keep it simple; keep it clean. If you want to go into more detail, do it during the interview. A HUGE red flag is to see that you've worked for 10 different companies, for months at a time. I know that someone who has worked for the same company for 2 years or more is going to have some degree of loyalty and will work through issues rather than cut and run.
I don't have a set schedule
My responsibilities are this:
1. Account A - make sure all of Monday's dictation is due back by Tuesday morning 6 a.m. (they're time). Same for the remainder of the week.
2. Accounts B and C - make sure all of the H&Ps dictated on Monday are transcribed and returned by Tuesday morning 6 a.m., they're time. Same for the remainder of the week.
3. Anything I transcribe Monday is due back 6 a.m. (they're time) they next business day. Ditto for the rest of the week.
This only changes when there's a stat reports.
As long as I meet "the deadline," I can work whenever I want. And I do.
my schedule
I am a hardworking MT who used to be in a managerial position. I am scheduled for 9-1/2 hours daily because I prefer to take breaks rather than work straight through 8 hours. Today, however, I only took a 1/2 hour break, and stopped working an hour earlier than my shift was to end. Now I'm wondering if that was the "wrong" thing to do. I have only been in this job for a few months, and wherever I have worked before, holiday schedules were always pretty "laid back." Now I'm wondering if I will be in big trouble tomorrow. If it makes any difference, my production was higher than usual today, I think because I was trying so hard to get done an hour early. What about this one?
Schedule C
Your schedule C should give you all the deductions that they have taken off of your business income. When you print out all the forms it is there. Have used it for almost 15 years now and (knock on wood) had a problem at all.
schedule
i work sun through thursday for 2 nationals
I have a set schedule, but...sm
I work 10 hours in a 12 hour window...5-5...working 10 hours in between. I believe this is what she was asking, correct? 
My New Schedule
I also know what you're going through...I had the same issues ALL summer last year. It sounds like my kids may be a little older than yours and are in school, so the last last 9 months have been wonderful, but now summer is back.
I spent a lot of time hashing over a schedule that would work out for me, my family and my account and came up with this: M-F 6-9 am and then 6-9 pm and a few hours early Saturday morning. I am able to vary this schedule a little bit so that also helps, but so far I LOVE my new schedule. It gets me up and going in the morning and I really don't miss sleeping in a little longer like I thought I would. It gives me the whole day free with the kids or for getting odd jobs done around the house, and and then I just work a few hours in the evening which gives my husband some summer time with the kids too. Then we have the weekends as a family.
I know everyone's needs/schedules are different, but I just thought I'd share this schedule in case it would work out for you. I really dreaded summer coming, but now I'm really enjoying it.
Also, don't stress over the house...it just gets messy again anyway. It's SO not worth worrying about. I used to keep a spotless house, but now I'm just expecting my kids to help out more (which is good for them) and I have to accept the job they do and be thankful.
Good luck. 
Also, the MQ does not have IC, only PT and FT, so they do set schedule. (nm)
x
you do not need a tax ID # - just use the Schedule C - sm
and Sch. SE on your taxes. Write off as much as you can in your expenses, phone line, computer, paper, ink, chair, desk, electricity, etc. ---and no you do not need to incorporate; unless you become a big company I would not bother with that.
IC = no set schedule
The IRS will tell you the same thing. If you meet TAT there is no need for further restriction. If it was to log in to check for stats or something I might be okay with it and understand it but if this is not the case, you need to stand your ground because if you start being treated as an employee it is bad news for you and those you work for if the IRS decides to audit.
my schedule...
I said I worked 55 minutes and took a 5-minute break... I only work a 6 hour shift anyway. If I have to go to the bathroom, I go. I usually go when I get up to stretch my legs though if I have to.
Yes, I have a man in my life, and yes he interrupts me a lot, which is one of the reasons I don't get a lot done. No, I do not have kids at home, they are grown.
I don't know what the problem is? I only posted what happened to me when I decided to see how productive I actually could be.
I did not say this had to be done all day every day, I did not say there were not exceptions to the rule, I did not say that this was what MTs had to be forced to do.
One of the problems with MTs not being considered professionals anymore is because we want the job, but we do not want the responsibilities that come along with being a professional.
Do you know that when I used to work with children at home, the kids were always asking me why I could not play with them instead of playing on the computer all day. Well, you know what, I changed to 3rd shift so that they would not think I was playing by myself all the time instead of playing with them.
This is still a job. Some of us have to earn a living at it and not just do it for the extra income. You are running your business like you want to, I am running my business like I want to.
I don't consider anything about this a sweatshop. I want to make at least 2000 lines a day and I want to do it the fastest and easiest way I can - I do not want to spend all day in front of the computer. I want to be able to turn it off and be done with it at some point.
Now, sorry if I rambled, got off point, got off subject, but darn, I am kinda getting ill now with everybody jumping on me!
what? i have a schedule to work.
i said it sounds like a mgmt problem. it does. mgmt is who allows people to work off schedule.
geez, get over it.
If MTs were working their schedule...
management would not have to STOP them from taking another MTs work. It's pretty simple  . Oh, and by the way, why exactly are you being forced to become an employee in January?
I'm an SE. I decide my schedule.
That is my current contract with my employer.
I don't even have to ask to work past my schedule. I don't have ask off. All I have to do is say I'm not working my planned schedule. That's all. However, I don't do business that way.
I keep my schedule and then I am usually asked to work more so I do.
I've worked at this place for years and I have never been limited on how much work I do. That will change shortly but after several conversations with upper management, there will be opportunity for overtime.
If you are an employee, not statuatory or IC, then you are more restricted in what you do. That is very true.
