Many medical transcriptionist are de-prioritising achieving a work-life balance in today's work culture of high pressure and competitiveness.

According to a recent US study for the Center for Work-Life Policy, of the 1.7 million respondents who agreed they suffered from excessive work hours and job stress, a whopping 64 per cent admitted it was "self-inflicted", and was taking a toll on their lives. Eighty-one per cent of the respondents said work was adversely affecting their health while 46 per cent felt it was affecting their interpersonal relationships.

While doing medical transcription work from home allows you to stay at home while letting someone else remain in control of the business aspects, if you are uncomfortable with it.

There is no rule as such for what a proper work-life balance is. Your personal circumstances, whether you are in your late 30s, married with children and living with inlaws or a swinging single, fresh out of university, determine your priorities. The bottom line is simply to invest some quality time for yourself, to allow yourself the chance to 'stop and smell the roses' rather than letting work and strain overcome you.