| Pages in topic: [1 2 3] > | Poll: How profitable has translation been for you? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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| | | Has been very profitable | Jun 3, 2008 |
more than 10 years ago with few low-price competitors, But I still remember that time
[Edited at 2008-06-03 20:40]
| | | | neilmac
Spain
Local time: 01:54
Spanish to English
+ ...
| Although I keep my prices relatively low | Jun 3, 2008 |
... it has worked out profitable enough for me: I have no debts to speak of and pay my rent every month, send my family money occasionally and can usually afford a holiday at least once a year.
In terms of working conditions, I am much better off as a self-employed translator/language consultant than I was as a TEFL hack working long hours for mostly unappreciative organisations.
| | | | | More profitable than I ever expected it to be | Jun 3, 2008 |
Back in 1989, when I started my freelance career, I instantly doubled my excellent previous salary as a bilingual secretary with an American bank. The first ten years were amazing! Then things slowed down a bit for a couple of years, but since 2003 I have been busy almost uninterruptedly.
I should state, however, that I will never be "rich" or get anywhere near that. I just want to keep my indepedence and continue to enjoy my job while keeping a good standard of living.
... See more Back in 1989, when I started my freelance career, I instantly doubled my excellent previous salary as a bilingual secretary with an American bank. The first ten years were amazing! Then things slowed down a bit for a couple of years, but since 2003 I have been busy almost uninterruptedly.
I should state, however, that I will never be "rich" or get anywhere near that. I just want to keep my indepedence and continue to enjoy my job while keeping a good standard of living.
May all my dear colleagues have such a wonderful experience as I have! ▲ Collapse
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| Yes, profitable | Jun 3, 2008 |
I don't think I am getting rich, but I am getting enough income every month to achieve my financial goal as I am putting pretty good amount of money into my bank, while enjoying life.
I have started escort interpreting in 1985, and since then I am in interpreting for 10 years on and off.
Then I got tired of interpreting, so I quit it in 2002. I was ready to put my mind to translation alone, but prior to that I was translating a daily newsletter for eight consecutive years. Thi... See more I don't think I am getting rich, but I am getting enough income every month to achieve my financial goal as I am putting pretty good amount of money into my bank, while enjoying life.
I have started escort interpreting in 1985, and since then I am in interpreting for 10 years on and off.
Then I got tired of interpreting, so I quit it in 2002. I was ready to put my mind to translation alone, but prior to that I was translating a daily newsletter for eight consecutive years. This brought me a steady income source, so I never bothered with any other translation job.
Then, lo and behold, the operation went down, and during this 8 years there was a computer revolution! Everything was digitalized, so when I came back to freelancing, I have to learn a whole a lot (needless to say CAT and other computer related nitty gritties), and some of these even from scratch!
At that time I joined a few trade organizations but nothing brought me as much exposure to translation industry as ProZ.
To make a long story short, I am very happy in the way I stand.
Like Maria Eugenia, I hope everyone is as happy as I. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Amy Duncan (X) 
Brazil
Local time: 20:54
Portuguese to English
+ ...
| It took a while... | Jun 3, 2008 |
When I first started translating and thinking about it as a means of self-support, it took a couple of years to start making any real money, but once my name got around I had plenty of work (this was when I was living in Brazil), could support myself just fine, and even save some money.
It's not been that great since I came back to the USA last November, but I expect things will pick up over time. In any case, I haven't been disappointed about the money-making potential of freelance... See more When I first started translating and thinking about it as a means of self-support, it took a couple of years to start making any real money, but once my name got around I had plenty of work (this was when I was living in Brazil), could support myself just fine, and even save some money.
It's not been that great since I came back to the USA last November, but I expect things will pick up over time. In any case, I haven't been disappointed about the money-making potential of freelance translating, and for me it sure beats going to an office every day (which I will never, ever do again).
Amy ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Very profitable | Jun 3, 2008 |
... especially when I compare with my previous 9 to 5 jobs - I earn several times more.
Anni
| | | | | Very profitable! | Jun 4, 2008 |
There's not the option "Incredibly profitable" over there?
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| Let's say profitable | Jun 4, 2008 |
At the beginning, it was quite profitable, but this year, especially, the inflation in Argentina had an impact on my income and I quite noted it. I really need to start looking for alternatives, don't you think? Besides, this situation is affecting my mood... Anyway, I hope this year brings winds of change.
Best,
Fernando
[Edited at 2008-06-04 04:22]
[Edited at 2008-06-04 05:12]
| | | | LinguaLab.net
United Kingdom
Local time: 00:54
English to Norwegian
+ ...
| Very profitable | Jun 4, 2008 |
I used to work as an in-house Project Manager/Translator, and in my first year as a freelancer I increased my annual salary by more than £10K. My income has been stable for a while now, but this year I look set to make a lot more - which isn't bad in the current economic climate!
Nina
www.lingualab.net
| | | | Chun Un
Macau
Member (2007)
English to Chinese
+ ...
I added 10K USD to my annual income last year by translating and interpreting apart from my editing job. There's a price to pay though - I have not had a proper break since last May!
I look forward to a better 2008 (and more time off).
Chun
[Edited at 2008-06-04 06:25]
| | | | Interlangue (X)
Angola
Local time: 01:54
English to French
+ ...
| Profitable enough | Jun 4, 2008 |
To live off and take a break once-in-a-while. Not quite as lucrative as being a teacher (my previous job) and much more time consuming, but so much more gratifying and brain stimulating (mind you, I enjoyed teaching: just got tired of it and didn’t like what things were coming to).
A pity so much has to be paid on taxes, social security, (compulsory) insurances of all kinds (all in all 70%+ of my turnover) in this country.
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Johan Venter
Czech Republic
Local time: 01:54
Dutch to English
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| Profitable, but at what cost? | Jun 4, 2008 |
This line of business has been profitable enough in terms of finances, but the long hours required are beginning to take a toll on me and my family. People are just simply not meant to sit in front of a computer screen for 12 - 16 hours a day. Regular exercise helps me physically, but I also need to find more time somewhere to spend with my family...
| | | | | Very profitable, indeed | Jun 4, 2008 |
I measure profit not only in terms of moeny but also in terms of personal pleasure. I take translation both as a job as a hobby. As a job I earn enough income to sustain a comfortable lliving. As a hobby, I drive immense pleasure that is more than rewarding.
| | | | | Rewarding work | Jun 4, 2008 |
Mohsin Alabdali wrote:
I measure profit not only in terms of moeny (sic) but also in terms of personal pleasure. I take translation both as a job as a hobby. As a job I earn enough income to sustain a comfortable lliving. As a hobby, I drive immense pleasure that is more than rewarding.
Exactly my sentiments, Mohsin. I also extend and update my knowledge and experience every time I translate a medical scientific article.
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