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Being an introverted freelancer

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This post was inspired by a very special blog called "Dance with me", specifically by the latest post called "Being an introvert".
I know the author of this blog personally. Geri lived in Vladimir, Russia, for a year. Besides many other things she did here, she was also one of the volunteer teachers in the English language club we held for underprivileged kids. She is a brilliant person, a great teacher, a wonderful dancer, and a gifted choreographer.

I am not an extreme introvert. In fact, I'm somewhere in the middle between an extravert and an introvert. That's how my introverted side shows itself: I love having a handful of close friends, because for me friends are not people with whom we just speak about weather or latest fashion trends, or other superficial stuff. I love reflecting on deep subjects and then writing down my observations in my diary or sharing them with a close friend over a cup of tea. I love being quiet in a group of people because it's interesting to know what others think and feel. I love being alone in my house and working on a new project. I love spending my time in silence, reading a good book, thinking, journaling, praying.

Now, the question is the following: does a freelancer absolutely have to be an extravert in order to be successful? I asked this question on Twitter and Facebook a few days ago and got one answer that yes, a freelancer has to be an extravert, and two replies from introverted freelance translators who feel very comfortable with what they are doing now. I tend to agree with those two freelancers: introverts CAN be successful freelancers. They are different, yes, but they have many unique traits that can help them become a real success.

Now I have to admit that I don't even know how to end this post. I guess I wrote it to make sure I am okay with my introverted part. Yes, I am okay with it. I love being an introvert, too =)
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Comments

  1. HollyFeb 27, 2011, 1:25:00 AM

    Hi Olga,

    I just found your blog via @EwelinaGonera. Very interesting subject here. I'm a freelance translator and interpreter and would also classify myself as more introverted than extroverted. Group situations are not my forte, but I've found that I have no problem talking one-on-one to strangers, so I leverage that as much as possible.

    I also think interpreting (as opposed to only translating) helps keep me balanced, since it gets me out of the quiet solitude of my office.

    Best regards,

    Holly

    ReplyDelete
  2. Olga ArakelyanFeb 27, 2011, 8:31:00 AM

    Thank you for the comment, Holly! Very interesting!

    ReplyDelete

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