Translators: The problematic...
A current phrase in the world of translation is: "I can not live ONLY of the translation field," I, myself, have spoken it already and find myself again trying to succeed at it.
However, to live from translation only is not and was never a bed of roses.
Nevertheless, the fact is that a lot of people try to live from the field of translation, but why some can and others can not?
One reason is market saturation, by "official" and "amateurs" translators.
Translation is, and always has been the lifeline of many who have had no luck in their fields or that followed other paths and since they knew a little something of a foreign language, they began to "translate".
However, the market is increasingly demanding and the life of the so-called "microworkers" becomes more difficult each day. The translation market requires more dedication and a great investment of time and money.
Today, publishers and other companies/clients, even the most tolerant, require translations for yesterday, impossible to fit into the schedule of those who "have a job" part or full-time: either as a translator or not. No one can call themselves "translator" if they can not work an average of at least 3000/4000 words a day.
In addition, the market increasingly demands for legal or certified translators. Preferably with association to APT or other similar organizations.
Currently translations are ALL made in computers and I do not mean to create or recreate a text in Word, for example: we have to know how to deal with systems such as html, TRADOS, PowerPoint, PDF and thousand of other formats. There is already a lot of people doing literary translation with Wordfast or Trados, mainly of technical books. And do not forget that subtitling is also increasingly computerized, continuing to be a branch very poorly paid.
Briefly, the market and its requirements are leading the translation field and consequently the translator for a "real" profession. But, is this so bad?
Your comments are welcome and thanks for visiting.