It's just not what I have been working as all this time for this particular employer.
re below: working out of schedule
i work all different hours throughout the week and on the weekends. I dont ask permission to get on and type whenever I want. My company knows when I am typing and when I am not. No one has ever complained about the money I make them. I don't ever think about any other MT when I am trying to feed my family. I think about what I need to provide for them and how I need to go about doing that. If an MT cannot get their line count in during their scheduled shift, then that MT needs to be more flexible with their shift and work different hours to make up for it just like the rest of us.
If you try to control your IC's schedule
in the eyes of the IRS? If that is the case, I would encourage your "ICs" to ask for benefits.
To Working Your Schedule
I'm not trying to flame you but just ask a question. How is it you know for sure this "greedy" MT is "him"? What I mean is, how do you know specifically who THE person is? Does your system allow you to see who is on at the same time you do? If not, has that information been given to you by someone in the company?
Again, I'm not flaming. I'm just wondering how you know to place blame on a particular person and have knowledge that someone is getting your lines rather than it just being a lull in the work flow.
d~
I always work off-schedule when there
is the need. What I am talking about is those who not only work their schedule, but other MT's schedules as well and take work away from others. To answer your question, the type of MT business where other MTs are allowed to infringe on someone else's schedule after already working their own, is definitely not my idea of how the MT business should be run. Greed is ugly no matter how you try to dress it up and make it pretty.
working without a schedule
Does anyone know any good companies that allow you to work with a flexible schedule? I'd like to do a certain amount of work in a day/week/pay period without being obligated to a certain time frame every day, especially when it seems to be that the times I am scheduled are the times that the work is caught up or you can't get into the system. It would be nice to work different times on different days. Thanks for any input. P.S. Loving the snowflakes.
Do you want to make your own schedule,
ICs make their own schedule, employees punch in and out as a regular employee would with a schedule, but you would possibly get benefits, etc. It is just really a personal preference.
following a set schedule is only one of several criteria used by IRS
to determine if person is employee or IC. Regardless, I think you would not find many IC's jobs that actually let you work whenever you feel like it. I mean, the work is promised back to the client by a certain time so how is that going to happen unless people follow a schedule?
work schedule
Is it just me? Every single company that I have investigated is now insisting on a schedule of either Sunday-Thursday or Tuesday-Saturday. Why can't I work Monday-Friday?! I don't mind a rotating weekends a couple times a month, but I'd really like to have my weekends for me and the kids! Okay my vent is over...I feel a little better now.
Frustrated with schedule
I work for a large national company. I was told that EVERY time I was away from my computer, I needed to have Pre-approved time-off. Even if you are gone for 15-20 mintues to taxi your kids somewhere. We only get 2 flexes per month. I am part-time and have no benefits. I also have trouble making the daily line counts. Sometimes with kids things come up and you need to take them somewhere and this can happen more than 2 times per month. Thanks for letting me vent. Any suggestions are welcome!!
How about when you give a schedule but...
pretty much have to be available 24/7 because there is not enough work during your scheduled hours to meet quota?
my crazy schedule
work for company A: Mornings (Tues-Sat) approximately 10-12 sometimes 9-12. Monday 2-6 , then make dinner , 7-11 pm work again go to bed "early" on Monday night. Usually work 2-4 hours on Sunday afternoon/evening. Sunday morning church, Sunday night watch a DVD or something (love Netflix)
company B (this company has plenty of overtime available): sometimes do a few hours Monday morning, Tuesday-Thursday 12:30-pm 6 - dinner - 7:30-12 am , Friday and Saturday 2-6 - dinner - 7:30 - 1 am.
don't take too frequent breaks - once in a while to make tea. too many breaks is bad for my concentration. and so is checking my e-mail on my PC. (but sometimes I do).
Beg to differ - Schedule C with your sm
business expenses - 100% deductible.
If the only problem is the apt schedule being-sm
hard to read, I would have the boss speak with the clinic and see if some improvment/change can be made on that end.
If that is not the only reason and you are happy with the amount of time/money I would ask to be changed to another account.
I used to work the same schedule.
This is what worked for me:
You have to stay in the graveyard shift even on weekends. It won't work trying to change on weekends. If you choose to work through the night, you'll need to live that schedule 7 days a week.
If you are sleeping immediately after your shift, you might need to allow about an hour to relax or settle a bit before attempting sleep. I always allowed myself to get a hot shower before going to bed. Helped me relax.
Don't drink any caffeinated beverages the last 4-5 hours of your shift. Don't drink/eat anything the last 2 hours before you plan to go to bed. It all interferes with sleep.
I had sound/light-cancelling window treatments in my bedroom and used a sound machine with nature sounds, not music. Music tends to engage your mind rather most of the time.
The ear plugs, I tried and did not like. Dark mask, I tried and did not like. I sure did not want to take any drugs just to get sleep.
You might have to have a few rough days/nights to get into it. Don't nap. Only sleep when you're supposed to.
Not everyone is cut out for it. And it is damaging to the body. I remember seeing a news documentary on the effects of 3rd shift on heart disease being as significant as smoking a pack a day.
holiday schedule?
Just wondering how other companies/hospitals handle the holiday schedule so as to where you will not be working the same holidays two years in a row. I am working at a hospital and this is my second year in a row working Christmas. I have worked two July 4ths in a row, too. When I asked about it, was told it is just how it falls, but if i could come up with an easier solution, to let her know. There are some companies that ask you to choose 1 winter holiday and 1 summer holiday to work, and the next year you do another. Any other suggestions on how this can be handled fairly? TIA
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