Encouragement

[Erica Abbott]

Hi again. lol. I am usually the one who loves to give the encouragement, but I am feeling a little down lately. 01/01/10 is not going well, and I only left my house for about 2 hours... But that story is for a different day when I don't feel so stupid. lol

I have been working for three years this January and am still not doing realtime. I graduated from Alfred State online, and had a 3.8 GPA. But then I found Mark K., and realized that my theory, well, kind of sucked in certain areas. Now I have been switching over to his theory ever since. I also should be getting my new LS by the end of next week. Due to an overwhelming amount of work recently, I haven't practiced in about a month. But am looking forward to getting back to it when I get my LS.

Anyway, why have I been working three years and am not realtime ready? I really do try. And I love what I do, but it can be very discouraging sometimes. Any advise would be great. And thanks for listening to me. lol.

[Erica Abbott]

Oh you guys are so great, it admittedly almost brings me to tears. lol. I don't really get to talk to anyone about this stuff, so I never know what I should be doing with myself. I truly appreciate all of you and your kind words. It makes me feel SO much better. I, of course, get encouragement from my husband, but he really knows nothing about what I do; so, to me, it's kind of empty. lol. But hearing these things from you and describing exactly what I am feeling, it really makes life much better!!!! Thank you:)

[Patricia Babits]

You can do it. I've seen reporters start doing realtime after 20-plus years of reporting because their judge asked them to. Three years is not that long. You could set smaller goals for yourself, like getting a bit faster, having a lower untran rate, instead of just the goal of being a realtime writer.
I've had my license almost six years, and I still have days where I feel I shouldn't even be doing this job.
That is awesome that you became a reporter on your own online. That takes a lot of discipline. I could never have done that!!

[Janiece Young]

Hi, Erica,
I think you are right on target, expecially if you are changing your theory.
What software system are you on? I use Catalyst and they have the "Brief It" feature which is great for Realtime. I find that skill and speed are important but another thing that really helps is to harness the features inside your software that help with realtime production. You're paying for them, so learn them and use them.
I think it's really great that you are setting realtime as a goal. A lot of people won't do it. It sounds like you are almost there.
Learn those software tricks and shortcuts and it will really move you along.
Good Luck and Happy New Year,
Janiece