Hi everyone, and welcome back. Today I continue my eclectic journey through the blogosphere, and I am thrilled to have you jumping onboard to share this next stop along this quest. Towards the end of my first blog, I alluded to the field of transcription of which I am proudly a part of and which I am passionate about. In my second blog I defined transcription and explained as to why it is not just merely an industry and career field, but I framed it as an art form. I sought to explain what it is, the role and the responsibilities of a transcriptionist, and the opportunities and great rewards that it offers. In this blog, which is the second in a series of three in “The Art of Transcription,” I feel that I need to let you know how I discovered this life-changing and fulfilling career, how and where I received my training, and why I chose transcription for myself. Also, I will give you the skinny on where I currently am on this adventure. So, get comfortable, sit back, and let’s continue this journey.
I know that I have told everyone that I had an enjoyable and fruitful 30-year career as an elementary school teacher, and I did. I most certainly had the honor and privilege to teach and mentor hundreds of students over the course of three decades. It will always be an important part of my life. That said, the old adage that life is about change rings true. Our needs change; people change; work conditions change; circumstances change. We have to adapt and be adaptable. In addition to my bachelor’s degree, I did graduate work in Language Arts and Curriculum and Instruction. 30 years is a long span of time, and due to mandates, growing older, workplace politics, and the ever-expanding amount of paperwork — little having to do with actual teaching – I decided to retire in June of 2018. I also found that I wanted more time to be at home with my wife. So, I needed a career that I was interested in; that I had the skill set and experience for, and one that I could establish as a home-based business. Telling you all that the internet is rife with scams and get-rich-quick schemes is akin to preaching to the choir, so I did what I had always done as an educator, I did my research.
After searching for something that sounded interesting, viable, and that had a future with potential for growth, I settled on two possibilities: virtual bookkeeping, and transcription. Through further investigation and research of those two choices, I settled on transcription. I felt that not only did it sound intriguing, but that it was the perfect fit for my skillset, one in which I had the background and aptitude for. When I discovered, enrolled in, and watched Transcribe Anywhere’s free online course in General Transcription: Theory and Practice, I was immediately sold. Not only was it a tremendous value, but it was comprehensive and pedagogically sound; it was certified by AAERT; it was highly endorsed by reputable companies in the industry, and it has a sterling reputation within the transcription industry. The bedrock and foundational value of truth really struck a chord with me when they did not promise or even hint at the ubiquitous memes of get-rich-quick or the never-ending promises of easy wealth. Rather, they made clear that transcription is a lot of work, and that learning and training in transcription would take time, effort, and dedication. However, if you were willing to put in the time and effort, exercise self-discipline, and work diligently in the course, you would acquire the skills and knowledge to build a business and have a career where you could make a successful living. In other words, everything promoted was based in reality and truth. That is priceless as far as I am concerned. I have not regretted one minute of my decision to enroll in the General Transcription: Theory & Practice course. It absolutely delivered on its promise. I highly, and without reservation, recommend it to anyone who is interested in owning a home-based career.
Transcribe Anywhere (TA) not only offers a course in general transcription, but TA also offers the industry-standard course in the field of legal transcription, Legal Transcription: Theory & Practice. Transcribe Anywhere is not simply just an online course in transcription. Rather, it is a multi-faceted organization that is, simultaneously, education; technology; organization; industry; business; family. What I mean is that, while it is an online course, it is much more than that. It is an organization that is both professional and familial. Transcribe Anywhere is a family; we are students, graduates, independent contractors, fellow transcriptionists who support one another. We are a career field with some of us having our own clients; some of us working as independent contractors for companies, and many of us in a hybrid-type model: working for a transcription company and having a few private clients. We are taught and mentored by two of the very best in the business: Our founder and owner, Janet Shaughnessy and TA’s Director of Education, Marsha Schnipper. Janet is the owner not only of the Transcribe Anywhere organization, but of Zoom Transcription Services, with decades of experience in the industry. Her vision; her creativity; her skill and experience; her passion for the industry have set the standard for education and training in the field of transcription. Marsha, who has a career background as an educator, is also a practicing and experienced transcriptionist. Her pedagogical knowledge and skills provide the aspiring transcriptionist a solid foundation of theory and knowledge. That is combined with a thorough and comprehensive structure of practice dictations organized into units that build upon and reinforce the requisite practical skills to provide the tools for student success. The courses are all-inclusive, providing tools such as templates and guides, links to discounted software and hardware, first-rate, industry-standard education and training, and second-to-none support and mentorship. Oh, and this is so important and exciting: TA is family – teachers and mentors, graduates, and students. We have a Facebook group where we can ask questions, share experiences in the industry, cement a sense of camaraderie, advise, and enjoy the online company of one another. TA provides lifetime support for each and everyone of its students and graduates. There really is nothing like it. It is the best investment I have made in my 60 years upon this rock, Earth, that we all call home. If –and I hope you do — you aspire to a home-based career in transcription, it is essential that you get your start through Transcribe Anywhere. Check it out by clicking on the tag at the bottom of this blog article.
