Five great reasons to be a freelance translator

Every career has its own unique rewards and benefits. The same can be said of working as an employee versus working freelance. Obviously here at Tomedes we think that working as a freelance translator is one of the best career choices you can make. Here’s why…

Work/life balance

Working freelance as a translator allows you to set your own boundaries in terms of work/life balance. If you feel that the working week should be four days long and not five, then that’s up to you. This can be a really appealing part of freelancing for those who have childcare responsibilities, who have health conditions or who simply don’t feel that a 9-5 routine is for them. 

Work from anywhere

As a freelancer you can work from anywhere. Well, in theory, anyway. You still need to comply with other countries’ rules around working, taxation and so forth, but you certainly have a lot more freedom to choose your place of work that you would with a regular office job. 

Even if you don’t fancy a change of country, freelancing means that you can choose to work from your local coffee shop, from your garden or from your bed. 

Minimal expenditure

As a freelance translator you don’t have to worry about buying expensive suits to fit in at the office. You don’t need to work out the most economical route to work every day. You can even save significantly on the cost of lunches by eating at home. Simply by not going to the office every day, the savings quickly add up. 

No commute

Not travelling to an office for work every day also means you don’t have to commute. Instead of sitting and fuming in a traffic jam, or waiting anxiously while your crowded train inches along the track, getting later with every passing minute, you can simply get up, put the kettle on and enjoy a relaxed morning routine. 

No commute also means no daily braving of the elements – whether it’s raining, blowing a gale or snowing, you can enjoy knowing that battling the weather is one thing you don’t have to do today. 

Maximise your potential

As a freelance translator you have the opportunity to maximise your potential and reap the rewards. As your own boss you can invest as much time and energy as you wish into adding new skills to your repertoire and improving your translation performance. You can also work as many hours as you like in order to maximise your income. However you choose to develop yourself, it will be you who benefits most, which can be extremely motivating! 

Final thoughts

What do you love best about being a freelance translator? Would you ever go back to working 9-5 in an office now you’ve tasted the freedom of freelancing? Share your thoughts via the comments section.