7 answers
Puja
Student
1
Question
Updated
3160 views
How should I proceed in my career now after 20 plus years in medical transcription industry?
I have worked in medical transcription for over 20 years. I am now jobless as the company I worked for lost its clients. I tried switching to other domains, such as business analyst or human resources, but perhaps because of my age or lack of experience, I am unable to land a job. I want to do something on my own, but where do I start?
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7 answers
Mike S.
Technical Writer
23
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Hi Puja.
It is difficult to suddenly be forced to job search, especially now when many companies are trying to reduce hiring for entry-level positions. But the basic principles of job searching have not changed.
If you are changing careers, you will need to gain some new skills for your new target career. You may need to consider some temporary jobs to pay the rent while you are gaining new skills.
What career should you choose? This is always the most difficult question. It is a big decision to make. You will want to choose something that you enjoy, because you will do your best work if you enjoy what you are doing. You also want to choose a career in an industry that is either stable or growing.
I have added a link below to CareerOneStop.org. This is a site that can help you decide what career to choose.
How can you gain new skills? Consider classes at a nearby college or online resources like https://udemy.com or https://www.coursera.org/. (All of these cost some amount of money.) Also, consider volunteer work as a way to gain skills (if that is appropriate for your career).
I want to say a word about the importance of networking. This is making connections with people who are already in your chosen career, and may know about some open positions. People who devote serious time to networking tend to be hired more quickly.
Also, there are a lot of online resources that can help you with things like creating and checking your resume, writing cover letters, and preparing for interviews. I have added a few links below. Also, ChatGPT can be used to help you in writing your resume and generating possible interview questions.
I hope that you will have good luck in your job search.
- Mike
CareerOneStop: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Skills/skills-matcher.aspx
Breaking Barriers: A Guide to Networking for Introverts: https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/networking-tips-introverts
Resume help. MyPerfectResume: www.myperfectresume.com
Here is a list of employers who do not discriminate based on age. Age-Friendly Institute: https://institute.agefriendly.org/initiatives/certified-age-friendly-employer-program/
It is difficult to suddenly be forced to job search, especially now when many companies are trying to reduce hiring for entry-level positions. But the basic principles of job searching have not changed.
If you are changing careers, you will need to gain some new skills for your new target career. You may need to consider some temporary jobs to pay the rent while you are gaining new skills.
What career should you choose? This is always the most difficult question. It is a big decision to make. You will want to choose something that you enjoy, because you will do your best work if you enjoy what you are doing. You also want to choose a career in an industry that is either stable or growing.
I have added a link below to CareerOneStop.org. This is a site that can help you decide what career to choose.
How can you gain new skills? Consider classes at a nearby college or online resources like https://udemy.com or https://www.coursera.org/. (All of these cost some amount of money.) Also, consider volunteer work as a way to gain skills (if that is appropriate for your career).
I want to say a word about the importance of networking. This is making connections with people who are already in your chosen career, and may know about some open positions. People who devote serious time to networking tend to be hired more quickly.
Also, there are a lot of online resources that can help you with things like creating and checking your resume, writing cover letters, and preparing for interviews. I have added a few links below. Also, ChatGPT can be used to help you in writing your resume and generating possible interview questions.
I hope that you will have good luck in your job search.
- Mike
Mike recommends the following next steps:
This was super helpful, thank you!
Puja
Priya Rao
Project Manager
1
Answer
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Priya’s Answer
Hi Puja, it's wonderful to see your valuable experience. Some hospitals look for experts in medical documentation, so you might explore that path. Smaller clinics, practices, or agencies often hire freelancers, too. You could offer virtual services to doctors, like transcription, admin support, or email follow-ups. With your strong knowledge in healthcare documentation, you'll find many roles that suit you. Don't worry; your passion will shine through. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help. Good luck!
Thank you, Priya!
Puja
Jaqueline Motta
SBM
3
Answers
São Paulo, Brazil
Updated
Jaqueline’s Answer
Hello Puja,
Be prepared to adapt — change is part of every career.
Even after 20 years in one field, life can push you to start over. Flexibility is key. Don't be afraid of change — it's where growth happens.
Age is not the real barrier — mindset is.
What often holds people back isn’t their age but the belief that it's 'too late'. If someone with 20 years of experience can start again, so can you — and you can start much earlier.
Start small, but start now.
You don’t need a perfect plan to begin. Just choose a direction, learn what you can, and take the first step. Your career isn’t a straight line — it’s a journey of constant learning.
Learn from others' experiences — both successes and failures.
