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Working from Home in General Transcription

October 21, 2008 by Tara Kuczykowski 67 Comments

My Desk
photo credit: Laure Wayaffe

I mentioned recently that I was an accidental stay-at-home mom and found myself in the situation of trying to find a flexible, child-friendly work-at-home position.

Through much trial and error, I finally settled on general transcription as a means for providing supplemental income for our family. I’ve had several people email me about how they could find out more information about becoming a transcriptionist, so I wanted to share a little bit about the industry with you all.

General transcription is a wonderful opportunity for moms to look into.  Whereas many of the traditional home-based business opportunities require significant cash to start, you can get started doing general transcription for a very minimal investment.

In the three years that I’ve been doing this, I’ve been able to grow my income beyond what I ever thought was possible for an at-home position. The downturn in the economy directly impacted my family long before recent developments, and transcription allowed me to support my family on my income alone through my husband’s intermittent layoffs over the past two years.  While it’s a lot of hard work and definitely not a “get rich quick scheme,” I feel so blessed to have this wonderful source of income that provides me with the opportunity to stay at home with my five children.

Being a work-at-home mom is difficult at times; however, the benefits far outweigh any drawbacks for me.  Staying home to raise my children is only one of a number of benefits that transcription can afford.

Others include:

  • The hours and workload are flexible.
  • There is good – if not great – earnings potential.
  • I’m always learning something new.
  • It is a growing field that is not showing signs of slowing down.

While the benefits are many, success in this career will require hard work and perseverance on your part. The most common misconception that a lot of people have about transcription is that the only skill you need is the ability to type. The truth is that there’s a lot more than that involved. In order to have a successful career as a transcriptionist, you need to be able to listen, think and type at the same time. Additionally, one of the most important skills needed is to be able to actually take the spoken word and transcribe it in a way that fits grammar rules for written language so that it actually makes sense to the person reading it.

Questions to ask yourself if you’re considering transcription:

  • Do you enjoy reading, and do you keep up with current events?
  • Do you have a good grasp of basic grammar and spelling, or if not, are you willing to work hard to hone these skills?
  • Are you detail-oriented, and do you have the ability to follow instructions well?
  • Are you a self-starter, and do you have the drive to work independently with minimal supervision?
  • Do you take pride in your sense of professionalism and meeting your commitments in full?

If you’re just starting to consider transcription as a career, this may seem overwhelming to you, and that is not my intention.  It’s important to know that while you can make a decent living doing this work, it is not “easy money.” It takes a lot of hard work to develop the skills needed to succeed, and you must be committed to developing those skills or you will most likely give up before you reach the point where you are happy with your earnings.

Is transcription right for you? I can’t determine that for you. I can only tell you that after much research, this is the career that works best for me. But the benefits of this career are plentiful, and with dedication and hard work, there’s a good chance it’s the opportunity you’re looking for.

Getting started is fairly easy. Check out these action steps and/or consider purchasing our General Transcription 101: Your Complete Guide to Getting Started ebook package!

This article was adapted from a prior article written by the founders of Transcription Talk, Mandi Ehman, Tara Kuczykowski, and Shaina Olmanson.

Filed Under: money-making ideas Tagged With: work at home

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Deal Seeking Mom

    October 25, 2008 at 6:19 am

    Wow, that is just crazy and definitely not professional. I’m sorry to hear you had such a poor experience! I can sincerely assure you that I know plenty of excellent and capable transcriptionists. I’d be happy to refer you should you need work done in the future!

    Reply
  2. Deal Seeking Mom

    October 25, 2008 at 2:19 am

    Wow, that is just crazy and definitely not professional. I’m sorry to hear you had such a poor experience! I can sincerely assure you that I know plenty of excellent and capable transcriptionists. I’d be happy to refer you should you need work done in the future!

    Reply
  3. Lisa

    November 6, 2008 at 4:44 pm

    I’m very interested in transcription, I just need to figure out how to get into it (be it as a part-time opportunity for extra income, or as a full-time job that allows me to be home with my family). I’m off to read more about it!

    Lisa´s last blog post..So which way will this thing go?

