Another work anniversary: Cheryl celebrates 2 years with McGowan Transcriptions
Unbelievably it is now over two years since I joined the amazing team at McGowan Transcriptions and the exact date I joined the team permanently. As we mark this milestone, it’s given me time to pause and think about the journey I’ve been on these last two years both professionally and personally.
Little did I know that a phone call one morning asking if I could urgently help and work in a Transcription Quality Control role would lead to a permanent position. I particularly liked the hours! Starting work at 6am is not for everyone, but at that quiet time in the morning, I can concentrate on those challenging accents or on some poor-quality audios with fresh ears to get that holy grail of the elusive unclear word. Even though I work from home, I’m always permanently in contact with my colleagues throughout the day by using various apps for help and support – you never feel that you are on your own here.
One of the challenges in my role is always our beautiful English language, from idioms and verbs to grammar and its many nuances, but also the new words that we hear and use every day. Over one thousand words are added to the Oxford dictionary every year; from shero (a woman admired for her courage or achievements), coulrophobia (fear of clowns) to rizz (style, charm or attractiveness) – I’m always hearing words I’ve never heard before which I love!
At the heart of our quality control efforts lies an incredibly dedicated team of transcribers who are relentless in sending out flawless pieces of text each day. Having lived and worked abroad, where I was sometimes the only English person in the team, I enjoy listening to the many different accents we hear each day and helping to improve and ensure that the final transcription to our clients is the absolute best achievable.
Finding the elusive work-life balance has been a game-changer for me, allowing mornings dedicated to professional pursuits while freeing up afternoons for personal passions like nurturing my garden, managing my allotment, and fostering connections with family and friends over extended luncheons.
As I reflect on the year ahead, I’m struck by the intriguing dynamics shaping our industry. Will the continued rise of AI pose challenges to our field, or might 2024 signal a resurgence in the appreciation for the precision and reliability offered by human transcribers? It’s a question that’s top of mind for many in our business landscape.
In an age where technological advancements often take centre stage, there’s a compelling argument for the timeless value of human expertise and intuition. As businesses navigate the complexities of data and communication, the human touch remains a critical differentiator, offering insights and nuances that algorithms alone can’t replicate.
Join me in staying ahead of the curve, embracing innovation while championing the enduring relevance of human-driven solutions. Here’s to a year of growth, opportunity, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence in all facets of business.
Blog by Cheryl
March 2024