Online Audio Transcriptionist Career: Being a Freelance Transcriptionist VS Working in an Office
The requirements of a freelance transcriptionist are much less than those of a transcriptionist working for a location-based company in a boring old office.
If you are a freelancer, the equipment you need is minimal. A computer, or a laptop for greater mobility, as well as an Internet connection, and if you feel like it, gadgets such as headphones and/or a microphone.
You can work at home… or anywhere there’s a Wi-Fi connection! You do not need to pay for the trip or the uniform, or any type of clothing. You can be in your pajamas or your birthday suit and still be a producer of high-quality transcripts.
Of course, you need skills like typing, research ability, attention to detail, and preferably, experience in transcription, editing, or writing.
Working from home requires a good degree of self-discipline and the ability to motivate yourself to keep working. As a freelancer, you should also keep your CV up to date so that you are ready to take on a new job with new online audio transcription businesses when they come up.
A freelance transcriptionist should know how to search for jobs online and become familiar with job sites and build positive working relationships/connections with their transcription colleagues. As the old adage goes, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
A good idea is to build your list of clients and do not be afraid to ask for references to attest to the quality of your work.
When comparing work as a freelance transcriptionist to that of an office, the factors you need to consider are:
Initial or capital cost: Freelancers provide their own equipment, utilities such as electricity, internet, etc. Therefore, they can charge lower fees and the initial outlay can be easily recouped over time. Both types of transcriptionists must produce high-quality work; however, companies may employ more layers to verify the quality of the work (QA/QA) and may use editors, proofreaders, etc. Sometimes this is an additional cost to the client, so it may still be better for a client to use a freelance transcriptionist.
As a freelancer, you can only have one specialization, for example, medical or legal. If that’s the case, he’ll need to spend time and possibly money on research and training to become familiar with other fields like general, podcast, and interview transcription.
On the issue of quantity, companies will always have the upper hand as they can definitely handle larger volumes compared to freelancers. Although freelancers can join only for a specific project. Still, this capacity will be more limited compared to companies.
Delivery times are inherently quite strict. However, freelancers are generally professionals. They deliver on time, most of the time. But, if a problem arises, at the end of the day they are individuals with no backup. Transcription services/companies, on the other hand, have numerous employees and contingencies.
Still, I think the pros of being self-employed outweigh the negatives.
You have a very good amount of flexibility and autonomy. You can work at your own pace, on your own terms, and you don’t have to deal with office politics (or clothing). You can even choose your own clients!
Geographic location is not a barrier, and the potential exists to achieve a better work-life balance. This point is especially important, since I myself know how unpleasant it is when you are working on the ground.
Public transport, fuel, taxis, etc. it all adds up! With no need to switch, you can actually save money and also manage your meals more easily and cost-effectively when you transcribe from home.
The egomaniacs (just kidding!) out there can take pride in their work and proudly take 100% of the credit.
I will point out some disadvantages. You are isolated. The absence of physical interaction with others means it can be a lonely job, especially late at night. You also will not receive bonuses, health insurance, paid holidays/vacation as if you were working for a transcription service. NB: However, there are some transcription companies that will actually give bonuses and paid vacations to their best and most trusted freelance transcriptionists.
Income and workload can be quite varied. There will be times when the work is so much that you go crazy and times when you have nothing. “When it rains it pours.”
That initial start-up cost is a direct cost to you. You should also organize the tax payment yourself and have a good focus so as not to get distracted.
Both types of roles will work for different people; some transcriptionists like the security of working a full-time position for a company that does mostly the same type of audio, and others prefer to have their fingers in a lot of cakes: variable workload, many clients, many different types of audio .
Do whatever makes you happy. Good luck in your transcription career, which I believe can be profitable, flexible, and very rewarding!