Does a translator become a successful freelance translator through hard work, luck, or perhaps a combination of both? Perhaps this combination also includes having the right connections and other external factors; or do you just work yourself ragged until you’ve made it? The answer is that it’s probably a combination of all of these.
It Can Be Done, but It’s Not an Easy Process
Many people who start their own business (regardless of what type of business it may be) already understand that this is not going to be an easy process; and the people who make a success of their businesses are usually those who know how to go without the nice things in life (and are more than happy to do so) and who understand that many hours and a lot of hard work will be required in order to achieve success. Generally, when successful freelancers are asked how they did it, most people either don’t really believe the sacrifices that have been made; or, they realize that this is not something they’re prepared to do in order to live a debt free, financially secure life.
Some Translators Have Advantages
Obviously, some successful freelancers have advantages over others: perhaps some already have connections in industries which can help their career, and perhaps others live in areas where their language combination is in high demand. Some people receive financial help, while others don’t.
Working Hard and Seeking Opportunities
Regardless of any assistance they may have received, the freelance translator who’s out to make it on their own will be required to work long hours and take every opportunity to look for work, and this includes seeking good quality clients. This could mean cold-calling agencies and asking for work, doing volunteer translations, calling and emailing people who you believe may be able to point you in the right direction, helping new translators in any way you can, starting a blog, and so on. And all the way through, always remember to personally thank every single person who gives you a helping hand. Even those who say they’ll keep your resume on file, write to them and thank them for their time.
It Won’t Happen Overnight, but It Will Happen!
Before too long you’ll realize that you have a steady, but perhaps slow for now, stream of work coming in – certainly more than you had when you first started. So whether it’s hard work, luck, or just being in the right place at the right time – who knows, but let’s assume that it’s a combination of all these factors. What we do know, though, is that if you’re prepared to work hard, you’re a good translator, and you act smart and make the right decisions, you will become a successful freelance translator.
