Reasons to Become a Court Reporter

I often utilize social media to connect with other professionals, including being part of a Facebook group for court reporters. I recently asked, ?What was your reason to become a court reporter?? and was amazed at the different answers. Here?s a sampling for you. Leave your reason in the comments; we?d love to hear from you!

Reasons to Become a Court Reporter

Family member. Reporters keep it in the family! Some said their father or mother was a reporter while another woman said her sisters were reporters. Still another said her mom didn?t want her to be a teacher like her sister so she became a reporter! Seems it?s a family business.?

Words matter. A love of words and language was popular among the reporters who answered the unofficial survey. It makes sense since reporters need a vast knowledge of industry-specific, legal, and/or medical terms to be able to do their work.?

Money. Quite a few respondents said simply that money was the motivating factor to become a court reporter. I thought that was an honest answer. One said her sister?s standard of living changed when she became a reporter and she wanted the same for herself.

?Second career. After 20+ years in one career, I might consider retiring but for those motivated, they?ve chosen reporting as a second career. They?re back to school and are ready for a new adventure!?

Love of the steno machine. There were some folks who said they love the keys and secret language of the steno.?

Flexible schedule. For those that have a hobby like playing golf or are needing to care for family, court reporting offers a flexible schedule and above-average earning potential with salaries starting at $40,000 or more.?

Variety. Many reported being tired of being tied to an office doing the same work over and over. They love that they cover different types of cases in different places; no two days are the same and they love it.??

Introvert tendencies. If you love being the quiet person in the room soaking up the conversation, consider a career in court reporting!?

Military assignment. Two men said they were assigned by the military to be court reporters. You don?t find many male reporters! While there are approximately 32,000 reporters in the U.S., only about 10% are male.?

Sounded intriguing. 14 years ago I heard a commercial for a fundraising walk that was 60 miles in three days. Sounds crazy but I signed up and completed it that year and again the next because the commercials were intriguing to me. It was the same for the reporters we asked; they heard a commercial and thought it sounded like an interesting career.

If there?s one takeaway in asking the reason someone became a Phoenix court reporter, it?s that they are passionate about their work. I love when people love what they do. It inspires me and I hope it inspires you too!