Being a freelance translator has so many benefits, a combination of being self-employed, and in such an exciting topic, you can finally start your very own beginning doing something that you truly love.

Of course, a regular 9-5 job gives you some benefits like security but no regular job will give you the freedom and thrill that a freelance translator will give you. There may be skepticism but the advantages of this kind of work are immense.

If you’re debating whether to make this move, these next few points might just persuade you.

  What does the job entail?

Firstly, let’s touch on just what the job entails. With advancement in technology, facilities in communication, and employment portals, translators all over the world now have the option to work freelance, on their own terms, and in their own time.

You’ll need a near-native, fluent understanding of at least one other language. You can create your own name for yourself (like your very own little brand) or join through a translator agency. Either way, you’ll be working from home, doing something that comes quite naturally to you. What could be better?

If you’re worried about pay, or making a living from this decision, there’s no need to — the average income for certified translators is $72,000, which is highly desirable in itself. A non-certified translator will make about $53,000.

Now, if you’re a little more convinced that you can do this — here are some of the biggest advantages of being a freelance translator.

  The flexibility

As with every freelance job, the flexibility and freedom that comes alongside it are some of the most appealing factors.

You organize your day, manage the work hours, your income depends on how much work you do, you decide what tasks you work on, and you don’t have to miss events, holidays or any other pursuits you decide to make.

Stay at home parents, travelers or creatives really flourish in this kind of work environment — where they can journey down their own career path without any obstacles. Flexibility is the main reason why so many decide to go down the route of freelance.

  Location-independent

With technology, many people have started to really doubt the future of translators. That’s absolutely nothing to worry about, though.

In fact, technology is your friend. With your laptop in hand, you can take your work anywhere you want. Raining? Stay in your comfy clothes. Sunny? Take your work to the park. Especially when you work for online translation services, you don’t need to account for where your work for, as soon as you get the job done.

You don’t have to commute to an office, you can work in the comfort of your own home when it’s cold. You can travel to another country whenever you please and, you can even move to your dream location. The possibilities are completely endless.

  The autonomy

We all know the downside of having a boss, or working in a corporate world. You can sometimes feel like you’re being closely monitored but you don’t have this problem with being self-employed.

Your income is dependent on how much you earn, your hours are your choice and your schedule is completely up to you. For the most part, you’ll only be partaking in things that you really want to do. Except maybe chasing up some invoices, but at least it doesn’t involve office politics, right?

Basically, a little bit of business management knowledge mixed with your passion will make this an amazing decision.

  Age doesn’t matter

If you’re still young you can probably skip past this point. It might surprise you to know that as you get older you sometimes become less desirable. As unfair as this is, it’s a reality.

When you’re a freelancer, your age just isn’t relevant. There’s not retirement age, and there’s no kind of discrimination. As long as you produce high-quality work and keep to deadlines, you’re desired.

This can work in both ways too, as long as you’re a great translator, you’ll be taken seriously. Whether you’ve just graduated or you’re close to retirement.

  You’ll always be needed

Technology evolves quickly, but so does language. Humans will always be an essential part of high-quality translations, making you crucial.

As technology advances, you’ll just need to advance with it. With new tools, platforms, and, of course, improving your own language skills, you’ll make sure that you keep relevant in a competitive line of work.

As you progress and build up your freelancing career, you could make your own agency and expand into other aspects of translation. It’s a really exciting opportunity, one that should be celebrated.

Most importantly, you’ll love what you do and see just how much your skills are appreciated. You’ll never look back on your decision.

  Conclusion

Translation combined with freelancing can easily become a dream come true. You’ll be networking with people all over the world and doing it from the comfort of your own home…or beach.