The Ups and Downs of Being a Freelance Interpreter

(Last Updated On: April 27, 2017)There are many ideas around about how it is to be a freelance interpreter.  But the truth is that it offers up and downs just as any other field. The daily frenzy of the work can distract you from your initial goals and this is also the reason why you fall in love with this career in the first place.  From time to time it is important to remember why you became a freelance interpreter and make a balance of ups and downs. In the other hand, if you are planning to become an interpreter, taking a look at some pros and cons might clear up if this is the right path for you.

Advantages of being a freelance interpreter

Here some ups:
  • Satisfy your passion for language: working as interpreter is probably the most rewarding experience if you are truly passionate about language. It is a very effective way to learn all little twists about them and you can pick the one most appealing to you.
  • Learning opportunities: Being an interpreter makes you go beyond the language. You need to learn about the culture of countries where the language is spoken and you are constantly exposed to new information that enrich your life.
  • Choose your working style: you can choose to work for an interpretation agency having a regular schedule or you can become a freelance interpreter. Each one of the choices has its own challenges, but you will be free to select what better fits your lifestyle.
Here some downs:
  • Highly technical work: despite all the exposure to different cultures and experiences, this job is highly technical and it requires that you are a dedicated person. Sometimes it can be very stressful because of the level of detail you have to manage.
  • There is no creativity: despite all the exposure to different environments you may not be very creative because you must follow what your clients speak.
  • It can be lonely: although you interact with clients, there is no opportunity to connect with them in a personal way.
Despite all the ups and downs you can always be sure you are always helping people to achieve their goals. It can be business, recreation, medical or public service. In all situations people get relief they can communicate in their native language to get what they need.

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