How to Survive

There are two fundamental rules in the translation profession. Most successful translators seem to follow both, though some successful translators follow neither.

Rule Number One: Work in the country of your B language.

Rule Number Two: Marry a native speaker of your B language.

These rules are not meant to be humorous. Translators typically do make ten to twenty percent more working into a foreign language in the United States as compared to translating into English. And some agencies and employers are more comfortable giving work to a translator whose spouse is a native speaker of the translator’s B language. I’ve had a few agencies choose not to give me work because I was not married to a Japanese woman (Japanese is one of my B languages). Obviously these rules are not meant to suggest that those who break them are doomed to failure, but those who do will have to work harder.

Now then, what to do when there isn’t much work coming in? One possibility is rely on your spouse’s income (not feasible unless you are married). Another possibility is rely on the money you have in your bank account (assumes you have enough money). A third possibility is do something else part time.

Many translators also do other things on the side. I personally consider myself a consultant who provides language services to anyone who wants them. I have taught English, Japanese, and Spanish over the years. I have done copy editing, proofreading, and written abstracts and text analyses for people. I have worked part-time as a desktop publisher and a database consultant. I do some technical and commercial writing, including short articles for Transparent Language and operating manuals for QXCOM (now a part of Computer Associates). And I teach one class per year at the Monterey Institute of International Studies (the course is called, not surprisingly, "Translation as a Profession").

Never forget that the suite of abilities which translators possess can be applied productively to numerous related fields. Translators are often quite capable copy editors, proofreaders, and desktop publishers. Translators can readily make the transition to writing manuals for computer companies, articles for local papers or magazines, and even short stories or books. Translators can also teach the languages they know or prepare reference or educational materials. Some translators even make the move into interpretation, but be warned: interpretation is a very different animal from translation and requires thorough schooling in the techniques of consecutive and simultaneous interpretation.

Because translation is catch-as-catch-can and can even be seasonal, having a fall-back position is a good idea, particularly as you’re getting started in translation. I don’t know many translators whose clientele is so reliable that they have a constant and unending flow of work. You have to be ready for those dry spells. If you need money, then go get a part-time job or do something on the side. You can always work for a temporary agency. If you don’t need the money, then do one of those things you talk about doing all the time.