From Retirement to Remote Work

How LaVerne Found Her Perfect Fit in Transcription and Scoping

By: LaVerne Yarmola

Aloha! I’ve been writing this success story in my mind for quite a while now, and I’m so happy to finally share it. To Janet and everyone at Transcribe Anywhere — thank you for the best possible preparation for work in the transcription field. You were right about everything!

Getting Started with the Right Tools

The VEC Spectra headset recommended by Transcribe Anywhere is the best I’ve ever used — and I say that after 23 years working for AT&T and trying just about every headset out there. It’s comfortable, clear, and built for long hours of listening. The USB foot pedal is also excellent, though I’m not using it in my current position.

For my computer setup, I use a 2013 27” iMac that I brought back to life using Parallels, a program that runs Windows on a Mac. It works perfectly and is well worth the small annual cost.

Finding My Ideal Path

Last year, I completed the General Transcription, Legal Transcription, and Scoping courses — all within about ten months. As soon as I began the AutoScript training section, I knew scoping would be my ideal fit. I’ve never been the fastest typist, but I enjoy the editing process and the precision required for scoping.

Even with the best AI-assisted tools, human editors are still essential. Nearly every sentence needs some level of correction, and sometimes it feels faster to type from scratch than to fix what the AI produces — but I love the challenge.

Training and Transition

Given my age, personality, and lifestyle, working as an independent contractor is perfect for me. After one initial rejection, I was quickly hired by two companies as a legal transcription scopist. The training for each was completely different, as were their scoping platforms — a learning curve I was happy to climb thanks to my solid foundation from Transcribe Anywhere.

One company provided extensive training, mentorship, and proofreading support. The experience taught me a great deal, but ultimately, the compensation didn’t justify the workload. I was earning less than $3 per hour, often due to how they structured their pay per page. There were also time-consuming formatting requirements and research tasks that made the projects unprofitable.

It was disappointing to leave after so much invested training, but I knew it was the right decision.

Finding the Right Fit

The second company turned out to be an excellent match. Their system is straightforward, their AI editor is reliable, and the support resources — live chat and a detailed style guide — make the work environment both efficient and enjoyable.

They allow scopists to preview audio files before accepting them, ensuring we can choose material suited to our listening preferences. That small feature makes a big difference. I’ve now completed over 2,500 minutes of transcription and plan to continue working with them indefinitely.

That said, like many freelance industries, pay structures fluctuate. Rates have decreased somewhat over time, with dynamic pricing introduced and more competition for available jobs. My minimum rate is 70 cents per audio minute, and while I love the work, I’ve learned that the income varies and may not be ideal for everyone.

Reflections on Work and Retirement

As a retiree, I value the flexibility most of all. I can work from home, set my own hours, and stay mentally active doing something I enjoy. My average income ranges between $6 and $8 per hour — not high, but fulfilling for my stage of life.

If I were younger or seeking a full-time career, I would likely pursue certification and higher-paying transcription opportunities. But for now, I’m exactly where I want to be — contributing meaningfully, continuing to learn, and enjoying the freedom of remote work.

Prepared for Success

I can say with complete confidence that Transcribe Anywhere prepared me exceptionally well. The courses gave me the knowledge, skills, and confidence to step into a professional transcription role without hesitation.

I’m grateful for this opportunity to learn a new skill, earn from home, and remain connected to meaningful work. Thank you to Janet and the entire TA team for your support and encouragement — it’s made all the difference.

LaVerne’s story proves that it’s never too late to start something new. Whether you’re seeking flexibility in retirement, a side income, or a full-time work-from-home career, transcription can be the perfect fit.

👉 Learn more about our General and Legal Transcription courses.