When starting out as a translator, one of the first decisions to make is whether to go freelance or to work in a company or agency. This is a major decision and implies quite radically different options. Freelance translation is perfect for anyone who loves being independent, is not adverse to risk, would rather choose translation jobs from his own direct clients, likes to decide when and how to work, likes running a business, and does not want to have to answer to anyone other than himself, while at the same time hoping to generate a higher income than he could expect as a salaried translator.

Freelancers see themselves as dynamic, business-like people. Choosing to be self-employed gives them ‘professional’ status along with architects, doctors and other highly qualified practitioners. Many translators see this as a way of being able to choose their translation jobs and what type of text they want to translate; at least once they have managed to build up their translation business.

It is also a way of escaping from the humdrum routine of large translation services and companies where – at least the way freelancers see it – translators tend to be given the same type of work day in day out and increasingly will simply be asked to ‘recycle’ and update existing texts and translations. However, there has to be a flip side to the coin and freedom has a price.

First of all, setting up as a freelance translator requires increasingly heavy investment. This means a suitable office, state-of-the-art computer equipment, and more and more sophisticated and expensive software. Then freelancers need to build up a strong customer base. A budding freelance translator spends a lot of time prospecting for clients and working out and drafting estimates and offers or proposals. This is where they have to be very careful not to get caught out.

Experience shows that the first twelve months are relatively easy going, because family, friends and prior contacts in various circles can help find initial translation jobs. It is easy to start thinking that this will last for ever. In fact, unless they have already managed to win over one or two major clients, the initial contacts soon begin to wear thin and getting new contracts becomes an uphill struggle.

While struggling to win over new clients, of course, translators are no longer translating, and the money no longer comes in. This is where the vicious circle sets in. In fact, it is when things are going well that freelancers need to make the biggest effort to find new clients if they want to stand a chance of achieving every freelance translator’s ideal, i.e. a small number of major first-hand (direct) clients who will supply them with work on a regular basis. In this respect, the freelance translator is in the same position as the translation company, except that the company finds it easier to spread out the workload and can employ someone specifically to look after sales.

The key to any translation business is how to sell translations. Actually doing the translation is easy in comparison. Fortunately, freelancers can find help in two directions. First of all, the Web now means that translators can advertise and find new clients all over the world. Secondly, a freelance translator can contact agencies or brokerage companies and work as a sub-contractor, hopefully on a regular basis. This will save the hassle of prospecting for clients, which most translators are ill-equipped for anyway.

Check the following Translation Jobs right now or download a new database of translation agencies ready to give you Translators Jobs. Receive Translation Work from direct clients.

Searching for translation jobs? Go to http://www.translationjobspro.com and get translation jobs for any language combination.

Author Bio: Check the following Translation Jobs right now or download a new database of translation agencies ready to give you Translators Jobs. Receive Translation Work from direct clients.

Category: Jobs
Keywords: translation, jobs