It may be a desire to stay home with the children, physical limitation, work layoff, or relocation, each story is different, but the solution is the same.   Here's one true story of a successful work-at-home transcriptionist.

"I knew legitimate at-home work would require some research, but it was easier than I thought!"

From Disappointment to Blessing

After several years in the finance industry I decided to make a career change.  It just didn't seem right to be spending 13 hours each day, 5 days a week, getting ready for, going to, and being at work but only being paid for 8 hours.  I wanted a better work-life balance and thought the solution could be a part-time job.  

So I set out to find that great part-time job, only to be sorely disappointed.  Not only did part-time work involve a drastic reduction in hourly pay and loss of benefits, but the type of work available was, at best, woefully uninspiriing. 

The ideal solution would be to work at home, but with so many scams I wasn't sure what was safe.  Turning to the Internet I fell onto some work-at-home forums that seemed legitimate.  There were lots of marketing opportunities, from at-home parties to eBay selling options, as well as the ever-dreaded telemarketing.  Marketing is great for some, but it's just not one of my talents.  I'm more of a project person, so some type of data processing seemed a better fit, assuming I could find something that would pay within reason.   

Then I hit it, a site that talked about general transcription!  Now I had done medical transcription many years earlier, and general and legal transcription occasionally in subsequent years.  I knew I could type, but what else would be required to work at home, and how would I find work? 

After reviewing the site and building up my courage, I decided to make the leap.  I followed the instructions, did the practice recordings, then applied to a couple transcription companies.  It was easier than I thought.  The company had a test package that included their style guide and equipment requirements.  Two weeks after submitting the test I still hadn't heard anything, so I sent a short, polite email follow-up.  Still no reply.  Okay, maybe I can't transcribe after all!?  No, I knew better and decided to apply to another company.  This time it worked!  

Looking Back

It's been several years now and I've been working with a fabulous transcription company for regular work, and have some of my own direct clients for higher paying but more sporadic projects.   There have been beautiful summer months spent typing on my deck under the tree while watching the birds and squirrels.  During the winter I watch the news reports of traffic jams and threats of snow, all from the comfort of my home while in my sweats. 

I'm up early to type for a few hours, then run my errands, do chores, etc.  There's more typing in the afternoon, and some in the evening, but it all balances out to about 6-7 hours of typing each day.  Though I'm not making as much as I used to, the pay isn't bad.  Overall, I haven't been happier and wouldn't change a thing.