A short but important thought about freelancing (and maybe about life in general, but that’s beyond the scope of this blog!): whatever you do in your freelance business, do it intentionally, not because you’re a) being passive or b) letting some external force dictate your decisions and then blaming the external force instead of yourself. A few examples:
-Which of these statements applies to you: I work on whatever comes my way OR I actively seek out work that I enjoy and am good at?
-Have you ever said A client forced me to lower my rates OR A client made me translate something I knew was outside my expertise? If so, you’re adding to the already-problematic situation by putting yourself in the passive seat. Instead, think A client asked me to lower my rates, and I agreed; time to do some marketing so that I’m not in that position again OR I took on a project that I really shouldn’t have, mostly because I really needed the work. I will work on finding more clients in my specializations so that I don’t need to do that again.
I find that this kind of mindset switch really helps; like every freelancer, I get into situations where I wonder if I said yes to something that I shouldn’t have. But I feel much better saying This deadline was really, really tight, but it was for an A-list client who I wanted to help out or I took a financial hit on this project, but I’ve been wanting to translate this book for a long time, so I’m not as focused on the money. The intention is important. Thoughts?
Corrine, my comments are thank you thank you thank you for your willingness to share all of these practical tips with us. You are a gem.
I agree, Corinne. It’s important not feel bullied into accepting jobs and rates which are going to make us anxious and dissatisfied. Choosing to be freelance means that we choose to have that power to decide and although we all have to compromise sometimes, let’s stay in control of our professional life.
Amen. Blaming instead of taking responsibility is the root of a great deal of unhappiness. And since your post makes me feel philosophical: 🙂
“If you can keep your wits about you while others are losing theirs and blaming you, the world will be yours.”
Rudyard Kipling
Important when talking to stressed clients and reading rants from colleagues, I find.
The example of the A-list client, for whom you intentionally abuse yourself, is excellent. I do that all the time (to my occasional frustration), but I feel better knowing that I am doing it, because I want to help someone (I like my A-clients), than because I have to, or the money is good.
I agree with you and with the comments above. Although it may seem difficultu to do, taking responsibility is great!
Totally agree. Too many translators seem to be thinking they have no say in the decision-making of accepting a job, accepting a rate, accepting payment terms or similar. Often they however let out all their discontent on other translators, for having the courage to be more assertive. At least that’s a trend I often notice. Often here in southern Europe, there’s often a thing of ‘not’ talking about money, or business structure, or plans, because it is a bit ‘dirty’ to be/or to claim to be an entrepreneur.;-) However, I truly believe that we are a category who needs to become more entreprenuerial, more focused, and not to be afraid of being intentional, or assertive, and adopting a much more positive mindset.
This really reminds me of how to enjoy my work and my life. Short, but truly important note. Thanks, Corinne!
I just *have* to play devil’s advocate now. Let’s go:
In my experience, the human mind is extremely prone to retroactively rationalize why this or that was not as bad as that. One can always say “I did it on purpose…” and with “…but I won’t do it again”, we quickly are on fickle New Years Resolutions territory.
It is good to stop and think about mistakes and how to correct them, preferably with a solid plan and a set time frame and lots of self-gratification for actually having followed through. Beware the dark side of this force.
Cheers,
Christopher
Term of the day: EN: to sugarcoat, DE: schönreden, FR: enjoliver
Your post come just at the right moment for me Corinne. I’ve accepted a projet I really shouldn’t have, regarding the impossible (almost) deadline and the ridiculous rate the client asked for, and I was begining to become angry at them. I totally agree, you have to accept the responsability of your actions and to remember, what have been the reasons you made the decision the first time.
I totally agree that you should not let clients walk all over you, but I’m not so sure about getting caught in an uncomfortable situation and finding reasons for it afterwards. I keep meeting translators who are more “slavelancers” than freelancers (they usually work for agencies only) and who will come up with plenty of excuses for it: “I’ve got to pay the bills” (Don’t we all!); “It’s that or nothing” (Not true. Have you actually tried to stick to your gun or look for other clients?); “The client had a very limited budget” (Their problem, not yours); etc. If the terms are unreasonable or too uncomfortable, we just have to say “no” sometimes, however much we might need the money, and it seems to me that too many translators struggle with that.
Very astute thoughts here, and this mentality could definitely be applied to other areas of life in which it’s tempting to think in a negative or otherwise self-defeating manner rather than just acknowledging the reasons for taking your original decision, and taking steps to avoid the same happening again. Will keep this in mind, thanks Corinne!
Reblogged this on patriciafierroc.