TRANSLATORS' TIPS

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TRANSLATORS TIPS
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  • Peggie

    Don't leave things to the last minute! This is advice that I need to learn to take myself. Having to translate under huge deadline pressure is never fun...

    2 hour(s) ago

  • Roger t

    Don't forget to network, even when you're busy. You never know when you'll need those contacts - or when they will need you!

    6 day(s) ago

  • Clara

    Make the most of the summer and fit your work around your lifestyle :-)

    13 day(s) ago

  • Zuzanna

    If your translation client is one who likes to have lots of meetings and calls with you to discuss progress on the project, be sure to factor that into your billing!

    20 day(s) ago

  • Carla

    Trust your instincts. If your gut is telling you that a job isn't right for you, try to avoid taking it - your instincts are a powerful tool when you translate freelance!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Paul

    I've been experimenting with keeping my email switched off while I translate recently and it is definitely helping me focus. Something to think about :-)

    35 day(s) ago

  • Miles pendle

    I've got into the habit of doing my least appealing task of the day first. It's a well-known strategy but one I found hard to implement consistently. Now that I have, there's no going back! Well worth a try.

    42 day(s) ago

  • Klara

    Keep things sociable even when you work on your own. Join supportive groups on social media and make connections who understand your work, so that you have people you can talk to about it. It can be a great help when work is stressful!

    48 day(s) ago

  • Ishmael

    Always consider how you could add value for your client. That doesn't (always) mean up-selling other services, but finding ways they can be even more satisfied with your your services than usual. It's a great way to build loyalty.

    55 day(s) ago

  • Sam langston

    It's much easier to drum up work from clients who have used your services before than to obtain new ones. If I need some extra work, my first approach is always to existing contacts and it usually turns something up with little more effort than sending a few emails!

    62 day(s) ago

  • Wendy p

    Build some time to pause into your day - every day, without fail. It can help you to maintain your focus and work more effectively.

    69 day(s) ago

  • Benji

    Make sure you reward yourself for working hard and completing projects successfully when you work freelance. Company perks should be for solo workers too!

    76 day(s) ago

  • Ollie

    Focus on updating your technical knowhow as well as your language skills when it comes to career development. Tech is evolving so fast these days that if you don't keep up, you'll lose out to those who do.

    83 day(s) ago

  • Marnie thornberg

    Take time every couple of months to assess your work/life balance. It's easy to slip into bad habits and not put yourself first. Sometimes you have to step back to realise it though.

    90 day(s) ago

  • Sami

    Keep up with trends in the industry. If your clients are increasingly using video, but you don't translate it, it's time to start if you don't want them to find an alternative translator

    97 day(s) ago

  • Enrique

    Try to create clear boundaries between your working time and your non-working time, to avoid the former encroaching on the latter!

    104 day(s) ago

  • Elsa

    Accept that the pandemic has placed additional strains on all of us. You might need to change your working patterns and pay more attention to your mental health. That's ok. Be clear with your clients. They will understand.

    111 day(s) ago

  • Nathan

    If you run into issues with a project, let the client know as early as possible. Don't just leave it to the last minute and then tell them their translation won't be on time! Also, try and be solution-focused when dealing with any issues.

    118 day(s) ago

  • Katie

    Translation projects with new clients are about a lot more than just the actual translation time. Remember to factor time for meetings and phone calls into your pricing!

    125 day(s) ago

  • Hermann

    Do not underestimate the value of networking. You never know what it might lead to.

    133 day(s) ago

  • Zara lawson

    Never fall into a working routine if you can help it. Keep your working day varied in order to keep your motivation levels up. Routine crushes the spirit of creativity!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Carys

    Don't make assumptions. If you're not sure, check with the client! A small delay while you check something is far better than have to re-do a whole load of work because you made an incorrect assumption.

    146 day(s) ago

  • Cara-ann

    Always take a break before proofreading your translation (assuming time permits)

    154 day(s) ago

  • Gordon t

    Look at your To Do List every evening to help you prepare for the following day. It makes a surprising difference!

    161 day(s) ago

  • Anna t

    If you're unsure about a particular phrase, step away from it and return to it later. That's better than going over it repeatedly until it loses all meaning!

    168 day(s) ago

  • Pietr s

    'That will do' is not good enough - all of your translations should be perfect, always!

    175 day(s) ago

  • Samantha parsons

    Don't translate when you're overly tired, as you're a lot more likely to make mistakes

    181 day(s) ago

  • Ana

    I find that reading contemporary fiction in my second language is a great way to keep up with how language is changing over time while also enjoying the fun of reading!

    189 day(s) ago

  • Zolt d

    Keep your working life interesting by mixing up where you get your translation clients and which online groups you engage with for professional support/companionship

    196 day(s) ago

  • Sandra

    If you're juggling things like lockdown and home-schooling, be open with your clients about it. Many will be in the same boat and will be extra understanding as a result.

