Freelance translators, like everyone else, wear many different hats, so getting through a normal working day can simply be a matter of prioritization. Sometimes you’ll find that your translation work is the easiest part of your day while other aspects of your business tax your energy reserves, such as accounting, dealing with customers, marketing and so on. And of course many freelance translators are also a spouse and a parent, and we know how time-consuming it can be taking care of a family, a home, and a business.

So let’s have a look at some ideas on how you may be able to manage your time in such a way that you’re able to handle all the unexpected surprises life throws at us from time to time.

It’s All about Prioritizing!

Besides the obvious definition of prioritizing, it also means accepting that there are some things you just can’t do, or just don’t have time to do. Accepting these facts is probably the only way you’ll be able to stay sane. So, you need to prioritize and make time for the things that are necessary for your happiness and for the success of your translation business.

You also need to be aware of the things that stress you out: for many of us it’s a full email inbox, which means that attending to your email should be a priority. Many translators say they end their working day by ensuring there are no pending emails in their inbox: it reduces stress and provides a nice start to the following work day. Determine what creates stress in your life and work out what you need to do to resolve it. If you feel tired (and stressed) because you haven’t exercised, then make time during your day for exercise. If your family would love to eat dinner together, then make time for your family to sit down together at mealtimes. If you can’t cope with an untidy house, then make time to tidy your house every day. You need to do whatever works for you. If working into the early hours of the morning makes you tired and grumpy the next day, then don’t do it. Really and truly, it’s very simple – you must do what works for you and makes your life enjoyable.

Try to Work Uninterrupted

We know that working uninterrupted can be difficult when you’re working from home and you have a family and pets. It’s a reality of life today that our attention is always being pulled in different directions; however, in order to produce high-quality, accurate translations it’s imperative that you have uninterrupted and undistracted work time. Here are some ideas that may be of assistance –

Keep Pen and Paper at the Ready

Always keep pen and paper close by, right next to your computer so you can write things down as they pop into your head. We’re all the same: while we’re working, strange and irregular thoughts pop into our head at the most inopportune times, and these thoughts can be as simple as remembering to buy milk or calling the dentist, or as complex as suddenly needing to check your banking to ensure you paid an account. By quickly jotting down your thoughts it enables you to continue working, making the most of the precious time you do have. Then, when you’re taking time away from the computer you can go through these items and sort out what needs to be done.