A translator is one of the few multilingual people in the world who are capable of understanding i.e. both reading, speaking and writing in different languages. The feat of becoming a qualified and experienced translator is a unique achievement. However, there are numerous benefits or perks if you are becoming a translator which includes interacting with different people, doing what you enjoy and most of all earning good money. If you’ve been considering getting into the translation industry here are a few more reasons to motivate you.
Work as a freelance translator
One of the joys of working as a translator is that you can be self-employed. Obviously, you’ll need clients, but with the right approach, there is no shortage of well-paying clients. If anything, if you’ve ever dreamed of being free of the corporate shackles then becoming a translator can be the right approach.
Experience multiple cultures
Translators often have to straddle multiple cultures and in multiple worlds. So, of course, you’ll be in touch with people from across the world. Depending on the type of translator you are, expect to travel a lot, meet different people and speak multiple languages.
The life of a translator is exciting
Whether you’re working online or for a local business, the ability to work at your own pace is a luxury others will envy. You can work from a beach chair in your pajamas, or from a high-end café, it’s all possible.
If you’re a one-on-one translator, then there is a possibility you’ll be working mostly with the government, tourists or businesses. You’ll be exposed to many cool new things, and enjoy fun activities. For instance, translators that work with tourists enjoy all the beautiful sights they go to. Business translators will go to fancy dinners and parties. So, regardless of the type of translator, you choose to become, life gets better!
You have comparatively better brain activity
People who speak, read and write in more than one language are considered to be smarter than almost everyone else. Many studies over the decades have shown that bilingual people are more active than people who speak and write only one language. Bilinguals have better “executive function,” according to an article in Psychology Today. So, as a translator, you’re much better at analyzing, prioritizing and focusing than others.
You get paid better than almost everyone around
Finally, the salary is another big reason why you should consider becoming a translator. Translators get paid much higher than the national average. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statics reports that translators and interpreters earned around $45,430 annually in 2012, with the highest being $91,800 placing them amongst highest 10% of people. The highest salaries were earned by translators working in the scientific and technical industries, followed by government agencies.
It goes without saying that translators put in many long hours and often odd hours of the day working on translating conversations or technical texts. But the financial compensation makes it worth the effort. Plus, as a translator, you’re a lot more flexible regarding what you do compared to other careers.