Where should I look for work?

[Mary Jo Cochran]

I'm going to start looking for a job soon. I want to go where the jobs are (the money is) - depos only. I already have my RPR. My thoughts are Atlanta, Washingon, DC, Tennessee.
(Not Florida because Florida doesn't have any requirements - too many reporters - too much competition).

Any thoughts?

[Mary Ann Payonk]

Hi, Mary Jo. If you're going into a market as a freelancer, working with every firm in town, you're going to work at the whim of the scheduler, and you may (MAY) have to get in line behind local reporters also doing the same thing. You're active on the boards, so I know you know the pluses and minuses of working in the areas you mentioned. Although you may have your heart set on freelancing with multiple firms, in these uncertain times and with the economy steadily improving but not yet totally healed, you might want to consider taking a staff position with just one firm. Maybe there are a lot of RWA in your No. 1 pick (Reporters With Attitude), and maybe there's a firm that's been hit hard, maybe lost clients, because they've made bad choices when engaging freelancers, and they might be ready to take on a staff reporter. I just know there are some good firms still looking for excellent, no-excuses reporters of all skill levels, and you could be one of them. I think the problem is that those firms do NOT want to advertise that they need a body or two because everyone and their brother will be lining up at the door. You could speak with some trusted colleagues off these boards to learn if they know of a reputable firm looking for a solid staff reporter, and that would at least get you foot in the door with a certain amount of work that would definitely come to you first.

As I said, I know you're familiar with the boards and you've heard all the horror stories to look out for, you know about noncompetes (No! No! No! in the style of Wynne Pauley), and you'll be able to determine the going rates for work in those areas, and of course you have your own standards below which you will not go.

I'm still all for the freelancer. I couldn't imagine doing anything else. But for a while, and for job security and peace of mind after a move, you might want to consider that.

Good luck, Mary Jo.

M.A.

[Glen Warner]

Hi, Mary Jo.

Katiana "Lady Steno" says that working in Miami has kept her extremely busy! Check out her blog entry from a few weeks back.

--gdw
-------------------------
"For a Good (steno) Time ...."
http://www.cheapandsleazy.net

[JiLL]

Im in the same situation. I have researched & researched. Im thinkn' the East Coast has more to offer but i will be a voicewriter when im qualified. We're more limited! Hopefully, a door will open & somethin' will happen.

[Sono]

I live in Massachusetts and really can't relocate. Does anyone know how the market is for court reporters here?

Thanks!
Sono

[Cassie May, RPR]

Hi, Mary Jo. I worked in the D.C. area for a year and a half or so, and even though the firm I worked with wasn't very busy, all of the other reporters that I ran into were EXTREMELY busy. In the time I was there, I think I only went to ONE deposition that didn't order, so I think you could do okay there. Good call on not coming to Florida, there is way too much "competition", but I use that term loosely. Since no one is certified, there really aren't many quality reporters down here and we aren't as respected as we should be.

If you do decide to give Florida a chance, there are some great firms to work with. I am at the bottom of the totem pole, so to speak, at the agency where I work, and I could work every day if I chose to. Just be careful where you go because several agencies down here are bigger promoters of digital recording, and those agencies don't tend to have good work anyway.

[Mary Jo Cochran]

Cassie - I live in Florida - since 1981. LOL. I'm in Tampa. Back in 1986 there were 13 court reporting schools in the Hillsborough/Pinellas area. I had my RPR, and I was competing with all the others.