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I had the “luck” of starting to work as a freelancer very late in life after decades of employment but I still found myself ill-prepared to deal with some aspects of the translation business (negotiation and non-payment…).
Rachel Waddington
P.L.F. Persio
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Rachel Waddington United Kingdom Local time: 22:33 Dutch to English + ...
Yes
Feb 28, 2022
Teresa Borges wrote:
I had the “luck” of starting to work as a freelancer very late in life after decades of employment but I still found myself ill-prepared to deal with some aspects of the translation business (negotiation and non-payment…).
I think we are all a bit unprepared at the start - whatever background we come from, freelancing for the first time is a steep learning curve.
Fortunately, the translation community is a friendly and welcoming one and there is always someone who will be happy to answer questions and point out further sources of information for those who ask.
P.L.F. Persio
Kay Denney
Anna Gorska
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I think face-to-face meetings and networking via friends/family/teachers/lecturers are the best ways to try to get work. That's where I would begin if I started again today.
I imagine the hit rate at trade fairs etc is still incredibly low, but when we were an agency we always filed unsolicited CVs in the bin. When we needed another freelance translator, we asked around. Had ProZ or LinkedIn existed, we would not have looked there.
I think face-to-face meetings and networking via friends/family/teachers/lecturers are the best ways to try to get work. That's where I would begin if I started again today.
I imagine the hit rate at trade fairs etc is still incredibly low, but when we were an agency we always filed unsolicited CVs in the bin. When we needed another freelance translator, we asked around. Had ProZ or LinkedIn existed, we would not have looked there.
So much about getting new clients is luck, but I think you'll have better luck if people can put a face and a voice and a personality to your name.
I too have never met some of my clients in person, but I always find I have a better relationship with those I do meet, even if we don't click personally.
So I would prioritise offline connections even in the digital age. ▲ Collapse
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Michele Fauble United States Local time: 14:33 Member (2006) Norwegian to English + ...
Still learning
Feb 28, 2022
Alana Morris wrote:
I am currently studying for a master's in translation to become a DE->EN translator.
P.L.F. Persio
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