Planning Ahead for New Start

[herekittykitty]

I've seen some pretty funny H&P's where it is obvious the transcriptionist either totally misunderstood the MD, or perhaps didn't have a good grasp of the terminology!
The few times I actually had to dictate, it took me longer than just handwriting it because I was so nervous and I wanted to make sure the info was organized. It's harder than it seems!

[mtshastawriter]

You might want to spend some time in the transcription forum over at wahm.com.

[mizbear]

LOL kitty!
Thanks for the advice mtshastawriter

[mizbear]

Update: After speaking to my school advisors, people in RL (not that I have much of one, but it must be considered), and my board friends and contacts, I am going to talk to some people about college money for when I finish the career section of my course. I can attain the degree that goes with my course, continue in my low rent apartment with my very few bills- and should get break for being a student at a college at that point- career schools don't count. That degree will take about a year, 5 9-week semesters.

[sapphire12]

mizbear -- I applaud your efforts for the next stage of your life.

[mizbear]

UPDATE Have talked to part of my case team- still have 1 person to talk to, but she has had to reschedule our meeting to next month- which is fine- I am in the longer part of the course right now. All agree with the advice given here that if at all possible I should continue my education further to the degree level and stay in my current living situation for as long as possible. They want me to get through school, and then get into the job and make sure I don't have another medical situation before I move into a larger (read: more expensive) residence. They are confident that I will succeed in this.
I am getting into the more difficult parts of the course with actual report writing now, where I have to format everything. I am also having to work on my resume (scary- since I haven't worked in years due to illness).
I am holding off on any work-related clothes buying until I see where I end up. I have talked to several people I know who work in the field and they told me it will vary depending on where I go and who I deal with. e.g. If I choose to take an outsource job, I will need nice stuff for delivering to the offices, but can wear jeans at home.
Sorry if I am re-hashing or rambling, just up to my ears in homework, housework and projects right now.

[spruby]

mizbear - you are doing great! Sometimes it helps to repeat/summarize a little!! Glad to see it looks like you'll keep going on school and maximize your time in your current living situation!

[newmummy]

Two things - medical transcription, don't forget to apply for "Unit Clerk" positions as well if you see them.

Budget to save for your medical insurance deductible yearly ($500 on some insurance, $1000 on others) and then if it doesn't get used that year, maybe throw it in a savings account that's still accessible? Sort of like your own FSA? I mention this because I just got hit with a $237 lab test bill that I'm going to have to end up figuring out what to do about and so it might be a good idea in addition to a general "emergency fund" to keep a deductible on hand.

[mizbear]

newmummy-

Thanks for the info! I am still putting all the pieces of this together and every little bit helps!

[reeneejune]

mizbear - I know you've mentioned many times that the rentals in your area are not affordable/not liveable, but if you're in a work from home situation would it be possible to move to a slightly lower COLA? For example, even out here in the boondocks where I live, rent in the largest town in the county for a 2 bedroom apartment would get you a 3 bedroom house 20 minutes away in a smaller town. I know that might not be an option for you with the caregiver situation, but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway. My other thought was to make sure that you check into the income regulations for your apartment complex. A friend of mine got burned because she was trying to save to better her situation and her savings exceeded the allowed "assets" for the subsidized rent, causing her rent to go up even though her income remained the same. Be careful. She ended up skirting the regulation by saving cash in a piggy bank, but I was always nervous for her.

[mizbear]

renee- Already have the income regs and max rents here in hand. Moving out of the area (although I would consider it if it were another rural area with good internet service (a requirement)) is not an option as long as I am a caretaker and the family members I care for will not move. I also have the consideration that I am established with my doctors and that is a big deal with me being bipolar.

[mizbear]

On the advice of my student advisor, I have taken a short break from school. She called when she didn't get an assignment from me for a couple weeks. I explained to her about being sick and then the news about the DGMs house and that I was working slowly on assignments- but I wasn't confident that the work was up to the standard of my current GPA (still have a 97%). Because I am already working well ahead of schedule, she advised me to wait a couple more weeks until we are done with this phase of the reno project (meaning my schedule is back to "normal") before attempting anymore assignments. I will still finish ahead of the projected time frame for the average student without sacrificing my GPA.
I have gotten lots of helpful hints and suggestions both on the board and by PM about jobs, etc. Thank you all very much.
I have 23 more quizzes and my final exam to go. The certifying agency doesn't recommend that beginning MTs take the more advanced certification without at least 2 years experience, so I will get the book and take the first certification, work on my Health Information Management degree and hopefully get some temp work filling in for people to get experience without sacrificing my education. I will start with establishing an EF, paying off school, then the car. By then, I should be done and ready to take the second certification test and move full time into the job field.
That is the revised plan at this time.

[gsbrq]

I wish you the best. Keep us posted!

[mizbear]

Everyone keep your fingers crossed- someone local who knows I am studying medical transcription will be losing their MT for 3 months this fall for maternity leave. Because I am local and they know me, and I am willing to come in and train, I may get the temp job even though I have no experience!
Keep your fingers crossed!!!
Would be a great opportunity even as an internship.

[mizbear]

I have applied for a partial scholarship through my program that will be given to a current student. If I get it, it will make 18 payments!!!! All paws crossed.
I didn't get the temp job for the fall, they went with a temp agency, but that's cool, I can use the time to finish up.
Still carrying a 97%.

I have started looking at COLA and housing and whatnot in different areas. I will not be happy in the city- so staying in a small town or rural setting is best for me. When I weigh all of pros and cons, I have narrowed down the area I want to be in and what will be best for me business-wise. Gives me something to look at when I get started.

[leanna]

MizBear,

I've been saying your name a lot these days on the Grocery Challenge board...thanking you so much for the awesome coupons you sent me!

I hope you get that scholarship!

I understand a great deal of what you're going through...as I continue to recovery from my accident I am looking at working for myself again as, unfortunately, working for someone else probably just won't work due to the severity of my injuries.

I wish you the best in it all coming together!

[djmj3284]

Feb 20, 2011 17:06:08 GMT -5 Peace77 said:

Mizbear,

401(k) plans can only be used if your employer offers them. Having a 401(k) might work for you if you have an employer that allows flextime or pays by the amount of work you do. If you plan to be self-employed, a 401(k) is not an option but there are other retirement plans that you can use.

Actually if you incorporate or form an llc for your own business. You can setup a 401k yourself. But that does force you to be more responsible for paperwork.

[mizbear]

djmj- KARMA for you! Thank you for the info!
I am getting into the home stretch now and lining up my ducks as I go. My bank has advised me to make an appt with someone there and they can help me get set up based on whether I work from home or go to work for someone else. For instance, they told me if I go to work for myself, I should keep a separate account for business and write myself a paycheck. I am also going to get a good accounting program.