Pages in topic: [1 2 3] > | Poll: How profitable has translation been for you? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
| | Has been very profitable | Jun 3, 2008 |
more than 10 years ago with few low-price competitors, But I still remember that time
[Edited at 2008-06-03 20:40] | | | neilmac Spain Local time: 22:25 Spanish to English + ... Although I keep my prices relatively low | Jun 3, 2008 |
... it has worked out profitable enough for me: I have no debts to speak of and pay my rent every month, send my family money occasionally and can usually afford a holiday at least once a year.
In terms of working conditions, I am much better off as a self-employed translator/language consultant than I was as a TEFL hack working long hours for mostly unappreciative organisations. | | | More profitable than I ever expected it to be | Jun 3, 2008 |
Back in 1989, when I started my freelance career, I instantly doubled my excellent previous salary as a bilingual secretary with an American bank. The first ten years were amazing! Then things slowed down a bit for a couple of years, but since 2003 I have been busy almost uninterruptedly.
I should state, however, that I will never be "rich" or get anywhere near that. I just want to keep my indepedence and continue to enjoy my job while keeping a good standard of living.
... See more Back in 1989, when I started my freelance career, I instantly doubled my excellent previous salary as a bilingual secretary with an American bank. The first ten years were amazing! Then things slowed down a bit for a couple of years, but since 2003 I have been busy almost uninterruptedly.
I should state, however, that I will never be "rich" or get anywhere near that. I just want to keep my indepedence and continue to enjoy my job while keeping a good standard of living.
May all my dear colleagues have such a wonderful experience as I have! ▲ Collapse | |
|
|
Yes, profitable | Jun 3, 2008 |
I don't think I am getting rich, but I am getting enough income every month to achieve my financial goal as I am putting pretty good amount of money into my bank, while enjoying life.
I have started escort interpreting in 1985, and since then I am in interpreting for 10 years on and off.
Then I got tired of interpreting, so I quit it in 2002. I was ready to put my mind to translation alone, but prior to that I was translating a daily newsletter for eight consecutive years. Thi... See more I don't think I am getting rich, but I am getting enough income every month to achieve my financial goal as I am putting pretty good amount of money into my bank, while enjoying life.
I have started escort interpreting in 1985, and since then I am in interpreting for 10 years on and off.
Then I got tired of interpreting, so I quit it in 2002. I was ready to put my mind to translation alone, but prior to that I was translating a daily newsletter for eight consecutive years. This brought me a steady income source, so I never bothered with any other translation job.
Then, lo and behold, the operation went down, and during this 8 years there was a computer revolution! Everything was digitalized, so when I came back to freelancing, I have to learn a whole a lot (needless to say CAT and other computer related nitty gritties), and some of these even from scratch!
At that time I joined a few trade organizations but nothing brought me as much exposure to translation industry as ProZ.
To make a long story short, I am very happy in the way I stand.
Like Maria Eugenia, I hope everyone is as happy as I. ▲ Collapse | | | Amy Duncan (X) Brazil Local time: 17:25 Portuguese to English + ... It took a while... | Jun 3, 2008 |
When I first started translating and thinking about it as a means of self-support, it took a couple of years to start making any real money, but once my name got around I had plenty of work (this was when I was living in Brazil), could support myself just fine, and even save some money.
It's not been that great since I came back to the USA last November, but I expect things will pick up over time. In any case, I haven't been disappointed about the money-making potential of freelance... See more When I first started translating and thinking about it as a means of self-support, it took a couple of years to start making any real money, but once my name got around I had plenty of work (this was when I was living in Brazil), could support myself just fine, and even save some money.
It's not been that great since I came back to the USA last November, but I expect things will pick up over time. In any case, I haven't been disappointed about the money-making potential of freelance translating, and for me it sure beats going to an office every day (which I will never, ever do again).
Amy ▲ Collapse | | | Very profitable | Jun 3, 2008 |
... especially when I compare with my previous 9 to 5 jobs - I earn several times more.
Anni | | | Very profitable! | Jun 4, 2008 |
There's not the option "Incredibly profitable" over there? | |
|
|
Let's say profitable | Jun 4, 2008 |
At the beginning, it was quite profitable, but this year, especially, the inflation in Argentina had an impact on my income and I quite noted it. I really need to start looking for alternatives, don't you think? Besides, this situation is affecting my mood... Anyway, I hope this year brings winds of change.
Best,
Fernando
[Edited at 2008-06-04 04:22]
[Edited at 2008-06-04 05:12] | | | LinguaLab.net United Kingdom Local time: 21:25 English to Norwegian + ... Very profitable | Jun 4, 2008 |
I used to work as an in-house Project Manager/Translator, and in my first year as a freelancer I increased my annual salary by more than £10K. My income has been stable for a while now, but this year I look set to make a lot more - which isn't bad in the current economic climate!
Nina
www.lingualab.net | | | Chun Un Macau Member (2007) English to Chinese + ...
I added 10K USD to my annual income last year by translating and interpreting apart from my editing job. There's a price to pay though - I have not had a proper break since last May!
I look forward to a better 2008 (and more time off).
Chun
[Edited at 2008-06-04 06:25] | | | Interlangue (X) Angola Local time: 22:25 English to French + ... Profitable enough | Jun 4, 2008 |
To live off and take a break once-in-a-while. Not quite as lucrative as being a teacher (my previous job) and much more time consuming, but so much more gratifying and brain stimulating (mind you, I enjoyed teaching: just got tired of it and didn’t like what things were coming to).
A pity so much has to be paid on taxes, social security, (compulsory) insurances of all kinds (all in all 70%+ of my turnover) in this country. | |
|
|
Johan Venter Czech Republic Local time: 22:25 Dutch to English + ... Profitable, but at what cost? | Jun 4, 2008 |
This line of business has been profitable enough in terms of finances, but the long hours required are beginning to take a toll on me and my family. People are just simply not meant to sit in front of a computer screen for 12 - 16 hours a day. Regular exercise helps me physically, but I also need to find more time somewhere to spend with my family... | | | Very profitable, indeed | Jun 4, 2008 |
I measure profit not only in terms of moeny but also in terms of personal pleasure. I take translation both as a job as a hobby. As a job I earn enough income to sustain a comfortable lliving. As a hobby, I drive immense pleasure that is more than rewarding. | | | Rewarding work | Jun 4, 2008 |
Mohsin Alabdali wrote:
I measure profit not only in terms of moeny (sic) but also in terms of personal pleasure. I take translation both as a job as a hobby. As a job I earn enough income to sustain a comfortable lliving. As a hobby, I drive immense pleasure that is more than rewarding.
Exactly my sentiments, Mohsin. I also extend and update my knowledge and experience every time I translate a medical scientific article. | | | Pages in topic: [1 2 3] > | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » Poll: How profitable has translation been for you? Protemos translation business management system | Create your account in minutes, and start working! 3-month trial for agencies, and free for freelancers!
The system lets you keep client/vendor database, with contacts and rates, manage projects and assign jobs to vendors, issue invoices, track payments, store and manage project files, generate business reports on turnover profit per client/manager etc.
More info » |
| TM-Town | Manage your TMs and Terms ... and boost your translation business
Are you ready for something fresh in the industry? TM-Town is a unique new site for you -- the freelance translator -- to store, manage and share translation memories (TMs) and glossaries...and potentially meet new clients on the basis of your prior work.
More info » |
|
| | | | X Sign in to your ProZ.com account... | | | | | |