    Reply
  4. Lisa

    November 6, 2008 at 12:44 pm

    I’m very interested in transcription, I just need to figure out how to get into it (be it as a part-time opportunity for extra income, or as a full-time job that allows me to be home with my family). I’m off to read more about it!

    Lisa´s last blog post..So which way will this thing go?

    Reply
  5. Edwin

    January 2, 2009 at 8:40 am

    Hi everyone, I’m very much interested in transcription work and I’m inviting offers from anyone wishing to outsource his or her transcription jobs. I have over 8 years transcription experience and I’m confidently sure that I am the best value that money can buy and willing to work within your budget. My email is [email protected]. Thanks.

    Reply
  6. Edwin

    January 2, 2009 at 3:40 am

    Hi everyone, I’m very much interested in transcription work and I’m inviting offers from anyone wishing to outsource his or her transcription jobs. I have over 8 years transcription experience and I’m confidently sure that I am the best value that money can buy and willing to work within your budget. My email is [email protected]. Thanks.

    Reply
  7. Diana

    February 3, 2009 at 1:49 am

    I have been working at home as a GT for three years now. I started out taking the medical transcription course through Career Step. I HIGHLY recommend it. I decided that medical transcription was not for me and sought out some GT clients. I only retain one client currently. I made about $7,000 last year doing GT. Hopefully that starts all of you out with a little extra info.

    Also, WAHM.com has a transcription message board. If you’re looking into becoming a transcriptionist, go there and read, read, read. There is a wealth of great information there, especially for beginners, but there are also client specific discussions and information about crummy-to-work for transcription companies.

    Diana´s last blog post..Encouragement

    Reply
  8. Diana

    February 2, 2009 at 8:49 pm

    I have been working at home as a GT for three years now. I started out taking the medical transcription course through Career Step. I HIGHLY recommend it. I decided that medical transcription was not for me and sought out some GT clients. I only retain one client currently. I made about $7,000 last year doing GT. Hopefully that starts all of you out with a little extra info.

    Also, WAHM.com has a transcription message board. If you’re looking into becoming a transcriptionist, go there and read, read, read. There is a wealth of great information there, especially for beginners, but there are also client specific discussions and information about crummy-to-work for transcription companies.

    Diana´s last blog post..Encouragement

    Reply
  9. Saph @ Walk With Me

    July 7, 2009 at 7:09 pm

    Wow, didn’t know you were a transcriptionist. I just happened upon this post while searching out GT info. I’m currently taking a MT course since I’m being laid off in 2 weeks and have been wanting to work from home for the longest. I have been interested in MT the last year or so but never pursued it. Now that I’m being laid off, there’s no better time than the present. :)
    Are you still working as a transcriptionist along with working your blog as I know you’ve got to be quite busy with your blog. :)

    Saph @ Walk With Me´s last blog post..The Sixth Picture Game

    Reply
  10. Saph @ Walk With Me

    July 7, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    Wow, didn’t know you were a transcriptionist. I just happened upon this post while searching out GT info. I’m currently taking a MT course since I’m being laid off in 2 weeks and have been wanting to work from home for the longest. I have been interested in MT the last year or so but never pursued it. Now that I’m being laid off, there’s no better time than the present. :)
    Are you still working as a transcriptionist along with working your blog as I know you’ve got to be quite busy with your blog. :)

    Saph @ Walk With Me´s last blog post..The Sixth Picture Game

    Reply
  11. Tara Kuczykowski

    July 7, 2009 at 7:26 pm

    Hi Saph! No, I haven’t done anything since I helped out with transcribing BlissDom in February. It’s just too difficult to balance everything now, but it’s a really great option for moms that want to work from home and are willing to work hard.

    Reply
  12. Tara Kuczykowski

    July 7, 2009 at 3:26 pm

    Hi Saph! No, I haven’t done anything since I helped out with transcribing BlissDom in February. It’s just too difficult to balance everything now, but it’s a really great option for moms that want to work from home and are willing to work hard.

    Reply
  13. Margaret Ryder

    August 18, 2009 at 11:58 pm

    Margaret Ryder
    301 Wager Lane
    Covington, VA 24426
    5409623341

    Associates in Secretarial
    85 wpm typing skills

    Currently working for an online media site transcribing stream lined videos for an online media site from my home.

    Currently working for a phone voice to text company.

