Thursday, January 31, 2008

On Changing from Freelance to Official

There's so much to consider when switching type of reporting. I've been freelancing my entire career - I did office management for freelancers, then scoping, and finally reporting. Running your own business gives you an incredible sense of freedom. Freedom from the same old, same old everyday office grind, the 9-to-5 hours, freedom from office politics.

However, it also gives you freedom from something that it seems I really want now: a steady paycheck.

Becoming an official for me is a HUGE change - but a good one. A steady salary with benefits, the opportunity to save for retirement all were big enticements. I'm sure the transition to working every day will be difficult, but, as my friend and colleague said to me the other day, "Hey, girl, it's just court reporting." Meaning that I really don't have to sweat it; I'll learn the ropes and fall in love with officialdom.

As for my "traveling" court reporter moniker, I can still keep it - I'm assigned as a "rover" court reporter, which means I don't have a set location to go to; it may be Raleigh, but it could be some other county seat in our area. I won't feel locked in to the courthouse.

Any officials out there, feel free to shoot me an email and let me know how you like being an official and any tips for short forms - I haven't written court "briefs" for several years, and I'm sure I'm going to want a few!

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