Don’t Do It…
If you're considering a career as a translation specialist, here is some crucial advice to help you decide whether this path is right for you.
For my recent book Yes, You Can, I interviewed four professionals who shared their insights and experiences, which informed this article.
Don't Do It If...
1. You Have No Interest in the Topic
If you're considering financial translation, a keen interest in finance, economics, and business is non-negotiable, adds financial translation expert Tatjana Dujmic. The field requires a deep and continuous engagement with these subjects. You'll need to stay updated with the latest developments, trends, and terminology, which involves extensive daily reading. If the topics don't intrigue you, maintaining the necessary level of engagement and expertise will be challenging.
2. You Are Not Flexible
Flexibility is a cornerstone of success in translation. Clients' needs vary widely, and adapting to their preferences and goals is essential. Flexibility also means being resilient and capable of working long hours when deadlines are tight, says Marta Prieto, who specialises in translating financial and legal documents. If you struggle with adaptability and prefer rigid routines, this career might not be the best fit for you.
3. You Lack a Sense of Direction
Having a clear idea of your career goals is crucial. While flexibility is essential, you also need a general direction or "North Star" to guide your decisions, as diplomatic interpreter and British-LatAm communication specialist Cecilia Lipovsek calls it. Without it, you may find yourself aimlessly drifting from one project to another without a sense of purpose. Constantly evaluating your progress against your goals helps you stay on track and make informed decisions about your career path.
4. You Aren’t Prepared to Wear Many Hats
Translators, especially freelancers, must juggle multiple roles beyond just translating. This includes marketing your services, managing finances, staying updated with technological advancements, and continuous learning. Laura Dossena, translator and translation technology expert, believes that the romantic notion of a translator surrounded by books and cats, while occasionally true, doesn't reflect the whole reality. If you're not ready to embrace this multifaceted role and adapt to the evolving nature of the profession, there may be a better career for you.
Translating, particularly financial translation, is a demanding but rewarding profession for those with the right interests, flexibility, clear goals, and willingness to handle various aspects of the business. It's essential to be aware of the challenges, such as tight deadlines and the need for continuous learning. If you develop these qualities and are prepared for the challenges, you could find a fulfilling career.
‘How dare you settle for less when the world has made it so easy for you to be remarkable?’ wrote Seth Godin.
Check out my book Yes, You Can. What I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming a Financial Translator if you are curious to read the entire interviews.