Is a career as a freelance translator a good fit for you?

1. How much do you like studying other languages?

I simply love studying other languages

I like languages but never really spent time to learn a second language

Not exactly a fan

I don't like languages in general

Working with languages for the rest of your life will be a much better experience if you already love languages. If you know you are not that found of language aspects in general, you are better of pursuing a career other than freelance translation.

Explanation

Working with languages for the rest of your life will be a much better experience if you already love languages. If you know you are not that found of language aspects in general, you are better of pursuing a career other than freelance translation.

2. Are you fine with working long periods of time alone?

I work even better when alone. Nobody to distract me.

I am fine with working alone.

Working alone is not my first choice.

No. I don't like working alone at all.

The best possible environment for a freelance translator has no distractions around. Of course a freelance translator may take care of children when they return from school, and a break for dinner with a friend will help a translator to recover energy. However, the best a translator is at working by itself, the more productive and happy she/he may be as a freelance translator.

Explanation

The best possible environment for a freelance translator has no distractions around. Of course a freelance translator may take care of children when they return from school, and a break for dinner with a friend will help a translator to recover energy. However, the best a translator is at working by itself, the more productive and happy she/he may be as a freelance translator.

3. How comfortable are you with software in general?

No problems. I can quickly learn how to use new software

I am fine with most software applications, but I rather stay way from more technical ones.

I need help to learn how to use new software.

Learning new software is one of my weaknesses

Translation is become more technology-dependent by the day. While the translation work is still a human craft, software such as CAT-Tools are becoming a must. CAT-Tools help you leverage on previous translations drastically reducing the waste from repeated translations.

Explanation

Translation is become more technology-dependent by the day. While the translation work is still a human craft, software such as CAT-Tools are becoming a must. CAT-Tools help you leverage on previous translations drastically reducing the waste from repeated translations.

4. How solid is the education you have had so far?

Rock solid. I have been studying for at least 20 years since kinder-garden.

Solid. I have studied for most of my life, although I could have done better.

Honestly, studies were not my main priority.

I never wanted to spend much time on studies

Some translators will be self-learned professionals, but a solid education is a common trait in the career of successful freelance translators.

Explanation

Some translators will be self-learned professionals, but a solid education is a common trait in the career of successful freelance translators.

5. How well do you write?

Well enough to be published in a magazine

My writing would need some review by a third party to be ready for publishing

My writing is just average

Writing is not one of my strengths

A successful translator must have a great domain of writing. You may learn a certain field of knowledge and you can certainly improve your writing over time. However, the better writer you are before starting a career in translation, the better are the chances of succeeding in the translation industry.

Explanation

A successful translator must have a great domain of writing. You may learn a certain field of knowledge and you can certainly improve your writing over time. However, the better writer you are before starting a career in translation, the better are the chances of succeeding in the translation industry.

6. How are your organizational skills?

I am a wiz when it comes to organization

Decent organization skills

Organization is not one of my strengths

Unfortunately, poor organization skills

When you work in a company, there will be many people whose only purpose is helping organize work throughout the business. Freelance translators work on their own, so they must have their place of work and work processes well organized.

Explanation

When you work in a company, there will be many people whose only purpose is helping organize work throughout the business. Freelance translators work on their own, so they must have their place of work and work processes well organized.

7. How much do you usually read daily?

Several hours per day

A few hours per day

Not every day

Rarely

Being a translator is living with text. You work with text, you dream about text, and you breath text. Enjoying reading is just one of the requirements for a successful career in translation.

Explanation

Being a translator is living with text. You work with text, you dream about text, and you breath text. Enjoying reading is just one of the requirements for a successful career in translation.

Is A Career As A Freelance Translator A Good Fit For You?