    I have worked in the past for 15 years as an office manager before the birth of twins.

    Please e-mail me if you have any further questions.

    I am seeking to replace the above two work from home jobs or add to them. Any advice for similar work from home general transcription would be great.

    I also bought a Logitech Headset in case I would be hired as a phone agent.

    Thank you for your time.

    Reply
  14. Margaret Ryder

    August 18, 2009 at 7:58 pm

    Margaret Ryder
    301 Wager Lane
    Covington, VA 24426
    5409623341

    Associates in Secretarial
    85 wpm typing skills

    Currently working for an online media site transcribing stream lined videos for an online media site from my home.

    Currently working for a phone voice to text company.

    I have worked in the past for 15 years as an office manager before the birth of twins.

    Please e-mail me if you have any further questions.

    I am seeking to replace the above two work from home jobs or add to them. Any advice for similar work from home general transcription would be great.

    I also bought a Logitech Headset in case I would be hired as a phone agent.

    Thank you for your time.

    Reply
  15. D.V.V.V.S.MURTHY

    September 28, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    Dear sir,
    I am interested in General Transcription/legal transcription work. Can you provide the details of those sites which are offering this kind of work on a suitable remuneration basis without charging any amount. If yes, then please send me the details to my above mentioed email address.

    Reply
  16. D.V.V.V.S.MURTHY

    September 28, 2009 at 10:54 am

    Dear sir,
    I am interested in General Transcription/legal transcription work. Can you provide the details of those sites which are offering this kind of work on a suitable remuneration basis without charging any amount. If yes, then please send me the details to my above mentioed email address.

    Reply
  17. Guia Angeli Madelo

    November 3, 2009 at 1:40 pm

    hi! i’m Guia Angeli Madelo…I am from Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines…I am a mother…I am only 17…My baby is 2months old…can you help me on how to start GT? please…thanks and God bless

    Reply
  18. Guia Angeli Madelo

    November 3, 2009 at 9:40 am

    hi! i’m Guia Angeli Madelo…I am from Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines…I am a mother…I am only 17…My baby is 2months old…can you help me on how to start GT? please…thanks and God bless

    Reply
  19. Mike

    January 27, 2010 at 6:19 pm

    Hello,

    We are looking for independent transcriptionist to help us process transciption work . please email your resume to [email protected]

    Reply
  20. Mike

    January 27, 2010 at 1:19 pm

    Hello,

    We are looking for independent transcriptionist to help us process transciption work . please email your resume to [email protected]

    Reply
  21. Debra Bozeth

    March 18, 2010 at 4:20 pm

    Below is a short cover letter that I usually send to potential clients seeking freelance or self-employed transcribers.

    DEBRA BOZETH
    37E Cambridge Court
    Lakewood, New Jersey 08701
    (732) 948-7961 (Cell)
    (732) 276-6584 (Home)
    Email: [email protected]
    [email protected]

    Re: Transcription

    Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Debra Bozeth. Recently I was laid off due to lack of work at this New York law firm. A good bulk of my responsibilities consists of transcribing legal documents, correspondence, medical records, billing, etc. Aside from my legal assistant/paralegal experience and legal transcription of deposition transcriptions, etc., I am also a freelance transcriber with dictation/transcribing equipment located at my home. I have assisted companies in various types of transcribing assignments, including in particular, medical transcribing for a New York company that farms out tapes to be transcribed regarding, i.e., Lupus, Tourette Syndrome, medication in connection with migraine headaches, and various one-on-one seminars consisting of doctor/patient information.

    Located at my home office I am equipped with standard, micro cassette and 4-channel transcribing devices. I also have a USB foot pedal that works in conjunction with Start/Stop, Express Scribe, The Record Player and can access Cds equipped with Court Smart software for audio files to be downloaded and transcribed.

    In the event you have a desire to contact me regarding the above, and you have requirement for a transcriber, please feel free to telephone me at (732) 948-7961 (cell) or, in the alternative, you can e-mail me at any at the e-mail addresses located in this letterhead. I look forward to hearing from you.

    Sincerely,

    Debra Bozeth

    Reply
  22. Debra Bozeth

    March 18, 2010 at 12:20 pm

    Below is a short cover letter that I usually send to potential clients seeking freelance or self-employed transcribers.

