"I Quit My Job!" One Transcriptionist's Inspiring Story

Nobody likes being overlooked time and time again. Especially when you know you have the skills and experience to do an AMAZING job!

But the sad truth is it happens in nearly every workplace. Sometimes no matter how hard you work, your boss just doesn’t see how great you are.

Want to know how to make sure you get all the opportunities you deserve?

Be your own boss and never get overlooked again!

Kandee had had enough of working to making other people’s dreams come true when she decided to start focusing on her own. Now, as well as growing her own transcription business, she’s also got another business AND she’s publishing a handbook!

There’s no stopping her now!

Q: Hey there, Kandee! Can you tell us a little about your background? What did your life look like before TA?

Before TA, I was working as an Inside Sales Rep for a large manufacturing corporation. I was fairly happy, good at what I did (Inside Sales Rep of the Year 2017), and patiently waiting. And waiting. And waiting. You see, the original company had been bought out, and I was very excited for new career opportunities that I could apply for within the bigger corporation. A position became available for an Inside Sales/Office Manager role at my location. I applied, as did my counterpart, who was also more than qualified for the position. We were both turned down. Neither one of us has a degree. I had been at the company longer than anyone else -- everyone came to me with issues. I trained everyone walking in the door, including the current DC manager. It was a slap in the face -- and a wake-up call.

Q: Wake-up call indeed! When did you start doing transcription, and what made you decide to learn it?

I decided to stop making money for other people's dreams and to start making money for my own. I had been a legal secretary/paralegal back in the '80s and '90s; why not go back to what I knew I was good at and use it as a stepping stone to leave corporate America behind?

Q: What was the most challenging part of getting started?

Getting started! I researched and researched -- what do I really want to do? What do I like to do? What am I good at? I ran in that circle of fear and anxiety that prevents us from making a decision, I would say, honestly, for about two months. The decisions don't get easier, but I am faster and more confident when I make one. I learned it's okay to fail; just change direction and keep going.

Q: So true. The only way to really fail is to never try! What have been the most valuable things you learned during the course?

That you are never too old to learn; that sharing my experiences as I went through the course helped me as much as it helped others. Grammar is hard; really hard.

Q: I couldn't agree more! We can always learn new skills, no matter what age we are. How long did it take you to find your first client? How many clients do you have now?

One week after I graduated from the course, I started working for a transcription company; two weeks later I was working for another transcription company and one client. Now, almost a year since I started the course, I have one client and have started another business where I have two clients. I also am working on publishing a handbook for a group of law firm professionals in my area.

Q: How long did it take you to recoup the cost of the course?

I graduated at the very end of January and broke even at the end of May. Keep in mind, I was still working that full-time, corporate job. I would transcribe four nights a week and on the weekends. I officially quit on June 29^th and I have not looked back.

Q: That's amazing! Congratulations! What advice would you give anyone thinking about becoming a transcriptionist? Is it worth the money for training?

Yes; it is definitely worth the money and you can use your skills, not only for transcription, but for other things as well (proofreading, scoping, publishing handbooks, helping writers). I really love my one transcription client and am working toward gaining more transcription clients in the near future. Based on the workload, I would be comfortable having one or two additional transcription clients.

I didn't know when I started that there were so many varied options for transcriptionists. I didn't think about transcribing for anyone else, other than lawyers and court reporters. My advice is to keep an open mind and say yes to something you've never tried before.

Q: Yes! You never know what opportunities are around the corner. What do you think it takes to be a GOOD transcriptionist? How about a GREAT one?

Skills, first of all. I am a really fast typist, so that is a definite advantage. Second, willingness to learn and grow. Educate yourself! Thank goodness for Janet being hard on me when I took the final. I realized how right she was about my needing to continue working on my grammar skills. Every week, I spend at least two hours or more studying grammar -- and I still feel like I need to improve!

Q: What’s your favorite thing about being a transcriptionist? What about your least favorite?

I get to work from anywhere, anytime. I get to challenge myself every day to be better. And I help other people in both my work and personal life -- the freedom to be able to do this is amazing.

Least favorite? When the client records their audio in a coffee shop. A loud coffee shop. A loud coffee shop, right next to the espresso machine. Seriously, it's the only downfall and you just have to "eat the frog" and push through it.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you? Anything else you’d like to share?

Up at 5 a.m. for my three-mile walk; then I walk the dogs. I have breakfast, meditate, or listen to a podcast (I recommend Caitlin Pyle at Work-At-Home Heroes on Facebook). After that, I start work at 8 a.m., take a break for lunch, and then back at it until 3 or 4 p.m. I do admin tasks, set up meetings to get out and network, and occasionally work evenings or weekends.

Practice self-care and discipline. Focus and keep moving. I'm always hustling for another client, educating people about what I do, or educating myself -- even when I'm booked. Surround yourself with positive people, positive things, and positive thoughts!

Our Take

I love that Kandee decided to take charge of her own future by quitting a job that didn't acknowledge her skills and becoming her own boss. Now she's in charge of her own career, and I have no doubt that she'll be successful. Way to go, Kandee!

Your Turn

If you’re ready to say, "I quit my job," then check out my free mini-course and find out if legal transcription is right for you.