Seeking Career Advice: Transitioning from Medical Transcription to HR at 34 – What Should I Consider?

I have completed my PGDHRM from Symbiosis Distance Education in 2006-2008 with an A+ grade (71%). Currently, I work as a medical transcriptionist. I am inquiring about the career prospects in HR. At 34 years old and married, I am seeking job stability. In the medical transcription field, income varies based on the amount of work completed. However, considering the physical demands of this profession involving eyes and ears, I anticipate challenges in maintaining this job as I age. Thus, alongside my current role, I pursued a PGDHRM and am contemplating a career change. I seek advice from experienced professionals on this platform regarding the steps I should take. Any suggestions provided would be greatly appreciated.

I have been in the medical transcription field for the past 9 years but foresee limited opportunities for advancement. Additionally, I have heard that experience in medical transcription may not be valued in other industries. I am open to exploring fields where I can leverage my experience from medical transcription. Your guidance on this matter would be invaluable.

Regards,

Dhiraj

Dear Dhiraj,

You are never too old to take up a new assignment. If you have the capacity and knowledge in your domain, you will get it. Initially, you should be prepared for less pay and position, but later on, you can make up.

Additionally, being in a company for almost 9-10 years continuously should add value to your CV (continuity as the organization can plan assuming you will be with them for some time, unlike the present IT generation which keeps on job-hopping).

Equip yourself thoroughly in your new domain. There are experienced HR professionals in this portal who will guide you better.

All the best

Dhiraj, Ramesh is very right that it's never too late to take up a new assignment. But I agree with you that after a certain period, medical transcription can't provide you with much growth. You have made the right decision by doing PGDHRM with a good score. I think you should try for a job in HR profile. It's possible that you may have to start for a lesser salary and position, but the future is bright. HR professionals grow with experience in terms of salary and position.

Thank you to Ramesh and Vineet Saini for the support in my decision to change the nature of my job at this stage of life (age 34).

I would like clarification regarding my doubts about HR:

1. Are HR positions mostly for girls and not boys? I have heard from many people about this, is it true?

2. The company I am currently working for is transitioning from office transcription work to home transcription as it is more cost-effective to have the work done this way (people are not hired but paid based on their output quality and lines). This has resulted in a shortage of quality staff, and I am now in a senior QA position (QA2). If I were to apply for an HR position within my company, how would they perceive this move? Please provide insights on this important matter.

I am eagerly awaiting the views, expressions, and comments from Senior HR professionals on the aforementioned issues as my decision to change might either benefit me or lead to a dead end.

Regards,
Dhiraj

Hi Dhiraj,

You are wrong about females getting preference. This only happens if the company is not thinking about long-term planning. Otherwise, they take candidates based on merit - no sex. Take it from me.

If you have an opening in HR in your present organization, all the better. A known devil is better than an unknown angel. Also, with your experience in transcription, you have an idea of their pressures and pulls and can make a fair call. Juniors/new joiners can be trained by you (on transcription).

It's a win-win situation for both you and your existing company.

There's no dead end, dear; it's all in the mind. If you have the conviction and self-belief and keep your mind and ears open, things will work out for the better.

In fact, I suggest you speak to your employers about your interest in HR and whether they can absorb you in HR. As a quid pro quo, tell them that you will support them in transcription during crunch situations. They will appreciate you and may give you a break if your employers are fair.