Listen to stories of people who have changed careers, faced setbacks, or built something from scratch. You’ll realize that your path doesn’t need to be perfect, just yours.
Good Luck!
Be prepared to adapt — change is part of every career.
Even after 20 years in one field, life can push you to start over. Flexibility is key. Don't be afraid of change — it's where growth happens.
Age is not the real barrier — mindset is.
What often holds people back isn’t their age but the belief that it's 'too late'. If someone with 20 years of experience can start again, so can you — and you can start much earlier.
Start small, but start now.
You don’t need a perfect plan to begin. Just choose a direction, learn what you can, and take the first step. Your career isn’t a straight line — it’s a journey of constant learning.
Learn from others' experiences — both successes and failures.
Listen to stories of people who have changed careers, faced setbacks, or built something from scratch. You’ll realize that your path doesn’t need to be perfect, just yours.
Good Luck!
Thanks for your encouragement!
Puja
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Puja,
Consider self-employment as a viable option. You have valuable experience, especially with medical terminology, which can benefit your future work. Freelancing as a contractor could be a good fit, and there are likely medical and allied health practitioners who need your skills.
Additionally, you don't have to limit yourself to health-related fields. Law or general management consulting are other areas to explore, and you can work remotely. Clients can send you media files online, and you can use speech-to-text software to create Word or Adobe documents, then review them for accuracy.
Fields like business analysis or human resources might not need medical expertise, but don’t forget about medical research using PubMed or exploring medical journalism. Remember, you have talent, so keep going!
Another addition is the prospect of you writing a book and publishing it. You do not have to use Artificial Intelligence. Your experience is in medical transcription, but the sky is the limit! In Windows 10, you would be dictating speech to text. You could use Windows Speech Recognition.
Consider self-employment as a viable option. You have valuable experience, especially with medical terminology, which can benefit your future work. Freelancing as a contractor could be a good fit, and there are likely medical and allied health practitioners who need your skills.
Additionally, you don't have to limit yourself to health-related fields. Law or general management consulting are other areas to explore, and you can work remotely. Clients can send you media files online, and you can use speech-to-text software to create Word or Adobe documents, then review them for accuracy.
Fields like business analysis or human resources might not need medical expertise, but don’t forget about medical research using PubMed or exploring medical journalism. Remember, you have talent, so keep going!
Another addition is the prospect of you writing a book and publishing it. You do not have to use Artificial Intelligence. Your experience is in medical transcription, but the sky is the limit! In Windows 10, you would be dictating speech to text. You could use Windows Speech Recognition.
Thank you! I will look into writing a book
Puja
Yes, Puja that is ideal! If you have Windows 11, just dictate!
James Constantine Frangos
Dianna Soto
Non Sterile Pharmacy Technician
51
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Dianna’s Answer
There are always companies hiring for medical transcriptions, especially remote. If you can’t find anything now, it’s okay. It means that they are taking a break from hiring. New hiring season in the medical industry is always in August, December, and May/June. At this time, look into Vacational schools that offer your interests for a low cost and short time frame for you to start a new career. In the meantime, you may need to consider working retail jobs like a supermarket just to cover basic costs of living. Either way, don’t give up! Keep applying and searching, and keep your head up. I spent a month applying nonstop for jobs every day before landing my current job. That was 2 years ago. Have faith in yourself and your abilities. You have experience, keep fighting for yourself. Practice on your confidence and show the world your strength. You will be fine.
jean Morera
Project manager
2
Answers
Alajuela, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
Updated
jean’s Answer
Take a moment to look inside yourself and think about what you enjoy or want to do. There are many online jobs you can do from home, and your age doesn't matter. What makes you happy? What do you think will give you peace of mind? These are important questions to ask when thinking about new career options.
Thank you!
Puja
Desiree Gamboa
5
Answers
Bloomington, California
Updated
Desiree’s Answer
Hello!
It’s unfortunate losing your job after 20 years but look at the bright side maybe it’s time for something new. This is the time to reflect on what you would like to do different with your life. What’s something you’ve always wanted to do besides working as a medical transcription? What’s something that excites you? Age is just a number don’t be discouraged as long as you are happy with what you are doing that’s all that matters!
It’s unfortunate losing your job after 20 years but look at the bright side maybe it’s time for something new. This is the time to reflect on what you would like to do different with your life. What’s something you’ve always wanted to do besides working as a medical transcription? What’s something that excites you? Age is just a number don’t be discouraged as long as you are happy with what you are doing that’s all that matters!