Unfiltered Thoughts of a Freelance Translator ⏐ Ep. 2

Summary

In this candid podcast-style episode, the freelance translator shares an unfiltered account of their recent challenges and successes. They discuss the impact of taking an intensive French language course on their work-life balance, the benefits of being self-employed, and upcoming interviews with industry leaders. They also reflect on the importance of positivity in the translation industry and share insights from current projects, including website localization and social media subtitling. The episode concludes with a reminder of the value of organization and following up on commitments.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ The podcaster is hosting a series called 'The Unfiltered Thoughts of a Freelance Translator'.
• 🗓️ The podcaster had to postpone an episode due to unforeseen circumstances, highlighting the unpredictable nature of freelance work.
• 🏫 The podcaster is currently enrolled in an intensive two-week French language course, which is affecting their work schedule.
• 🚶‍♂️ To maintain activity while studying and working, the podcaster is walking 40 minutes to and from their language course each day.
• 💡 The language course is immersive and conversation-based, with a focus on practical application rather than textbook learning.
• 🏙️ The podcaster discusses the benefits of freelancing, such as the flexibility to take language courses without taking time off from work.
• 💼 The podcaster mentions upcoming interviews with notable figures in the translation industry, including Tess Witt and Florian Fa.
• 🎉 The podcaster will be chairing a panel at the Translating Europe Forum, indicating their recognition in the professional community.
• 📈 The podcaster expresses concern over the negative tone on LinkedIn, particularly the number of people leaving the translation industry.
• 📊 The podcaster shares a personal experience of losing a potential client due to a delayed follow-up, emphasizing the importance of prompt communication in business.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the 'Unfiltered Thoughts of a Freelance Translator' series?

The main theme of the series is to provide an uncut, podcast-style episode where the host shares their thoughts, experiences, and insights about the freelance translation industry without any editing.

Why was the episode postponed from Monday to Tuesday?

The episode was postponed from Monday to Tuesday because the host faced multiple issues out of their control, causing them to cancel or postpone the originally scheduled episode.

What is the host's current language learning challenge?

The host is taking an intensive two-week French language course while also working full-time, which is extremely intense and affects their daily routine and work schedule.

How does the host manage to stay active despite their busy schedule?

The host stays active by walking 40 minutes in the morning and 40 minutes at lunch, totaling 80 minutes of walking each day.

What is the teaching methodology of the French language course the host is taking?

The teaching methodology is very interactive and spoken-based, with no textbooks involved. The teacher suggests a topic, and the small group of students engages in discussions, focusing on grammatical concepts within the topic.

Why did the host decide to take the French language course?

The host decided to take the course to boost their French language skills, especially to feel more confident in speaking and to properly integrate into the French-speaking community in Brussels where they live.

What are some of the upcoming interviews lined up for the 'Freelance Verse'?

Upcoming interviews include Tess Whitty, a prominent figure and Swedish marketing translator in the industry, and Florian Fa, a Swiss industry leader and co-founder of Slater.

What is the host's role at the Translating Europe Forum?

The host will be serving as the chair for a panel at the Translating Europe Forum, focusing on young professionals in the translation industry.

How does the host feel about the current state of discourse on LinkedIn?

The host feels that LinkedIn has become quite negative lately, with many posts about people struggling or leaving the industry, which can be disheartening.

What is the host's advice for managing client invoices?

The host advises to track invoices regularly, especially for smaller clients without automated payment systems, to ensure timely payments and avoid missed unpaid invoices.

What is the host's approach to work-life balance while taking the French course?

The host maintains a full-time work schedule while taking the French course, with their workday starting at 1:00 p.m. They also ensure they get enough sleep by going to bed earlier.