I’ve mentioned that I’m a freelancer a couple of times before, but never really went into detail about my freelance work. So, for today’s post, I figured I’d share what my life has looked like since graduating from secondary school, studying English and working as a freelance translator.
In 2012, after graduating from secondary school, I worked and went to school full-time. But I studied from home instead of going to a proper school. And it’s worked out great for me. Not only do I have ZERO student loans, but I also set up my own freelance business during my third year, when I was supposed to do an internship.
This internship was supposed to be at a translation agency. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy to find an internship if you’re already working somewhere full-time. And need money. So I found a loophole. I hired a freelance translator to check my work for me and put an ad out on Facebook asking family and friends if they had any translation projects lying around.
I also applied for jobs at a few agencies (as a freelancer), but didn’t hear back from them before my internship assignments were done. This got the ball rolling, though.
In January 2017, I received my first paid translation project. For a ridiculously small amount of money. But I was so excited because it meant the work I’d been doing at school was actually paying off!
Four months later, I quit my job. Not because I was earning that much as a translator, but because I knew I was going to move to England anyway. And I was getting enough work that my day job was getting in the way. Going freelance full-time was strange. The first two weeks mostly consisted of applying for work at different agencies. I sent out over a hundred applications and was eventually hired by two of them. One of those agencies is still one of my best clients.
The fact that I was moving to England and didn’t have any rent or bills to pay made my decision to quit my job a lot easier.
My translation business has steadily been growing over the past 3.5 years but it’s still not at a point where I could live somewhere on my own, working as a translator. There’s still a bit too much uncertainty. Which is why I’m also au pairing.
Do you work as a freelancer? If so, how did you start out?
It’s so nice to read of your journey as a freelancer. I’m looking forward to starting fully. Hoping I take the steps soon.
Thanks for sharing your journey. Being a freelancer sounds really awesome!
I am a freelancer and it is a journey. I have my ups and down but I really enjoy the fredom!
I would love to become a freelancer some day. It’s cool read your perspective and journey on how you became one. Makes me inspired to keep pushing through to make it happen.
I’m working as a freelancer for sometime. It’s quite challenging and exciting.
Welcome to the freelancer club. Your
Journey to independent work is well received!
Quite a journey you’ve had. Nice write up
I love reading your life’s experiences. Thank you for allowing your life to be so open with us all.
What an awesome journey. Thank you for your transparency.
What a wonderful journey as a freelance. I could be a freelance translator too but I don’t know if I really want to be one. I always fail the translating tests.
its an amazing job….. ya therefore it is not that much easy to do but would have much fun while working as a freelancer……
I used to apply as a freelancer and unfortunately was not hired. You are lucky and fortunate a about your freelancing journey.
Great post! I am freelancer as well and I sure can relate with lots of it. thanks for being honest with your readers
Working as a freelancer must be a challenging and great experience and also building your business from the ground up!