How many days can you write all day?

[Kerry F]

I just wondered how many of you can write all day five days a week, 200 plus pages a day.

I am at my max three days in a row all day.  Just can't physically do five days in a row anymore.

Thanks!

[Jannette]

Three days for me too.  I don't think I've ever done five in my entire career.  That's a marathon!

[Mary Jo Cochran]

When I was doing trial work in the mid 80's I was almost 30 (about six months away).  I'm dictating.  A girl comes in (age 23).  And she says, "You're older aren't you?"  I said "Older than what?"  I don't remember what came after, but she meant age.  They were all about 23.  All day writing is okay for the younger girls.  Today, for me, it's like working in the Disco.  Forget it.  When it gets dark, it's bedtime. 

 

I don't know why such a frivilous conversation stuck in my mind - but it obviously had some meaning (like my first hotflash).

[Kerry F]

I used to do five days long ago.  It was tiring but I could still do it without having to spend the next week at the chiropractor and massage therapist's to recover.   But now it just hurts too much beyond three days.

[Mary Ann Payonk]

When I first met my b/f Dick, about 10 years ago, it was in the middle of a 30-day daily copy trial I was doing myself.  I hate to split jobs!  Back then, I took it in stride.  Wow, "back then."  I'm 54 now, and I won't say it's easier.  But 200 pages per day is a breeze.  It's when it's closer to 300 that's difficult.  As discussed in another thread, I get massages regularly, and when handling all-day daily or quick delivery things, they spot me on my way in the door.  It really helps!  As far as sitting there and writing, yes, it's trying, especially when it's really fast ... but the most difficult time is getting things out at night.  Re-reading your post, Kerry, you're just asking about 200+/p per day not expedited.  That's like being on vacation, actually ... but the real problem with regular delivery is that I work a lot better when I have a quick deadline hanging over my head.  Regular delivery just encourages me to procrastinate for some reason.

M.A.

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

I'm with an attorney this week and last week and he literally talks so fast it's hard to understand what he's saying.  I actually think he is a terrible attorney at taking depositions; doesn't identify exhibits, witness nods or says uh-huh, he doesn't say a word.  Drives me nuts. 

Anyway, the first job I did with him was 340 pages from 9:30 to 5:00.  I thought I was going to die.  The office said they booked four days straight of depos for last week.  I told them I didn't think I could manage to take Mr. so-and-so for four days, just ain't happening.  I just don't have the stamina anymore.  Now, mind you, this is an 0 & 4 with 4 roughs.  Most reporters would say I'll just endure it.  Not me.  I don't want to have to take the next week off to recuperate; just not worth it.

Luckily, the last two days have only been 150 pages apiece, which makes it so much easier to deal with.  He's still a crappy attorney when it comes to depos but my body is not falling apart.  

For me, three all-day depos is enough.  Think about it; you can easily get 8- or 900 pages in a week working only three days a week.  My body just isn't the same as we age.  I think that's what everyone else has said as well.  The sad truth unfortunately. 

[Kerry F]

Thanks for your replies.  I have lost some jobs because the firm says the attorney wants the "same" reporter all five days.   With at least 200 pages a day, that's 1000 for the week minimum and my body just won't do it.  I hate to lose the jobs, but I've been doing this 37 years and my muscles are worn out.

[Mary Ann Payonk]

Kerry, I've had those requests also for the same reporter.  I hate to lose out on good work, but there's usually a reason why the atty is asking that ... particularly difficult terminology, or maybe even the feeling that he's being passed around from reporter to reporter.  Hey, in the case of Kelli's guy, he'd probably be right!  "I don't want it, YOU take it!"  "No, thanks, Kelli, YOU take it!"  "No freakin' way ... it's YOUR turn to suffer through it ..."

M.A.

[Martha R]

Three days is my limit for 200 + jobs.  But I write shorter than I did the beginning of my career so it's slightly easier.  Still, that's enough.   I wouldn't want to do a second day of Kelli's job though.  I would be wasted.   I think a smarter attorney would know to rotate reporters.   He doesn't realize  that we are not machines, apparently, and doesn't realize he can stretch and take a drink of water any time he wants!!!

[Janet]

I used to pass on the jobs where they wanted the same reporter five days in a row.  Earlier this year I was asked to do an immediate-delivery arbitration.  There were a bunch of dates.  They wanted the same reporter for all dates.  I couldn't pass on this one.  The first week was five days in a row.  I was concerned about how my body would hold up.  It turned out the schedule was 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on this case.  Heaven!  

 

I couldn't physically do it if it was 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., day after day.  Three days is the most I'd want to do with that type of job.

 

[Lynnette G. Gertz]

I laughed when I read this. My answer is not one day. Feels like I'm suffering after an hour and can't wait to be done. I've been doing this since 1976 and now that I'm 61, I can't wait till it's over. But still hanging in there.

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

I KNOW my body won't hold out that long.  That is a hell of a long time, Lynnette.  At least I feel better that I'm not alone feeling exhausted after writing 300 pages. 

What I am trying to do is slow down.  I only want to work two days a week now but find myself sometimes working more.  My husband's real estate career has really taken off, so I don't have to work quite so hard.  Today will be my third day this week but it is only going a little over an hour.  That should be easy enough.  Oh, yeah, the fast guy is not taking today; it's his younger associate.   I can hold on to anything for an hour no matter what they throw at me. 

[Lynnette G. Gertz]

Kelli, I was never a heavy-hitter like you and some of the reporters on this board. You guys are truly amazing and incredible!