Advantages and Disadvantages of Being a Translator

Advantages and Disadvantages of Being a Translator

If you want to become a translator, you should take a moment or two to consider the potential advantages and disadvantages of this career. Like any other field, translation has its ups and downs. You will need to be passionate and dedicated if you want to be successful. If you do not work for a translation agency, you will also need to be self-motivated and highly independent. This career is not the best choice for everyone.

Translation seems like an attractive career to many. You do not need years of education to become a translator; instead, you can get started with nothing but a bachelor’s degree. If you decide to become a freelance translator, you will be able to work for yourself. As long as you have a laptop and a phone, you can travel wherever you want, whenever you want. A translation career not only offers freedom, but also stability. Once you build up a client base, your job will be secure. No one can fire you! If you have a passion for language, love learning, and want to learn more about other cultures, translation is a great career.

Of course, there are several disadvantages of being a translator as well. For example, working by yourself could become very lonely if you are used to working with lots of people around. You will also need to be motivated and disciplined. A freelance translator without great time management skills will not get very far. Working for yourself can be difficult because you do not clock in or have a boss telling you what to do. Instead, you will need to focus on deadlines and marketing. You will need to find something other than a regular paycheck to motivate you.

Finally, getting started as a freelance translator can be incredibly difficult. In the beginning, you will probably spend more time marketing than you do working on projects. If you do not have employees, you will also need to take care of all your business needs. This means doing your own books, sending out invoices, writing contracts, taking care of taxes, and performing customer service as necessary. While this can be overwhelming for new translators, you will soon get used to taking care of everything yourself. As mentioned above, translation is not the best career for everyone. Those who love language, enjoy freedom, and do not mind hard work should love the possibilities provided by a translation career.

-By Adriana Tassini

Additional Related Resources:

1. Translator Certification
2. Translator FAQ
3. Online Translator Training
4. Translator Designation
5. Translation Certificate

Tags: Advantages and Disadvantages of Being a Translator, Starting As A Freelance Translator, Translation Career, Translation Job, Translation Opportunity.