If you've ever thought you were too old to learn a new skill or start your own business, this student success story is for you! Alica was fired from her job after seven years. Talk about stress!!
She feared she wouldn't be able to find something she TRULY enjoyed. Then she found Transcribe Anywhere. And the rest is history.
Read on to see how Alica pushed herself and didn't let anything stand in her way!
I have worked in the clerical field for over 25 years. I've seen a lot of unfair and unethical things happen in the workplace. I hopped from job to job, always yearning for more. I'd start a job and stay just because I needed the money. I was never truly happy at ANY job I ever had, until now. I'd always research work-at-home jobs but never found anything worthwhile. I knew there was more out there -- I just didn't know how to find it!
A year ago I was fired from my most recent job after being there for seven years. I was miserable. I didn't feel valued or respected by management. The day I left there, I was more determined than ever to figure out what I wanted, and how to get it. I had researched transcription work before, but until I found Janet's courses, I was pretty lost.
For me, the most challenging part was allowing myself a little more time to learn and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I'm 52 and I wasn't sure I could learn like I did when I was younger! It was overwhelming and challenging, but also something that I welcomed. Janet made it all so easy by giving step-by-step instructions on everything!
Everything! I knew nothing about Microsoft Word, formatting, which software to use, or templates. Thank goodness Janet gave links to everything she used or purchased. The videos also helped so much. I was thankful for them because I learn by hands-on and repetition. Oh, and I can't forget the many hours of practice dictations that prepared me for a real job!
I am employed by two different small businesses right now and LOVE it. I finished the course at the end of April 2017, and I got my first job in May.
Brush up on punctuation, grammar, and typing skills. You must also be motivated and able to stay focused. It is most definitely worth the money for training. I think it's better to learn from someone with experience. Janet is quite obviously successful with her own business!
It takes skills either way. The difference to me would be wanting to learn the business inside and out, working all hours, determination, and perseverance. You must have research skills and the drive to want something better to become a great transcriptionist.
My favorite thing about being a work-at-home transcriptionist is definitely the freedom. I can set my own hours, and I get to work from home! I don't have to answer to anyone, and I don't have to be part of the 9-to-5 grind. And I save gas and don't need work clothes! My least favorite thing so far is -- oh, who am I kidding? I haven't found anything that I don't like yet!
I start all of my days the same way because for me, staying in a routine works best. I'm up with my husband at 6:15. I fix him breakfast and lunch, then I work out, shower, and get my day started. I normally start working around 9:00 a.m. and work until I have finished a file and proofread it. The great thing is I can work into the evening if I feel like it.
Right now, I'm transcribing market research and academic interviews. I'm probably making right around $1,000 a month. Sometimes that figure changes. If my husband wants me to take off and go do something fun, I do it! I'm thankful he has a good job, and my income is supplemental. I do plan on eventually getting my own clients, but right now I'm pretty happy where I am.
I think Alica's story is incredibly inspiring for students! Am I too old to learn something new? Am I good enough after being fired? You're definitely never too old for anything, and you are ABSOLUTELY good enough, no matter your circumstances. You can do this!
Any questions for Alica? Leave her a comment below!
What separates a ho-hum transcriptionist from an excellent one? Is there even a demand for transcription? Who hires transcriptionists?
Can anyone be a transcriptionist?
Get the answers to all these questions and more by enrolling in my free introductory course, Transcription Foundations.
For our legal transcription mini-course, click here.