Ebony, like Marla, here is what I posted.
Keep the faith and do what you want to do.

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Ebony, If you were in front of me I would give you a hug, I know how it is to be stuck in a crappy job.
The comments you have received are raw and sadly is our current reality, work is very slow and we all are very worried.

Cant it get worse?? Have we seen the bottom? I think so.
I believe next April is going to pick, start practicing and do whatever you have to do to get back into reporting.
as some pointed out, you can get a $25 drill that can help you get back on track, your investment of $25 plus what ever time you dedicate is minuscule compared to potential rewards.

And as you already said, you are stuck in a dead end job, right? you should immediately get back into reporting.

You were 22 last time you tried it!! you are older and more mature, trust me.. its going to be different.

Ebony, in case you don't return to the discussion you started (and who could blame you), here's what I posted:

Ebony, I'm excited for you, getting back into reporting!! It's a good career. There's lots of freedom and the potential for good money. Like the others have mentioned, it's a bit slow right now. When I got out of school in '93 in Columbus, Ohio, the market was flooded with reporters. I couldn't find a job to save my life. A year and a half after college, a friend from court reporting school called, their firm was hiring, and 16 years later I'm a workin' fool. But I'm in Los Angeles now.

Point being, I was terrified after not having written for so long. I was more terrified taking my first job than I've ever been in my entire life. Thank God for the recorder we were FORCED us to use as a backup. They knew they were sending us on stuff we shouldn't be taking, so they required us to use a recorder.

But my first few years were hell, really. Lots of stress. It's much more manageable now. And, quite honestly, starting out when things are slower might be better so you don't get so stressed out. That is, as long as you can make enough money to support your family. If you don't, you can always waitress on the side. ;)

I can't speak to the Simply Steno program. Sorry. I'll bet if you just practice to the TV and study your old books you'll be fine. It's like riding a bike; you'll get the hang of it again lickety split.

If you need any help or more encouragement than you're finding here, feel free to call or email me. I've also got a friend in Columbus you could sit in with anytime.

Marla Williams
marlavous@hotmail.com
323-788-0188