The fundamental reason I created this blog is because in my opinion, the path of a translator is quite a good one (and I’m holding myself back while saying that; I actually think it is a fantastic one).
I am also planning on writing a post about the benefits of walking the path of a translator soon. However, before writing that post, I would like to ask you a somewhat negative question: “Is it really the right path for you to work as a freelance translator”
I ask this because it’s very important. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve conversed with and advised quite a few people over the years about translation, and a majority of those people ended up choosing not to become a translator. I am not at all disappointed or saddened by their decision. It was probably the best decision for them overall. The path of a translator can be very charming and appealing, but it is not a path that everyone must, or even can, walk.
[bctt tweet=”The path of a translator is very charming but it is not for everyone.” username=””]
What do you think?
Do you think you’re suited to walk the path of a translator?
Do you feel that you have the aptitude, skills, and qualifications to do this job?
If you’re missing something you need for the job, do you feel that you can gain the aptitude, skills, and qualifications if you try later on?
Has your lack of experience and skills with computers and technology discouraged you even though you were linguistically prepared?
Do you have enough motivation to walk the path of a translator?
I’ll probably discuss this in more detail in a later post, but first starting out as a translator is a really hard thing to do (it gets a little easier later). When faced with this kind of hardship, do you have the internal motivation to willingly suffer, endure, and overcome it? I think there are two types of motives:
- Love and attraction
- Hatred and fear
Perhaps the allure of a life spent thinking, translating, researching, developing yourself, and methodically putting down meaningful stepping stones towards your future is too much to ignore. Or perhaps you loathe your current job so much that you’re desperate for another path. Which of the above two types of motive do you have?
You have to search deep inside your heart with these kinds of questions for a while before choosing to embark on the path of a translator. You must do this so that you won’t regret your decision later. You must do this to become happy in the future that you have found a suit that fits you so well, that you walked a path perfect for you. Nobody can tell you if becoming a translator is the right path for you. Only you know the answer to that.
[bctt tweet=”Nobody can tell you if becoming a translator is the right path for you. Only you know the answer to that.” username=””]
In my next post, I will be writing about the qualifications and aptitudes that I think are important to have as a translator and the kinds of skills and preparation commonly thought of as important that I don’t think are so important. To read on, click The Importance of Language Skills for a Translator.
If you would like to know how to become a translator, read this post: How to Become a Translator: What You Really Need to Know.
