One year out...

[Shanna Gray]

So...it's been just over a year since I became a CSR. I had a pretty good year. I started out slow, got a second car, and started making some moves. As soon as I started getting a foothold in an agency, the calendar person who I loved working with resigned. Now I have started fresh with a new calendar person and I can barely get on calendar at all. Tonight I find myself researching firms in L.A. to start out looking for a new agency to call home. And I know this is not exactly the best time to do it with the holidays coming up, but I've got to start somewhere!

[Anita]

Shanna, get your hands on JCR article by Lisa O'Sullivan from October 2009, Page 44, entitled "Agencies."   I believe I have worked for or attempted to work for all these type deposition firms at some point over the last 28 years.  

[Natasha Christie]

I can say "ditto" to all the responses, Shanna.  I've been through the same a few times.  You just have to keep marketing yourself.  In my situation, the agencies did call me back, and just make sure I don't use them as my main resource.  Good luck.

[Keith Rowan II]

Great reminder not to put all your eggs in one basket...good luck!

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

Yeah, I wouldn't take it personally.  Name of the game, unfortunately.  It happens to the best of us.

[Shanna Gray]

It is crazy, isn't it? I already work with multiple and had a really great month right after not getting one job for them in one month, but that's because that agency was really busy and I got on a specific case. Right after that was over, I was back on min. tript doc depos for that agency. $150 and $200 days don't work for the kind of student loans I have, so I'm back looking around. I made some calls this morning and a couple of them sound promising.

That is absolutely nuts, Kelli! What a nightmare. But from everyone's comments it's just something that we go through as we go along in this career. I don't feel so bad about it now. It happens. You move on and find new opportunities. : )

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

It is pretty scary that if the calendar person doesn't like/know you, your livelihood can go down the drain.  It's not fair but it's true.  I've had this happen multiple times to me.  I don't think it's fair but life isn't fair.  I think it's wise to work for multiple agencies so in case this does happen to you, you don't go bankrupt. 

Eight years ago, I was working with Esquire, along with other firms, but I was making over $100,000 just with Esquire alone and they got a new calendar person.  I went from 100,000 to zero pretty much over night.  I couldn't get her to give me a job for anything.  Pretty frustrating.  Keep your options open and you'll be okay.

[Janet]

Sorry to hear that, Shanna.  I've experienced the same thing a few times over the years.  I ended up being a lot happier and busier once I did what you're doing now.  Someone out there needs you.  I hope you find them soon.

[Shanna Gray]

Yup, Janiece, that's what I'm doing. I work with other firms, but I like to have one firm as my main one and then fill in the holes with other agencies. That plan is not working out with this agency. So I'm researching around now. I'm already a member of the Cover Jobs group. I love it! That's a huge help and gives exposure to a lot of new firms. Thanks for your support.

[Janiece Young]

If they won't give you jobs, look for firms that will.  You can sign up for the group on here that sends jobs out to your area.  Call you friends you went to court reporting school that are out reporting.  Reach out.  You only need a few people to say yes to you.