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Poll: Are you planning a career change in the next year?
Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
ProZ.com Staff
ProZ.com Staff
SITE STAFF
Dec 12, 2006

This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Are you planning a career change in the next year?".

View the poll here

A forum topic will appear each time a new poll is run. For more information, see: http://proz.com/topic/33629


 
Reed James
Reed James
Chile
Local time: 07:05
Member (2005)
Spanish to English
This was my career change Dec 12, 2006

I already shifted to translation and have never looked back since. No matter what its drawbacks may be, I would never, ever do a different job simply because it has so many advantages.

The most important advantage is that I get to work with language all day. As a result, I know words and concepts that I never would or would have to go to great pains to learn them.

I also like being at home. It is so convenient to be able to step out and do an errand or watch TV or read
... See more
I already shifted to translation and have never looked back since. No matter what its drawbacks may be, I would never, ever do a different job simply because it has so many advantages.

The most important advantage is that I get to work with language all day. As a result, I know words and concepts that I never would or would have to go to great pains to learn them.

I also like being at home. It is so convenient to be able to step out and do an errand or watch TV or read a book whenever I feel like it. I am able to be with my kids when they need me, and that in itself is priceless.

Reed
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Nesrin
Nesrin  Identity Verified
United Kingdom
Local time: 10:05
English to Arabic
+ ...
I'm planning for my husband to become a multimillionaire... Dec 12, 2006

... so that I can give my house and family the attention they deserve and translate only when I feel like it.

Here's hoping...

[Edited at 2006-12-13 12:21]


 
Giovany Rodríguez Monsalve
Giovany Rodríguez Monsalve
Colombia
Local time: 05:05
English to Spanish
+ ...
No exactly. Perhaps.... Dec 12, 2006

I always say that knowledge is infinite.

Because of that I am not able to say whether or not to change my career. But I would like to try another profession without leave away my translations.
Currently I am a Productivity and Quality Engineer and I love it.

I think that the most important thing in the world is trying others life styles.

Thank you.

[Editado a las 2006-12-12 21:42]


 
Hipyan Nopri
Hipyan Nopri  Identity Verified
Indonesia
Local time: 17:05
Member (2005)
English to Indonesian
+ ...
Absolutely not Dec 12, 2006

Since early 1990 until now I have been translating texts of various areas. Knowledge of and insight into various disciplines widen, and translation skills improve. And the most important thing is this kind of job is performed comfortably at home by means of the Internet and this site. Physically, we are confined to a working room, but virtually we interact with people all over the world.

Kind Regards

Hipyan Nopri

[Edited at 2006-12-12 23:53]

[Edited at 2
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Since early 1990 until now I have been translating texts of various areas. Knowledge of and insight into various disciplines widen, and translation skills improve. And the most important thing is this kind of job is performed comfortably at home by means of the Internet and this site. Physically, we are confined to a working room, but virtually we interact with people all over the world.

Kind Regards

Hipyan Nopri

[Edited at 2006-12-12 23:53]

[Edited at 2006-12-13 01:27]
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Katarzyna Kołakowska
Katarzyna Kołakowska  Identity Verified
Local time: 11:05
Member (2006)
German to Polish
+ ...
I'm just doing it Dec 13, 2006

My answer is yes, as I really plan a change. For more than 6 years I've been working as a full time employee (translator) and now I've decided to be freelancer again (starting from January 2007). I think it is better for me and the change will pay

Cheers


 
Latin_Hellas (X)
Latin_Hellas (X)
United States
Local time: 11:05
Italian to English
+ ...
What Better Alternatives? Dec 13, 2006

I agree with Reed James on the several very positive points of being a translator.

I would just add that, for a successful freelance translator - one who has balanced an at least acceptable level of income with the freedom that it gives -, what better alternatives are there, working a full-time job for someone else, on someone else's property, on someone else's terms?

Maybe, but only if it pays substantially better and that extra income makes a big difference wi
... See more
I agree with Reed James on the several very positive points of being a translator.

I would just add that, for a successful freelance translator - one who has balanced an at least acceptable level of income with the freedom that it gives -, what better alternatives are there, working a full-time job for someone else, on someone else's property, on someone else's terms?

Maybe, but only if it pays substantially better and that extra income makes a big difference with respect to certain objectives.

Perhaps another line of business that generates more income at more or less the same degree of freedom; possibly the case of information technology experts, for example.

Finally, perhaps a job that presents a highly stimulating intellectual challenge, such as in education or research or maybe in government service, but they wouldn't necessarily pay better and in fact probably don't (teachers' salaries, for example, compared to the cost of living are abysmal).

That fact that around 67% of those answering the poll have so far voted no to a change in career within a year (and only around 10% yes) reflects the fact that higher paying jobs, other lines of business with similar characteristics, or other venues offering better intellectual stimulation are few and far between from the freelance translator's point of view.

[Edited at 2006-12-13 09:45]

[Edited at 2006-12-13 09:47]

[Edited at 2006-12-13 09:49]
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Viktoria Gimbe
Viktoria Gimbe  Identity Verified
Canada
Local time: 06:05
English to French
+ ...
Sometimes I feel like trying something else... Dec 13, 2006

...but freelance translation is such a nice package, as pointed out in the above post, that I am afraid I am stuck with it

 
Eva Middleton
Eva Middleton  Identity Verified
Local time: 10:05
German to English
yes Dec 13, 2006

I have decided to become a trainee solicitor next year - something I've always wanted to do but then babies & life got in the way. The 'babies' will soon all be at school so my life can commence.
Translating isn't bad at all but my heart's not in it - the thought of doing nothing but translations for the next 35 years makes me want to scream.

