Encore: Q&A of a Working QA, Part Three

by Hava Lyon | More from this Blogger

30 May 2007 04:15 PM

If you missed Part Two, check that out here.

Have you worked for more than one MT company? What made you change companies?

I have worked for three MT companies. I started out by working for a large national MT company. It was a good experience because they had a great training program for new MTs. I started out as an employee with a set schedule, and we were required to get a certain amount of lines transcribed in an 8-hour period. I quickly realized I was not the type of person who could sit there and work on a set schedule, and I had a hard time reaching the required number of lines every day because I was so new and slow. I decided I wanted to become an IC or SE and have a flexible schedule. I switched to another large national, accepting a position as an SE. This worked out until they switched all of their MTs to employee positions. I pursued another IC or SE position and found the company I am still with today.

How are your lines counted? How are you paid as a QA person - are you paid per report, per hour, per day?

For transcription, I am paid by a 65-character line, including spaces. Headers / templates are included.

For QA, I am paid a flat daily rate regardless of how many or how few reports I have to QA. I have certain days and hours I need to cover. I am able to transcribe and be paid the transcription rate of pay in between doing QA on those days, also.

Are you an employee or IC, and why? If you're an employee, do they offer you any benefits at all?

I was an SE until I became QA. Once I became QA, they made me an employee. I still have the same schedule freedom as I did as an SE except for the days I do QA. My company does not offer insurance at this time, although I believe they are looking into it.

To read the last of the Q&A with Laura, check out my next blog!

This blog is part of a series on transcription. If you haven't read the other blogs in this series, make sure to check out the summary page for a listing of all transcription blogs.

Learn more about Hava Lyon

Hello, my name is Hava or Havs (depending on my mood and yours!) I am a freelance writer who writes for several blogs, both paid ones such as this one, and personal blogs.

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