ChatGPT: "It takes about 3 years for a translator to fully establish themselves." Your experience?

Henry Dotterer wrote:
To explain where I am coming from: We recently had a powwow in Nairobi. It was so nice. There were around a hundred freelancers there, many of whom, it was apparent to me, could benefit from some of the wisdom shared in these forums over the years. The idea of using AI to mine our forums for collective wisdom, and subject the LLM's summaries to correction, confirmation and updating by the community, crossed my mind. This topic represents an exercise of that sort.

Does that make any sense to anyone?

ChatGPT says:

The time it takes for a new freelance translator to build a full-time client base varies significantly, but there are some general trends and insights from experienced translators on ProZ.com.

Initial Phase (0-1 year): Many translators report that the first year is often the most challenging. It's common to not earn enough to live on during this period without additional savings or other income sources. Building a client base from scratch requires substantial effort, including creating a strong profile, networking, and marketing oneself​ (ProZ)​​ (ProZ)​.

Building Momentum (1-3 years): Translators who start with some existing clients or can leverage previous work experience may find it easier to transition to full-time freelancing. By the end of the second year, many are able to sustain themselves if they continuously seek new clients and maintain relationships with existing ones. The key is to be persistent, available for work, and to continually improve skills and services​ (ProZ)​​ (ProZ)​.

Stabilization (3+ years): It typically takes about three years for a translator to fully establish themselves and have a steady stream of work. By this time, many translators have built a solid reputation, have regular clients, and can rely on a more predictable income. This period also allows for setting higher rates and specializing in niche markets, which can lead to better earnings and work stability​ (ProZ)​​ (ProZ)​.

In summary, while some translators may achieve full-time status faster, a general timeframe of 1-3 years is common to build a sustainable and reliable client base. This period involves significant networking, learning, and adaptability.

Henry Dotterer wrote:


Maybe I misunderstand what you mean by that, Kay, but you do know that this forum is public, and that ChatGPT (and other LLMs) have or will read what you just wrote there, right? (So actually you are telling them something.)