| Pages in topic: < [1 2] | Availability after delivering translation Thread poster: GudrunPancake
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Inga Petkelyte wrote:
Elizabeth Tamblin wrote:
If you need to go out, aren't most of the questions answerable from your iPad or iPhone or similar device?
In my case, and I believe in many others, that is often not possible - some of us provide also interpreting services. Is it really reasonable to expect someone to text from the court room or during a business meeting, for that matter? I guess, not.
Oh of couse, in that case, it wouldn't be possible. I'm just saying that it might sometimes be possible to answer queries while out and about, using the devices I mentioned.
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Elizabeth Tamblin wrote:
If you need to go out, aren't most of the questions answerable from your iPad or iPhone or similar device?
When I go out, I am usually busy doing something like driving the car, talking to people etc. Even if there is decent internet access, it would be difficult to find the time to drop everything and send a well-thought-through reply.
| | | | LEXpert 
United States
Local time: 21:36
Member (2008)
Croatian to English
+ ...
| Take your notebook | Mar 4, 2015 |
Elizabeth Tamblin wrote:
Oh of couse, in that case, it wouldn't be possible. I'm just saying that it might sometimes be possible to answer queries while out and about, using the devices I mentioned.
As Merab mentioned, it's difficult to answer queries on mobile devices without full Office functionality. I've done it a couple of times, but only for very simple/quick queries.
I only have one client who has regularly sends back inquires after delivery. If I know I'll be out on an extended errand after delivering one of their files, I usually just take my notebook computer with me.
| | | | Anne Pinaglia
Netherlands
Local time: 04:36
Italian to English
+ ...
| You should absolutely be available. | Mar 4, 2015 |
It is one of the things that just goes along with the job. I am always available whether I am in the office or not, as I receive mail on my phone. If for some reason it is a file that I cannot see properly (such as a Word doc with track changes), I communicate that right away so any questions can be asked up front. It doesn't happen often, but I have yet to receive a complaint, as my clients just need an answer and I'm happy to give it!
You just simply HAVE to drop everything and re... See more It is one of the things that just goes along with the job. I am always available whether I am in the office or not, as I receive mail on my phone. If for some reason it is a file that I cannot see properly (such as a Word doc with track changes), I communicate that right away so any questions can be asked up front. It doesn't happen often, but I have yet to receive a complaint, as my clients just need an answer and I'm happy to give it!
You just simply HAVE to drop everything and reply. That's part of being your own boss. It's never the "right time", but that's just how it is. Heck, I was being wheeled to the OR to get an emergency c-section and I was quickly responding to a client for something important. So it goes. In order for clients to take you seriously, you have to take their needs seriously, too.
Maybe with this particular PM, you might be able to schedule a time for a brief chat on the phone or ask when you might expect an email... but I wouldn't count on it. ▲ Collapse
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Neptunia
Local time: 04:36
Italian to English
I am going to offer a dissenting opinion to most of the posts here but with the caveat that I don't actually find myself in this situation. I agree that it is unreasonable to expect that a freelancer is always available for queries after a job and perhaps should even be waiting at their computer just in case. That constitutes an opportunity cost for the translator that could be reduced with the simple courtesy of scheduling in advance. The old, slightly arrogant expression: "a lack of planning o... See more I am going to offer a dissenting opinion to most of the posts here but with the caveat that I don't actually find myself in this situation. I agree that it is unreasonable to expect that a freelancer is always available for queries after a job and perhaps should even be waiting at their computer just in case. That constitutes an opportunity cost for the translator that could be reduced with the simple courtesy of scheduling in advance. The old, slightly arrogant expression: "a lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part" comes to mind. Of course you have to maintain a collaborative working relationship with your clients but perhaps turning in your translation with a line like, "as usual I'm happy to go over questions but today I will be out of the office until 4pm" might prevent panic. I wonder if someone who doesn't drop everything to respond to frantic PMs actually looks bad or just looks busy. ▲ Collapse
| | | | sam@fr-uk
United Kingdom
Local time: 03:36
French to English
| Arrange a specific time slot for corrections/queries with your client | Mar 5, 2015 |
My main client gives me 3 clearly stated deadlines for each job:
(1) when to send my initial translation to the editor,
(2) when I'll receive the proofread translation back from the editor,
(3) when to submit my final corrected version, together with answers to any queries.
This arrangement works really well for me, otherwise organising my day would be a nightmare. Plus, I like to pop out a couple of times a day for errands and short walks to clear my head, and ... See more My main client gives me 3 clearly stated deadlines for each job:
(1) when to send my initial translation to the editor,
(2) when I'll receive the proofread translation back from the editor,
(3) when to submit my final corrected version, together with answers to any queries.
This arrangement works really well for me, otherwise organising my day would be a nightmare. Plus, I like to pop out a couple of times a day for errands and short walks to clear my head, and I'd hate to be tied to my desk all day. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Samuel Murray
Netherlands
Local time: 04:36
Member (2006)
English to Afrikaans
+ ...
| Set your out-of-office reply | Mar 5, 2015 |
GudrunPancake wrote:
I work for one particular PM who likes me to be available for the rest of the day after I deliver the translation. When he gets round to it, he looks through my work and usually has a few questions.
Same here. However, when I leave my "office" for more than half an hour, I set my Gmail to send an out-of-office message telling clients when I expect to be back "at the office". I then respond to all mails when I get back.
| | | | | This seems the best solution in my case. | Mar 5, 2015 |
sam@fr-uk wrote:
My main client gives me 3 clearly stated deadlines for each job:
(1) when to send my initial translation to the editor,
(2) when I'll receive the proofread translation back from the editor,
(3) when to submit my final corrected version, together with answers to any queries.
This arrangement works really well for me, otherwise organising my day would be a nightmare. Plus, I like to pop out a couple of times a day for errands and short walks to clear my head, and I'd hate to be tied to my desk all day.
Thank you, if I get another project from this PM, I will ask for these three deadlines. Then we all know where we stand and everyone will be happy.
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Marius Reika
Local time: 04:36
Member (2006)
English to Lithuanian
Neptunia wrote:
The old, slightly arrogant expression: "a lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part" comes to mind.
Could not agree more. Poor time management skills is the problem of the PM, not mine. Asking to be available for some hours or the rest of the day after delivery is a joke - unless I am getting paid the hourly fee.
Also, being available ALL the time is not freelancing, - and clients are no way going to take one seriously for this, especially if you provide such availability for free. Where is the difference between being locked up in an office and being always online with an ipad, even if you are by the river "enjoying" a picnic?
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