How Leslie Built a Flexible Transcription Career & Loved the Work

From Peru to Canada: Building a Flexible Transcription Career & Loving the Work (By Leslie Kaminski)

Some seasons of life feel steady and predictable. Others change everything overnight. Although I grew up in Canada, my husband and I spent 23 years living in Peru, doing volunteer education work. Then the pandemic arrived—like it did for so many families, our circumstances shifted, and we found ourselves needing additional income.

There was one big catch: it had to be remote. We wanted to stay in Peru, and I needed something that could move with us.

That’s when I came across Transcribe Anywhere.

I still remember being impressed by the personal, prompt response I received to my very first inquiry email. It may sound small, but it wasn’t. When you’re exploring a completely new path, being treated like a real person—right away—builds trust. I decided to begin with the General Transcription course, but I’ll be honest: I wasn’t sure if it would truly lead to real work.

As I worked through training, I kept going because of the support I received—not only from Janet and her team, but also from the Transcribe Anywhere Community. Even now, I’ll sometimes post in the community chat or send an email to support, and I always receive a personal, concise response. That kind of support inspires confidence as you’re growing into a new skill.

Here’s the part I didn’t expect: within two weeks of passing the final exam, I was contracted by an American agency specializing in qualitative research. It was a great way to get started and gain experience in real transcription work. 

I also followed through on an opportunity Transcribe Anywhere shared—a no-charge Digital Scoping course offered through another source. I learned to use powerful AI tools that significantly increased my speed, and as a result, my earnings.

In 2024, our circumstances changed again. We returned to Canada permanently so we could be more available for our aging parents.

After being out of the paid workforce for 23 years, I felt like I’d stepped into a completely different world. The job market had changed dramatically since I’d last lived in Canada, and I wasn’t sure what options I had—especially work my 50-something-year-old body could manage sustainably.

So I made a decision: I was going to finish what I started.

I got busy and completed the Legal Transcription course I had begun before leaving Peru. I built a resume that highlighted the skills I’d gained and the work I’d already done.

Then a surprise opportunity—before I even finished!

Even before I completed the final exam for Legal Transcription (which I did pass), a court-reporting agency found my resume and contacted me. They were looking to train court reporters who could transcribe their own work. Long story short, I’ve been contracted with them for nearly a year—and I truly LOVE the work.

One of the biggest blessings is the flexibility.

The content is varied and interesting. I get to choose how much work I accept, which allows me to work a reasonable number of hours each day and still have time for real life—like taking Daisy (our high-energy dog) to the park, visiting my parents, and getting dinner on the table. I don’t need to work nights or weekends, and that matters to me. It also aligns with my husband’s schedule, which has been a gift.

And the income? I’m more than satisfied with what I’m earning.

In short, I couldn’t be happier with my decision to be guided by Transcribe Anywhere.

I feel like a relevant member of society again—someone contributing meaningfully to my family’s economy. I feel respected and appreciated by the company I work with, and I’m proud of myself for learning a new skill that has opened real doors.

Want to explore transcription for yourself? 

If Leslie’s story resonated with you—and you’re looking for a practical, flexible skill you can take anywhere—Transcribe Anywhere offers step-by-step training in both General Transcription and Legal Transcription, along with a supportive community to help you grow in confidence.