Some translators like to alternate between jobs so they don’t get too bored with the one topic; while others prefer to complete the entire project in one go so they don’t get distracted by a new topic. Either way, having short breaks definitely help, so you need to organize your desk in such a way that you’ve always got room for a healthy snack and a cup of tea or coffee. Hopefully, you’ve set yourself up with a good supportive chair in a work environment that’s conducive to fresh air and good light, so you won’t be required to leave your work area too often. Remembering always, though, that when working for long periods of time at a desk you need to take short regular breaks away from the desk in order to stretch your body and maintain good circulation.

Not Everyone Will Welcome Last-Minute Projects

Linguists who work as both translators and interpreters may not always be thrilled to receive last-minute projects. If you’re working on a large project on your computer and you’re asked to travel away from your office to attend to another client, you may have to decline the job; unless of course, you’re simply part of a team and only work on small translation projects.

Knowing Your Own Limits

Basically, it all comes down to knowing your own personal limits. Just because you’re self-employed does not mean that you need to take on a lot of stress in order to earn more money. Time management is very important, as is working to a schedule that suits your lifestyle. Being a freelance translator doesn’t translate to ‘you must accept every project that’s offered to you’, and it certainly doesn’t mean you have to be at every client’s beck and call. It won’t be long before you’ll get a feeling for how much work you can take on, including the type of jobs that suit you best. It also comes down to having faith in your own translation knowledge and skills and not accepting very low-paying jobs. Once you understand your limits, it won’t be long before you’ll have established a routine that works well for you. There will be times when you’ll accept additional projects, either to help out a regular client or to make a little extra money, and that’s fine on a one-off basis, but generally you need to work set hours and ensure that you get enough rest.