Since I graduated last November, I have established a hybrid model of business. I have two distinguished companies that I contract with and, so far, one private client and am on the verge of landing a second. I am not rolling in dough, but while I am perfecting my craft, I am pulling in a good income right from the comfort of my own home, with the best coffee, and shortest commute — as in feet instead of miles – one could ask for. Oh, did I say that my coffee is a tax write-off? More about that in my next blog. Anyway, I am excited about my future in this business, I am learning interesting things as I transcribe, and I enjoy the work and the freedom it provides. And, best of all, it is an expanding field chocked full of opportunity and growth.
Well, thank you for visiting my website and reading my blog. My next blog article will be a continuation of “The Art of Transcription” series. Look for it some time within the next couple of weeks. Meanwhile, please click on the tag below and check it out. You have nothing to lose doing so and much to gain. Most of all, enjoy what you do; do it well; do it passionately; make a difference in the world around you.
For those of you considering a great home-based career in transcription, here is a link to TranscribeAnywhere’s free General Transcription Mini Course. It is fabulous and is what sold me on the program. It is well worth your time.
Almost at the final set of practice dictations and can see the finishing line ahead. Really looking forward to finally being able to work from home and set my own schedule around the kids 👍
That is great feeling, isn’t it? Also, you can’t beat the commute. Mere feet as compared to miles. No traffic to fight, no traffic lights, easy access to coffee and the best food. Oh, and can’t beat the dress code either. LOL Well done, you are going to make a fantastic transcriptionist.
Thank you so much, Maria, for taking the time to read my blog and comment.
Hi again! I’m also a TA General Transcription course graduate and we’ve connected before. What I didn’t realize at the time is that we are both former teachers! In my latest blog post, like you I talk about how the TA course helped me start a new career and new life, really: http://www.normantranscription.com/how-online-courses-helped-me-change-my-life/
Keep up the awesome blogging!
Hi Joanna,
How is it going? I aspire to have a blog like yours. You are so professional; you do our occupation — and the one we retired from — justice. I really appreciate your input and time. If it is okay, I would like to get advice every now and then. Anyway, thank you for reading my blog and commenting. We were blessed to have a teaching career, and now our blessed to have become a part of this fantastic TA family. Janet and Marsha are the best, and we have a TA family full of talent and people who support and look out for one another.
I enjoyed your blog, and you raise so many engaging discussion points. I, too, noted the matter-of-fact way that Transcribe Anywhere portrayed the field. You said the sense of truth struck a chord, and I felt the same way. I wanted realistic, but achievable expectations. I have not been disappointed.
Amidst the economic fallout from the initial lockdowns last year, I joined millions — or perhaps billions — of others searching for online work opportunities. I considered teaching English, even bought and started a course. I did not believe the tempting pictures of working in a sun hat on a pristine beach with my laptop. Maybe that is someone else’s reality — not mine, unfortunately. There was nothing wrong with the course, but I had my doubts on co-ordinating a class of students. Hats off to you, but I believe that is also a specific skill set, and, coming from a corporate environment with a lot of number crunching, the leap seemed too vast for me.
I turned next to transcription, and, before long, was onboarded with a firm. But I soon realized I needed far more than good English, touch-typing, and a computer. Happily, I found Janet’s course, and I am not paid to say that — just for the record.
It is such a comprehensive course. In fact, the age-old observation has proved true: “The more I learn, the less I know.” Without getting too philosophical, I am referring to the fact that when you learn a subject, you realize how much more there is to know. So, too, with the field of transcription. But the course really supplies the material and support to complement the hard work and dedication it takes to become a skilled transcriptionist.
Change is not easy, but, as you rightly stated, often unavoidable. It is so encouraging to read of your successful transition so far.
Hi Monique,
I thank you very much for the well thought out and extensive comment. I really like the age-old observation – how very true it is. LOL There is so much to learn about transcription, and the more I explore it, the more fascinating it is — and the more there is to find out. I have two companies that I contract with. Both of them have interesting work and are really well-oiled outfits that pay well. I am going with a hybrid model of business as I will mix company contracting with a private client or two.
You should have no doubts of your ability. You write clearly, cogently, and very introspectively. You weave a narrative that is easy to follow and evokes a sense of empathy and connectivity with the reader.
I enjoyed your comments, and appreciate your kind and thoughtful words.