Kathy Harrison
Mesa,#2UPDATE Employee
Fri, February 08, 2013
The original report presents some "facts" about working for TEI. Here is what I have found to be true:
I paid $550 to lease the software. It did not seem like a rip-off to me. The headset and foot pedal were thrown in for free. The software lease was $550.
The comment about the office workers is off-base. These are some of the kindest, friendliest people I have met.
I, too, was offended by having to ask for time off in writing. Even worse was being denied time off because, "we are at our limit for that day." On the other hand, it's easy to see why the rule needed to be in place.
I enthusiastically attended the training, never wondering why I wasn't being paid for it. I acquired valuable education and learned a new skill via the training and sharpened my skills via the regular review of my work. I returned for more training when an opportunity arose to transcribe depositions. I demonstrated my dependability and was offered the opportunity to attend HOA meetings, record the sessions, and prepare the official minutes. I was added to the Clerical Pool for additional opportunities. Each new opportunity paid a little more than the last.
The money was pretty much what I expected. My best month of 11 was around $750. Since my previous job had been eliminated I was eligible for unemployment. Most weeks I received half of my compensation from TEI and the other half from UI.
TEI transcriptionists work from the comfort of their homes and take breaks whenever they please. The work is interesting. The work experience proved to be a very valuable addition to my resume.
I do not feel ripped-off by TEI.