| Pages in topic: [1 2] > | Poll: Professionally, would you say you are where you want to be? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
|
|---|
This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Professionally, would you say you are where you want to be?".
This poll was originally submitted by Alan Corbo, CT. View the poll results »
| | | | samah A. fattah 
Egypt
Local time: 03:51
Member (2009)
English to Arabic
+ ...
| I want to be a PM | Oct 8, 2013 |
Hi
I am planning to have my MBA this year
Being a professional manager is my dream
Samah
| | | | Tim Drayton
Cyprus
Local time: 03:51
Turkish to English
+ ...
When I compare the graph showing my earnings since 2008 (secular downward trend) with that for the cost of living over the same period where I live (strong upward trend; no sign of any abatement even though the country has gone bust!), I can't help feeling that the day when I will be better off delivering pizzas draws ever closer.
[Edited at 2013-10-08 08:48 GMT]
| | | |
Just like Tim, 2008 was my last "good" year. Some of my Spanish clients have gone bust (including a couple of agencies I used to work for). The funny thing is, however, that I now have some new clients (2 of them French) and "when I work", it is for better rates. But still, that's not good enough.
| | |
|
|
|
Julian Holmes
Japan
Local time: 09:51
Member (2011)
Japanese to English
| No, but am working on it | Oct 8, 2013 |
Was my answer but in all honesty I should have answered "No, definitely not." Because
"making more money through less work"
is where I want to be right now, which should (stress on "should") come naturally with experience and the extra mileage I have clocked up.
What went wrong? sniff 
| | | | neilmac
Spain
Local time: 02:51
Spanish to English
+ ...
Apart from my lack of pension entitlements, I'm quite content with my current situation and earnings. Considering the general economic situation, I think I'm in quite a good position workwise compared to a lot of other people.
(Much later, having given it a bit more thought…) While checking out a journal this evening to get an idea of its house style for an article I'm translating, I had a look at the language services for authors recommended by the website. A few of the provider... See more Apart from my lack of pension entitlements, I'm quite content with my current situation and earnings. Considering the general economic situation, I think I'm in quite a good position workwise compared to a lot of other people.
(Much later, having given it a bit more thought…) While checking out a journal this evening to get an idea of its house style for an article I'm translating, I had a look at the language services for authors recommended by the website. A few of the providers sounded interesting and I'm now thinking of sounding them out about possible collaboration, as it could be a refreshing change. Maybe "where you want to be" today isn't where you'll want to be tomorrow...
[Edited at 2013-10-08 22:57 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | Mario Chavez (X)
Local time: 20:51
English to Spanish
+ ...
| It took me 20 years | Oct 8, 2013 |
to achieve what I was after:
a) A full-time career as a translator
b) Teaching translation to a new generation
c) Having a very comfortable home office*
*I've worked for different American software companies since 1998, and not a single one can offer me an office or cubicle better than my home office: better ergonomics, better hardware and software, better coffee breaks.
Oh! My coffee break is coming up.
| | | | wonita (X)
China
Local time: 20:51
| Yes, definitely | Oct 8, 2013 |
I had never dreamt of interpreting in a booth, which I am doing today.
| | |
|
|
|
| "Arriving" would imply I'm no longer moving | Oct 8, 2013 |
...which is not what I aim for
Ideally, over the next 5 years, I'd like to see literary translations become my main source of translation income, not just a rare "once in a blue moon event".
Also, I'd like to see my own writing make up a little more than 2% of my annual income.
But that is not saying I'm unhappy where I am, but I'm still traveling, yearning, hoping.
| | | |
I love translating, so in that sense I am very happy where I am.
But I want more money without having to work harder. :/
| | | | Enrico Zoffoli
Italy
Local time: 02:51
Member (2013)
German to Italian
+ ...
| Yes, definitely | Oct 8, 2013 |
I work full-time, my clients are nice and reliable and pay pretty high rates. But of course, in this job things can change overnight.
| | | | | Yes, to a point | Oct 8, 2013 |
I have learned along the way to ride the ups and downs of an unpredictable work schedule inherent to the freelancing field.
| | |
|
|
|
| I didn't get where I am today... | Oct 8, 2013 |
I think that says it all, really...
Steve K.
| | | |
Tim Drayton wrote:
When I compare the graph showing my earnings since 2008 (secular downward trend) with that for the cost of living over the same period where I live (strong upward trend; no sign of any abatement even though the country has gone bust!), I can't help feeling that the day when I will be better off delivering pizzas draws ever closer.
[Edited at 2013-10-08 08:48 GMT]
I know that feeling Tim, I just dug out an order book from 1998, fifteen years ago, and my rate then was not much less than many agencies are offering now!
But in the end, it all comes down to market forces. If industry is happy with sub-standard, semi-mechanised translations at lower rates, so be it. At which point I will make a graceful exit..
Steve K.
| | | | Julian Holmes
Japan
Local time: 09:51
Member (2011)
Japanese to English
| Yesterday's rates | Oct 9, 2013 |
Steve Kerry wrote:
I know that feeling Tim, I just dug out an order book from 1998, fifteen years ago, and my rate then was not much less than many agencies are offering now!
Steve K.
@Steve
I know that sinking feeling -- I was making more money 20 years ago even without income converted to today's rates, etc.
In the mean time, let's forget our trials and tribulations. It's karaoke sing-along time, folks! 
My version of "Yesterday" -- for translators, of course!
Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though CAT tools and piss-poor translation rates are here to stay
Oh, I believe in yesterday
Suddenly I'm not earning half of what I used to do
There're are Trados match rates hanging over you
Oh, translation rates fell suddenly
Why they had to fall?
I don't know, the PM wouldn't say
I made a typo or did something wrong
Now I long for yesterday, yay, yay, yay
Yesterday, translation was such an easy game to play
All I needed was a place to stash the loot away
Oh, I believe in yesterday
Hmmm hmmm hm hm hmm
Hope that made you all feel better.
Julian H.
Made small edit to "lyrics"
[Edited at 2013-10-09 09:14 GMT]
| | | | | Pages in topic: [1 2] > | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » Poll: Professionally, would you say you are where you want to be? | Trados Business Manager Lite | Create customer quotes and invoices from within Trados Studio
Trados Business Manager Lite helps to simplify and speed up some of the daily tasks, such as invoicing and reporting, associated with running your freelance translation business.
More info » |
| | Anycount & Translation Office 3000 | Translation Office 3000
Translation Office 3000 is an advanced accounting tool for freelance translators and small agencies. TO3000 easily and seamlessly integrates with the business life of professional freelance translators.
More info » |
|
| | | | X Sign in to your ProZ.com account... | | | | | |
Login to reply/comment 
