Once upon a time there lived a no-longer-that-young translator whose work load had lessened to the point that she had resorted to perusing translation adverts on the appropriate professional websites. Months passed during which all she found were offers with insultingly low rates, until one day she came across something that caught her eye. She… Continue reading The Translator and the Scammer
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Maybe it’s not so bad, after all…
I started this blog in February by a rant about dishonest translation agencies and my loss of income. Those even took their toll on my self-esteem and mental health, and in spite of my admittedly feeble efforts to find new, better clients, the situation has not improved yet. But after six months, I have started… Continue reading Maybe it’s not so bad, after all…
How and why did I specialise?
I am originally a scientific and technical translator. As a teenager, I had already studied both languages and science, and I didn’t really want to choose either one or the other. So I decided to study at the Université de Haute-Alsace, some 750 km from my home. I was taught physics, chemistry, mathematics and a little biology,… Continue reading How and why did I specialise?
Why do I work with an umbrella company?
After I got my translation degree in 2001, I chose to study management for a year in order to know the basics when I started as a freelancer. I realised that I did not enjoy navigating the maze that is French business law, and probably couldn’t afford to start a company at that time. A… Continue reading Why do I work with an umbrella company?
Translation best practices
In 2016, I helped draft Aprotrad’s Best practices (in French), when I was their secretary. It gave me the opportunity to think about my work, and how my colleagues viewed it. Specifically, two points seem to me the most important, but not necessarily the most obvious (unlike confidentiality and the respect of the law). Translate… Continue reading Translation best practices
My first post has to be a rant…
Last Friday, I lost my main source of income. Or they lost me. Maybe a bit of both. I received an e-mail from my oldest, most faithful client, who used to basically make my monthly income all by itself, telling me that their client, despite being exceedingly supercilious when it comes to accuracy and quality,… Continue reading My first post has to be a rant…