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Why I don't think that lack of regular translation assignments is a disadvantage

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When I wrote about advantages and disadvantages of being a freelancer, I got a comment that one of the disadvantages is also lack of regular work, i.e. lack of regular income. I promised to think about it and now I am ready to share my opinion on this issue. May be I am wrong, who knows.
I think that not having regular translation assignments is NOT a disadvantage.
Why? Well, let me share my reasons:
  1. It helps me to stay active in my marketing efforts. I am constantly learning of new ways to promote my services and do my best to use them. One day I might make a very good marketing strategist =)
  2. It helps me to never stop growing professionally. Some time ago I came across the words of a very experienced translator "you are only as good as your last project". This is so true. Being a translator, I am learning to be as detailed-oriented as possible and double check everything, including things I think I know very well. Freelance work is not for those who think too highly of themselves. It's for realistic people who know their strengths and weaknesses and who are always willing to produce the best results.
The good news is that the longer I practice all the three points, the more predictable my income is becoming.
So these are my thoughts. Hope they make sense =)
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  1. Olga ArakelyanApr 17, 2010, 11:45:00 PM

    I guess I should have named the whole thing "Why I don't think that no GUARANTEE of regular translation assignments is a disadvantage". That sounds better I think.

    ReplyDelete

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