Hello everyone!
As freelance translators, we know it can be a lonely job. So how can we create human contact, which is so needed in our lives? Let’s talk more about it today!
Any person who works as a freelancer, especially after many years of working in a busy office, knows that it is difficult to adapt from having lots of co-workers to having… none.
Don’t get me wrong, working on our own can have some advantages, like fewer interruptions. You are bound to get interrupted in a big office throughout your day. While working at home, it is less likely to get interrupted, and you can focus more on your work and productivity.
But it can also get a bit lonely… No one to talk to, no one to ask a question to, no one right there to laugh about a meme or a joke.
Of course, our family and friends are a great way of getting human contact but we also need to have colleagues. Mentors are another great idea.
And how do we get colleagues? Well, there are many ways to do that, here are some:
Local Associations
Most countries have local translators and interpreters associations. That can be a good option for networking and getting to know new colleagues. Of course, this probably means having to pay a fee to be part of it.
You can also join some international associations, like the ATA, which will give you a lot more exposure.
Social Media
Yes! Social media can be of great help when it comes to getting to know new people, not just colleagues, but also potential clients. Instagram has a wonderful community of translators and interpreters. LinkedIn is another great idea. Some prefer Twitter, and there are some interesting groups on Facebook.
YouTube is another great resource! You can follow translators and interpreters who have channels on the platform. Interacting with them and their followers can definitely help you to know more people in the industry.
Webinars and Online Meetings
Live webinars and online meetings are another way of getting to know your colleagues. Maybe you already know them from a social media platform but a live webinar or meeting is the way to finally meet “in person” although not exactly, you know what I mean!
Meeting in Person
Of course, if you happen to live in the same city or country, or even nearby, as some of your colleagues it makes it easier to actually meet in person for a coffee or similar. This is the best way to get to know someone but in this post-pandemic world, I know that we are all still trying to play it safe.
So, which are your favorite ways to interact with your colleagues or meet new ones? Have you met any of them in person? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments! And maybe we can meet in person one day!
Thanks to Day Translations for sponsoring this post! Make sure to click on the link to find out more about the services they offer.
Until next time, take care and stay safe!
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Translation Expert 