A translator can become a successful translator through luck, hard work or maybe with both. Maybe this combination includes right connection or other external factors. In fact, this is a combination of all these.
It is Possible But Not Much Easy Process
People who start a business on their own have some knowledge and they understand that this is not an easy process. People who make their business successful are those who do not care about nice things and understand that a lot of hard work and time will be required to achieve success. When successful freelancers are questioned how they did it, people either do not believe on the sacrifices they made or they think this is not the thing they are prepared for in order to live financially secure and debt free life.
What are the Advantages?
No doubt, some translators have advantages over others. Some already are connected with industries which are important for their career. Some live in the area where there is high demand of language combination. Some receive financial help and others a do not.
Seeking Opportunities
Translators who make their own business and want it to be successful need to work long hours and seek opportunities for work including finding quality clients. You can do this via many ways including cold-calling agencies, calling and emailing people, doing volunteer translations, starting a blog and much more. Do not forget to thank those persons who help you out through all the process.
How to Achieve Success?
There are some steps you need to take for a successful business:
- Do not present yourself in the market straightaway. First, find a translation firm and give a couple of years to have some basic practical experience. On salary basis, may be you have less income as compared with what you get through your own business. But without experience, it becomes difficult to build your own business. This helps you out to acquire skills and become a professional translator.
- In case you do not find a paid position, try to work as an unpaid trainee. Translation agencies may not have space to hire new staff but they can offer you a position of a trainee so you can gain experience.
- After becoming a professional translator and seeking skills, you can decide that now there is time to make your own clients. You should move towards a part-time contract. You can have time to recruit the clients and work on their projects and earn money as well. At this stage, you can make a clear arrangement with your boss to avoid conflict. When you approach a professional translation firm, do not resist giving a test translation.
- Register yourself as a self-employed person with all tax authorities and get their advice.
- When you manage to find work and keep yourself busy, you may leave the agency or company you are working for.
These are general guidelines, and your career may evolve different lines that depend on your skills, preferences and personal conditions. A certain business acumen and experience are the things that are important for a successful career.
