Word of CAUTION before accepting work

[Tricia McLaughlin]

After experiencing a very unpleasant event, I feel compelled to post this. If you take a job from someone on CSRNation, even if you have spoken to them on the phone and all the terms are delineated, make sure you have them sign a contract with all terms explicitly set out.

E-mail me if you want the details @ [e-mail].

Tricia

[Tricia McLaughlin]

Jennie,

I have been reporting for 34 years. I am not a wallflower myself. I can't say loudly in my head how I SHOULD have known. I now have drawn up a contract. After the terms, payment and otherwise, are discussed, if I agree to take the job, then the contract will be signed by both parties.

I hate to think that this profession has come to this between court reporters, but it is what it is. I'll proceed the way I have to, but I won't be rolled over like this again, rest assured.

Thanks for responding, Tricia

[Jennie Ann]

I probably will never receive a job from this forum, as I'm not a court reporter, stenotypist, videographer, proofreader, or scopist. I am a transcriptionist who transcribes client-provided audio on a QWERTY keyboard.

That said, I have been in this racket for 30-plus years. I have seen companies come and go, as well as court reporters.

Newbies may sometimes be shy asking about payment, when, how much, et cetera. They are so happy to be working that money seems almost like an afterthought for some.

If I accept a job from a new entity, one of the first things out of my mouth is how much and when do I get paid. I make no bones about it.

Whether you are a stenotypist, scopist, proofreader, videographer, or a lowly plebian like me, it is imperative to ensure that there are no misunderstandings about payment. Don't be shy. Ask for a date certain, when the other party pays.

I am sorry you had an unpleasant experience, Tricia. I hope it gets resolved. When people get funny with the money, I drop 'em like a hot potato. Thanks for the reminder! Add a Comment