I really miss interaction and feedback - so many of my clients don't
... See more
I have decided to become a trainee solicitor next year - something I've always wanted to do but then babies & life got in the way. The 'babies' will soon all be at school so my life can commence.
Translating isn't bad at all but my heart's not in it - the thought of doing nothing but translations for the next 35 years makes me want to scream.

I really miss interaction and feedback - so many of my clients don't even acknowledge receiving a translation and it all feels so anonymous. I want to go out there and help people, not just translate my 1000th terms and conditions of business.

Don't get me wrong - some of it I find really interesting and I love patent stuff because I get to find out about things I'd never heard of before, but mostly it feels like wanting to be an actor yet only ever getting to sit in the audience, if you know what I mean...

[Edited at 2006-12-13 10:20]
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William [Bill] Gray
William [Bill] Gray  Identity Verified
Norway
Local time: 11:05
Member (2006)
English
+ ...
A word of caution for Nesrin! :-) Dec 13, 2006

Nesrin wrote:

... so that I give my house and family the attention they deserve and translate only when I feel like it.

Here's hoping...


I once read somewhere that there was only one way a person could make their spouse a millionaire, and that was.........




if they were a multimillionaire first!!

Enjoy your translating "while you MUST" and I will enjoy mine "while I CAN"!

Cheers,

Bill
(a happy teacher/translator with no career changes in mind)


 
Nesrin
Nesrin  Identity Verified
United Kingdom
Local time: 10:05
English to Arabic
+ ...
I wouldn't mind doing that... Dec 13, 2006

William [Bill] Gray wrote:

if they were a multimillionaire first!!



... becoming I millionaire, that is. But when was the last time you heard of a translator-turned-millionaire (with the money coming from translating, mind you)?

(By the way I'm not as materialistic as I sound, but it would be great if I could decide to devote my time to my home and kids without that constant feeling of guilt because I'm not making money)


 
William [Bill] Gray
William [Bill] Gray  Identity Verified
Norway
Local time: 11:05
Member (2006)
English
+ ...
How true, how true.... Dec 13, 2006

But when was the last time you heard of a translator-turned-millionaire (with the money coming from translating, mind you)?

(By the way I'm not as materialistic as I sound, but it would be great if I could decide to devote my time to my home and kids without that constant feeling of guilt because I'm not making money)


Understand you exactly. That's why I am not JUST a translator (yet!). But I have no intention of a "career change" since i enjoy what i do. My wife does prioritize our home and (earlier - the kids have all left home now!) family. Now the joy is with grandchildren, and translating does allow a little more flexibility than some other jobs.

Right now I'm marking exam papers (and feeling rather depressed with some of the responses I'm getting).... maybe a career move would be good....

dream, dream,...

Bill


 
Anthony Baldwin
Anthony Baldwin  Identity Verified
United States
Local time: 06:05
Portuguese to English
+ ...
Actually, perhaps I should say yes. Dec 13, 2006

I am seeking to improve my verbal skills in Spanish to offer interpretation.
I already translate French, Spanish and Portuguese to English, and work as court interpreter in Portuguese/English, but I am hoping to add Spanish/English interpretation to my offerings.
I am also looking to expand and begin outsourcing work.
And today I am having lunch with a client to discuss offering part-time/per-diem sort of project management, client management and sales assistance.

... See more
I am seeking to improve my verbal skills in Spanish to offer interpretation.
I already translate French, Spanish and Portuguese to English, and work as court interpreter in Portuguese/English, but I am hoping to add Spanish/English interpretation to my offerings.
I am also looking to expand and begin outsourcing work.
And today I am having lunch with a client to discuss offering part-time/per-diem sort of project management, client management and sales assistance.

fui
eu
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Andrea Riffo
Andrea Riffo  Identity Verified
Chile
Local time: 07:05
English to Spanish
+ ...
Ditto Dec 14, 2006

Anthony Baldwin wrote:

I am seeking to improve my verbal skills in Spanish to offer interpretation.


I answered "no", but I am also analysing the possibility of studying interpretation (or is it "interpreting"?) next year or in 2008.

The thing is, I don't see it as a career change, but as an expansion within the same field: languages. And still freelance.



 
Pundora
Pundora  Identity Verified
India
Local time: 15:35
English to Hindi
+ ...
Love your work. Dec 14, 2006

A look at the extracts from the most mystical and powerful work "The Prophet"(p.34-35) by Kahlil Gibran would be worthwhile for those who are doing translation and not loving it:

[Often have I heard you say, as if speaking in sleep, "He who works in marble, and finds the shape of his own soul in the stone, is nobler than he who ploughs the soil.

"And he who seizes the rainbow to lay it on a cloth in the likeness of man, is more than he who makes the sandals for our feet
... See more
A look at the extracts from the most mystical and powerful work "The Prophet"(p.34-35) by Kahlil Gibran would be worthwhile for those who are doing translation and not loving it:

[Often have I heard you say, as if speaking in sleep, "He who works in marble, and finds the shape of his own soul in the stone, is nobler than he who ploughs the soil.

"And he who seizes the rainbow to lay it on a cloth in the likeness of man, is more than he who makes the sandals for our feet."

But I say, not in sleep, but in the overwakefulness of noontide, that the wind speaks not more sweetly to the giant oaks than to the least of all the blades of grass;

And he alone is great who turns the voice of the wind into a song made sweeter by his own loving.

Work is love made visible.

And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy.

For if you bake bread with indifference, you bake a bitter bread that feeds but half man's hunger.

And if you grudge the crushing of the grapes, your grudge distils a poison in the wine.

And if you sing though as angels, and love not the singing, you muffle man's ears to the voices of the day and the voices of the night.]

Apologies for any spelling mistakes.

Regards,

Pundora
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Poll: Are you planning a career change in the next year?






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