    202 day(s) ago

  • Mary

    Don't leave your translations to the last minute - you won't have time to complete them if something crops up that delays your work!

    210 day(s) ago

  • Cara

    Mix up your working days with a variety of tasks to keep things interesting. Each day being the same can end up sapping your motivation. My preference is to throw in some learning activities to keep my language skills fresh and break up my workload a bit.

    216 day(s) ago

  • Clare

    Work to live, don't live to work. If your job is consuming every waking moment, take a step back and make some changes. You'll find that you enjoy the work more as a result.

    232 day(s) ago

  • Melanie king

    I like to keep up with the English language as it develops by reading the quarterly OED updates. They're fascinating and really capture the way that the language and the way that we use it are changing

    237 day(s) ago

  • Zara

    Have a dedicated workspace at home, even if you don't have room for a home office. I find it helps to separate my working time from my family time. It helps to make that mental distinction between the two.

    244 day(s) ago

  • Lola

    Don't work yourself into the ground. Take regular breaks and your levels of productivity and motivation should both benefit

    251 day(s) ago

  • Zara

    Always be sure you understand the client brief fully. A lack of clarity can end up costing you a great deal of time and emotional energy!

    259 day(s) ago

  • Freddy

    How often do you review or try out different translation memory tools? Finding the right one has helped me to translate so much faster - it's well worth putting some time into tracking down your perfect match

    265 day(s) ago

  • Claudia

    Always remember your worth - don't drop your rates just because a client asks you to!

    272 day(s) ago

  • Sarah

    Never rely on a single source of income when you translate as a freelancer. The more clients you have, the less at risk your income is!

    280 day(s) ago

  • Sami

    Prepare for you holidays WAY in advance when you translate freelance, so that you can get a decent break when the time comes

    286 day(s) ago

  • Claire p

    Always give yourself daily and weekly goals. I find that doing so helps to keep me motivated, which is really important when you work mostly on your own.

    293 day(s) ago

  • Vishna

    Have a website about your translation service and update your blog regularly to show that you know your stuff!

    300 day(s) ago

  • Karl

    You don't have to have just one career. If you can translate well, you can probably also proofread and edit. I like to take on a mix of all three, to keep my working life interesting.

    307 day(s) ago

  • Sharron

    Freelancers need breaks just as much as employees. Be kind to yourself when you're your own boss. Your work will improve as a result of you being well rested.

    314 day(s) ago

  • Demelsa

    Keep your tech skills up to date as well as your language skills for maximum success!

    321 day(s) ago

  • Ben

    Find your own working patterns - it doesn't matter what works for others, it's what works for you that counts!

    328 day(s) ago

  • Emmie

    I use a step counter to make sure I get enough exercise, even when I'm working on a huge translation project. I find it helps me be more productive and have a clearer mind to exercise regularly, plus it helps de-stress me.

    335 day(s) ago

  • Rachel

    If you're feeling overwhelmed and you have too much work on, step outside and breathe. A quick walk in the fresh air can do wonders for my productivity levels and help me tackle my work with a clearer head.

    342 day(s) ago

  • Mike

    Stay one step ahead by keeping your LinkedIn profile up to date, sharing relevant translation articles and posting regularly. Then, when you need work, potential clients should be familiar with your expertise already.

    349 day(s) ago

  • Annabel

    Make the most of the summer sunshine by scheduling your work around fun activities. After all, isn't that a big part of why being a freelance translator is such a great career choice?

    356 day(s) ago

  • Marisa

    Learning a specialist area of translation is a great way to keep your interest in the profession alive. It can help with getting more clients too!

    363 day(s) ago

  • Francis hilton

    Don't rely on just one client or one type of work these days - variety is key to survival!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Clarissa

    Did you get into translation through experience and without professional qualifications? If so, would it help to add those skills to your portfolio now? Personally, I found doing so to be a really valuable experience

    1 year(s) ago

  • Karolyn

    Remember to focus on improving your non-translation skills as well as your translation skills. There are plenty of courses online on topics like customer service that can help translators to grow and develop.

    1 year(s) ago

  • Janet

    Keep your work varied to keep it interesting

    1 year(s) ago

  • Viola

    Make sure you keep up with industry trends so that your translation services are always in demand.

    1 year(s) ago

  • Kiara

    You might be used to working from home, but are your clients? Be aware that they may be struggling in certain ways - and you can be there to help them!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Kris

    Distractions are all around us. We might not be able to change the distractions but we can alter how we respond to them.

    1 year(s) ago

  • Faisil

    When did you last learn something new? There's always an excuse to put off learning. Why not find a reason to make it a priority instead?

    1 year(s) ago

  • Demelsa

    Can't attend a translation conference in person due to lockdown? Then why not seek out one online? There are plenty of excellent virtual events to attend

    1 year(s) ago

  • Zacky

    Being organised is the key to effective remote working when you translate for a living - as well as language skills, of course!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Harry s

    Work/life balance is more important than ever during lockdown. Try to carve out some time for yourself every day

    1 year(s) ago

  • Bryan

    Are you still social distancing? Take this time to expand your vocabulary and take the time to learn terminologies in a specialized field.

