As today’s world becomes more and more globalized on so many levels, there is more interactions and communication between people from different countries. These global relations are ever-increasing, but one cannot ignore the language barriers that arise when people from different countries interact with each other. This means that translation services are needed for international communication, possibly more than ever before; and if you are lucky enough to be fluent in more than one language, becoming a freelance translator could be a relevant, profitable and rewarding career choice.
Why become a freelance translator?
According to a survey by the American Translators Association, a self-employed translator will, on average, earn more than $50,000 a year. Most translation work is carried out on the internet, making it a convenient option for people who move around or live somewhere where translation services would not usually be required on a large scale.
Although these benefits do sounds attractive, you must bear in mind that when running freelance translation services, you are also running you own business and will have to take on the responsibilities of an entrepreneur. For the first year, as you get established, you may even need a secondary job to provide you with regular income or have some savings that you may use.
Hints and tips for making a career in translation services:
• You have to drum up a list of regular clients before you can start making a steady income. To do this, get out there and contact as many potential clients as you can think of and present your services in an attractive way.
• Even when you have these regular clients, don’t stop marketing your services because you never can predict what will happen.
• Join a translation service association. If you are a registered translator, people will feel more comfortable using your services. This is also a great way of networking with other translators. You can also get certification with these associations, giving you a recognised credential.
• Offer unique services that the larger translation companies may not- this could include working after hours, making house calls, or whatever you think you can contribute.
• Don’t take on work you can’t handle because if you are unable to complete a job or do something poorly your reputation will be damaged.
