So here we are again, discussing a freelancer translator’s life. In my last post I had talked about the blissful parts, but this is the real world friend and nothing is perfect here. So please bear with my rants today.
Being my own Boss – Those who read the previous post would most probably raise their eyebrows and say what the heck? This is supposed to be a plus point going by my own words in the last post. You are right, but there’s more to the story. In my previous post I showed you the brighter side of ‘being my own boss’, today I will show you the other side. As I have already mentioned, it is blissful to have the power to schedule my work according to my convenience/ whims. But this power turns back on me when friends and/or relatives come in during work hours or someone needs any help from me. It is more difficult to say no and go about my work. This plays havoc on my work and delivery schedules and… it keeps happening all the time!
Loneliness – This might not apply to everyone, but I am a person who likes spending considerable amounts of time alone, yet I get frustrated by the loneliness associated with my job. For most part of the day/week/year it’s sitting alone and furiously typing away on my machine. There are times when I really miss those water-cooler conversations, general camaraderie and energetic atmosphere of a regular office. Life’s hard this way or that.
Always On – When your home is your office, you never really switch-off. You never get to experience the relief of getting back home after a hard day’s work and commute. The flexible schedule means anytime can be work time, and so it is. While working at home I don’t worry about the clock ticking over my head, and so most days I find myself working much later than regular office hours (sometimes after dinner as well!)
The above are just a part of a long list of grouses which my fellow freelance language translators can identify with very well. But all said and done I don’t have any plans of going back to a regular job anytime soon. I guess that says something!
Similar Posts:
- A Freelance Language Translator’s Life – The Good Parts
- Comparing Freelance translators and translation agencies
- Need some inspiration?
- Ensuring Regular Work from Professional Translation Agencies
- Latin language translation – The importance of the language
One Comment
LOL oh yes, freelancers hardly talk about the dark side of their job
I sometimes find myself working on Sunday at 12 pm, or not going out when my friends do.
Being my own boss - I have to find projects and get some notoriety because I am relatively new on the translation market.
Lonliness - well I am a very social person, so written translations are a nightmare sometimes, when I spend a lot of time without going out and stuff. I love conferences (Spanish-Romanian pair only) and interpreting in general because it gives me the opportunity to be among people, gain money, and not getting bored because there is always smth new.
Always on - as I have just said, Monday-Sunday, holy days
But it is ok, I find it harder get a regular job 9-17.00…or more?..:)