Another update on new profession

Well, it has been a month, short of 5 days, that I walked away from the medical field and medical transcription after over 23 years.  I have to say that it has been the best thing that I have done for myself and my family in forever.  The work schedule is a little screwy (dispatcher for law enforcement) but with no small kids and my husband already in law enforcement for 27 years, it has been adaptable for us.  The first week was spent becoming certified on state and national communication systems which was extremely exasperating, after all, all I have known for so many years was medical, but with hard work, studying and the encouragement of family and friends I managed to score a 96/100 on my final test.  I never knew that my brain could take in so much information in such a short period of time, lol.  

My main reason for posting, again, is for encouragement to those of you who are wanting to make a change.  Trust me, it is terrifying to do it.  On top of the weight gain, low self-esteem, okay NO self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness because of my pay checks, etc., I was suffering from social anxiety.  Now I honestly feel like a toddler in a new world.  I cannot wait to get to work to do something new and exciting (yeah I know it will eventually fade, possibly, lol) but also to be able to socialize with everyone.  I am fortunate enough to work with a really fantastic group of people who like to laugh and enjoy their time at work, which I am so thankful for.  

I encourage any of you who are thinking about leaving transcription to do it.  It is a HUGE HUGE step, it is a HUGE scary step but it is one that you will not regret.  I put in my 8 hours and go home, no worries about waiting on work, wondering if there will be work, etc.  The absolute best thing out of all of it was my first pay check 2 weeks ago.  I made more in 2 weeks on this new job than I was making in a month and a half transcribing.  That, within itself, lifted my spirits more than anything I believe.  It felt good to know that I am contributing again within my family (even though it is just myself and my husband, still have to work, lol) and that it helped lift some of the financial burdens off of my husband's shoulders.  

Another great thing about working out of the house, I have lost 22 pounds in just one month!  I am moving all of the time, I feel better mentally and especially physically.  

Again, hopefully just some words of encouragement for those who are on the fence.  I mean it when I say, if I can do it, any one can do it.  Even though I am now considered a communications officer, my heart will always be with medical transcription.  I enjoyed transcribing more than I can say but I was long, long, long past due in making a change.  And even though I have never met any of you face-to-face or talked with all of you, I think of all of you often, hoping that things will change for the better in this field and that those who want out can be as lucky as I was and find a way.