    DEBRA BOZETH
    37E Cambridge Court
    Lakewood, New Jersey 08701
    (732) 948-7961 (Cell)
    (732) 276-6584 (Home)
    Email: [email protected]
    [email protected]

    Re: Transcription

    Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Debra Bozeth. Recently I was laid off due to lack of work at this New York law firm. A good bulk of my responsibilities consists of transcribing legal documents, correspondence, medical records, billing, etc. Aside from my legal assistant/paralegal experience and legal transcription of deposition transcriptions, etc., I am also a freelance transcriber with dictation/transcribing equipment located at my home. I have assisted companies in various types of transcribing assignments, including in particular, medical transcribing for a New York company that farms out tapes to be transcribed regarding, i.e., Lupus, Tourette Syndrome, medication in connection with migraine headaches, and various one-on-one seminars consisting of doctor/patient information.

    Located at my home office I am equipped with standard, micro cassette and 4-channel transcribing devices. I also have a USB foot pedal that works in conjunction with Start/Stop, Express Scribe, The Record Player and can access Cds equipped with Court Smart software for audio files to be downloaded and transcribed.

    In the event you have a desire to contact me regarding the above, and you have requirement for a transcriber, please feel free to telephone me at (732) 948-7961 (cell) or, in the alternative, you can e-mail me at any at the e-mail addresses located in this letterhead. I look forward to hearing from you.

    Sincerely,

    Debra Bozeth

    Reply
  23. Kristina

    April 16, 2010 at 4:43 pm

    I have been a transcriptionist for over 4 years now. My advice to someone is DO NOT do it. They are outsourcing like crazy and in a few years transcription will be gone. Most places now do not pay enough.

    Reply
  24. Kristina

    April 16, 2010 at 12:43 pm

    I have been a transcriptionist for over 4 years now. My advice to someone is DO NOT do it. They are outsourcing like crazy and in a few years transcription will be gone. Most places now do not pay enough.

    Reply
  25. becky

    September 11, 2010 at 4:52 pm

    How flexible is general transcription? I’ve learned that medical transcription doesn’t provide enough flexibility. What are the time requirements?

    Reply
    • Tara Kuczykowski

      September 12, 2010 at 3:26 pm

      I’d say it’s pretty flexible. Most of the files I received from companies had a 48-72 hours turnaround time, so I was able to work on them whenever I was able to as long as I had them submitted within the time specified.

      Reply
  26. becky

    September 11, 2010 at 12:52 pm

    How flexible is general transcription? I’ve learned that medical transcription doesn’t provide enough flexibility. What are the time requirements?

    Reply
    • Tara Kuczykowski

      September 12, 2010 at 11:26 am

      I’d say it’s pretty flexible. Most of the files I received from companies had a 48-72 hours turnaround time, so I was able to work on them whenever I was able to as long as I had them submitted within the time specified.

      Reply
  27. Toni Haddox

    February 15, 2011 at 5:12 pm

    Does anyone know where to start looking for an entry-level in- home medical or general transcription job?

    Reply
    • raj gupta

      February 19, 2012 at 11:12 am

      Yes pl contact
      regards
      09999909923

      Reply
  28. raj gupta

    February 19, 2012 at 11:10 am

    Kindly tell how to start?
    Regards
    raj gupta
    09999909923
    New Delhi

    Reply
    • jltownsend

      March 1, 2012 at 4:19 am

      This is for raj gupta
      Do you know of any companies that hire entry level in-home work for general or medical transcription. Hopefully you can share the info with me. I would appreciate it, Thank you.

      Reply
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    Greetings! Very helpful advice within this article! It’s the little changes that will make the biggest changes. Many thanks for sharing!

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Hey there — nice to meet you!

I'm Tara: mom of 5 teens/tweens and one 80-lb. Weimaraner, who fancies herself a lap dog. Born and raised in Ohio (GO BUCKS!!!), my fave things include cooking + baking, my JEEP Rubicon, the 4x4 beaches at OBX, and checking out the local craft beer scene...
 
As you can imagine, all of this puts a good dent in my monthly budget. So I've learned how to save on the things I NEED, so I can spend on the things I WANT. Read more.

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