I'm going back to work after a three-year hiatus!

[Denise C.]

I'm going back to work after being off for three years.  I passed the CA CSR in 1991.   So I have a lot of experience, I think, especially working as a pro tem reporter in superior court in Orange County, CA.  Man, they threw me in the middle of trials!  Law and motion -- a nightmare!   Wow, what guts I had!

 I'm very nervous.  I found an agency owner who is willing to help me back into the profession.  BUT I was also told by ONE person to stay away from them.  I found after traveling the country for 20 years following my husband in a military career that you have to see for yourself.  We're no longer moving and we're here for -- well, till death do us part!!

I just want to take a few jobs a month.  I don't care!  I made a promise to myself when I got into this profession that I would always maintain my independence and I, at the present time, feel like I let myself down.  That is the main reason I want to go back to work.   It gives me a sense of freedom and confidence.   Anyone else took a big hiatus like me?  Thanks!

 

[Rosalie Henshall]

I was off for almost two years with my last pregnancy, but that was back in 1999.  I was very scared going back because the firm I worked with at that time had very, very difficult jobs, a lot of psychotherapy/sexual discrimination cases.  Once I got my fingers warmed up, which seemed like it took forever, and I started working with a different agency, I was okay.  The only thing is my writing changed a lot, forgot a lot of briefs for a while, then they all started to come back.  I guess it would have helped me if I had practiced, but of course I didn't, that's why it took me long to get out of school too...lol.  Welcome back to the working world.

[Grace M. Thompson]

Sent you a private message, Denise, about my time off.  Good luck! 

[Denise C.]

I didn't see anything, Grace.  I think you have to be a friend?  Don't know.  I'm really computer stupid; I hate to admit it.  I sent you a friend request, but wouldn't your p.m. be in my inbox?  Thanks, Denise

[Mary Jo Cochran]

I was out for twenty because I moved into legal assistant work.  I did not forget theory.  I rebuilt my speed with speedbuilders and Realtime Coach.  I was surprised how my brain started "remembering" things, like I had just woke up from a coma.  Briefs started coming back automatically, as did my slow, relaxed key touch. 

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

Good luck you you, Denise.  I always told myself the same thing, that I would never have to depend on anyone.  I can't imagine being off for so long.  Maybe it's like learning to ride a bike again; once you learn, you never forget.  You just have to build speed and remember the briefs. 

Join the Brief Group, there's some wonderful suggestions for words there.  We'll all help you any way we can if you have any questions.

[Denise C.]

Thanks for all of the encouraging remarks and your offers of support!  Meeting him at Starbucks tomorrow!  Thanks for the brief suggestion.  I started using my asterik (man, can't even spell anymore) a lot the last year I was working.  It worked great for word endings, like, oubl and asterik for obviously.  Used that for a lot of word endings.  Yes, things are coming back to me like I was working yesterday.  I got out my old transcriber with the foot pedal (my husband fixed a loose wire) as I love that thing to practice with old tapes.  I did pretty good on some RPR tapes.  Was surprised! 

Wow, Mary Jo, 20 years?  I bet the time flew by!  Congrats!

Now I have to find something to wear!   That's an ordeal!

[Denise C.]

So dumb!  oubl is obviously!  I meant to say, like, difficult, dult and asterisk key for difficulty.  I'd better sign off.  I can't put up a pic because I don't know how and now I sound like an idiot.

Thanks everyone. 

 

[Michele]

Good luck, Denise.  We're rooting for you!

You may want to join Mark Kislingbury's online practice.  It's a montly fee and you can practice whenever you want at different speeds.  It is very difficult but designed to get your fingers moving like crazy on the keys.  You can also slow down the speed and he helps you with briefs.

[Denise C.]

thanks, Michele, I got out some tapes and my old transcriber with the foot pedal!  I'm old school.  I just happened to have a certificate of merit tape from NCRA and it was out of my league at the present time, but thanks for the input!  Yes, he's like the best writer ever, probably!  I remember Karlin Boyer and Chuck -- I think that's their names when I was in school!  How time flies!

I'm really worried I got myself into more than I'm capable of handling, not reporting-wise, but just the mere fact of going back to work, rearranging my routine and, of course, my little doggie!  We're attached at the hip!  I worry about her, but I built a window seat in our house for her and I just tell her she's staying and she climbs up there and it's like no big deal, but it is for me!  When she knows she's going with me, she hops in her crate!  She's such a good doggie.   Happy Valentine's Day, Keno!  HA!  I named her after video Keno at the casino.  My husband wouldn't let me name her peaches, so I call her Peachy Keno!

[Michele]

LOL.  I took in a ferrel kitten a few years ago & couldn't come up with a name. He's named Andy after Andy's Liquor & Package store down the street.  It's sucha dive, we always wonder who goes there.

I've heard leaving an item with your smell on it is a comfort to your pet; i.e., a t-shirt or towel. 

Have a great day! :D

[Denise C.]

That's hilarious!  Yes, she likes to lay on my clothes on the guest bed (so bad about making a mess of it) while I'm on the treadmill.  But they're mostly clean clothes!  Problem is, when we moved in, our master suite didn't have a bed yet and I got so used to living out of the guest room and closet that I'm still struggling with which closet and which clothes to keep in the closets!  I think the dog is confused too!

Maybe you oughta go to Andy's one night on a date!  Just bring the kitten!