    1 year(s) ago

  • Samantha khan

    Don't let the COVID-19 pandemic grind you down. Translate, learn and remember that the situation won't last forever

    1 year(s) ago

  • Carrie-ann

    If you can, work for multiple clients to spread your income and your risk.

    1 year(s) ago

  • Lucy

    Working from home and educating your kids too during the lockdown? Give yourself a break from time to time - you might not feel you can fit it in, but you'll feel so much better for it that your productivity levels will soar!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Winnie

    You are never too old to learn something new, whether that means sharpening your translation skills or learning a new language entirely to keep your mind alert and youthful!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Scotty

    Until the world gets back to normal, just do what you can in terms of managing work and other responsibilities!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Mairie

    Stuck at home due to coronavirus? Try to see it as a chance to focus on your translation career and professional development!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Hakim

    Remember that we are all only human. Sometimes that means you reach your limits. Give yourself kindness and understanding during times of work pressure.

    1 year(s) ago

  • Luis

    If you're juggling work and childcare at the moment thanks to the coronavirus, make sure that you don't burn out. Remember that many others are in the same boat and you don't have to do it all!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Kirsten

    Don't present your clients with problems if something goes wrong, present them with solutions. They'll appreciate your efforts far more!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Claire rollings

    Keep your interest in the languages you speak in whatever way works for you - make sure that translation remains the career that you love over the years

    1 year(s) ago

  • Phil s

    Always review a document thoroughly before you quote to translate it. Offering a price without understanding the job fully is a recipe for disaster!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Chloe

    Don't panic if you take too much work on - it won't help! Stay calm and you will be able to find a way to deal with it all.

    1 year(s) ago

  • Johnny evans

    Be sure to build time to relax into your working week. It's not always a priority for freelancers, but it should be if you want a decent work-life balance.

    1 year(s) ago

  • Tamara

    Be timely - your clients will appreciate it, whether or not they realise it consciously!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Olive

    Keep you accounts in order - strictly! As soon as you lose a grip on your finances, it's really hard to reestablish control.

    1 year(s) ago

  • Pete

    Be careful how much work you quote for - bear in mind that you'll need to deliver on all of those quotes if clients accept them!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Carole james

    Why is it that no matter how many times I try to avoid it, I always book out every hour of the day and leave no time for contingencies? Remember that all it takes is one of your kids being ill and off school for a day to completely disrupt your workload. Be sure to build in contingency time!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Mohammed

    Make it your goal to deliver amazing customer service and your customers will keep coming back for more

    1 year(s) ago

  • Sarah dee

    You can always be better at what you do - never stop learning!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Mark

    If you're not inspired to return to work after the holidays, think about why that is and what you can change about your career in order that you can wake up each day fired up about translating for a living!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Lou h

    Use the Christmas holiday season to take a proper break from work - you'll likely feel refreshed and re-inspired as a result of doing so

    1 year(s) ago

  • Chris

    Always have a contingency fund when you translate freelance - the life (and specifically the income) of a freelancer can turn on a dime!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Jeremy

    Make sure you trust your instincts!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Felicity barnard

    Remember that looking after yourself and your mental and physical health is an important part of freelancing effectively

    1 year(s) ago

  • Paola

    Don't leave things until just before their deadlines if you can help it. It only takes a single unexpected occurrence to create a whole load of stress if you do!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Chris

    Don't leave translations to the last minute or the quality of your work is likely to suffer!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Pierre

    Never stop learning and you will always enjoy your translation career!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Keisha

    Don't let the fact you work freelance lead to unhealthy habits. Keep snacks healthy and fit in time to exercise and you'll perform better at work as well as feeling better!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Brindy

    Some days, you're just not feeling it. If your workload permits, give yourself a break on those days and you'll most likely feel re-inspired the following day and be more productive as a result. It certainly works for me!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Mindy thompson-jones

    Set some of your translation income aside every month. That way you won't need to panic when your tax bill arrives or unexpected expenses crop up.

    1 year(s) ago

  • Benji p

    Always communicate positively and swiftly with your clients - they will appreciate it and choose you over those whose communications are more sporadic!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Carol-ann

    You never know where your next translation job might come from, so nurture your business contacts and make the most of social networking sites like LinkedIn!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Ishmail

    I network online with fellow translators so that I have peers to engage with for moral support

    1 year(s) ago

  • Mohammed

    Beware of translation contracts that sound too good to be true because they probably are!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Clarissa

    Make the most of people's 'back to work' enthusiasm this month in terms of getting projects moving!

    1 year(s) ago

  • Sarah t

    You can never predict when you'll catch a bug. Sometimes when you work freelance you have to work through it, but if your illness is compromising the quality of your work, it might be time to push back your deadlines. Never an easy decision!!

    1 year(s) ago