Any specialist (especially if it is a novice specialist) has his own fears, self-doubt and other internal obstacles that prevent him from using his full potential, and sometimes even proving to himself that a genius is hidden in him. But let’s look at the other side of the question: what motivates us best? What gives you the strength to succeed as a translator filipino to english, whether in-house or as a freelancer?
Since this side of a translator’s life is most often not visible to his colleagues, let’s look at some possible solutions and examples from the careers of experienced translators. And maybe this will prompt you to think about your individual ways of maintaining your ability to work psychologically.
Of course, the first thing that can be noted immediately as a background is love for the profession. Yes, this is really one of the best motivators, but, you see, you won’t go far on love alone, this is not a magic pill that puts all the other tasks and questions in their place. Everyone knows that no matter how strong love is at the beginning, it can fade over time, especially as a result of unpleasant situations and failures. In addition, no matter how much we love to actually translate documents on various topics, still hardly anyone will say that with the same enthusiasm he takes on absolutely all orders in any period of his career.
Uncertainty or lack of desire is not a disaster. Everyone goes through ups and downs. Such a state can become dangerous if it drags on longer than usual and begins to affect the quality of the translation. And what to do then? Let’s take a look at the following points, and not necessarily in that order.
Take a day off from work and technology
Some translators admit that when they feel very psychologically tired, they simply take a day off from their computer, tablet, smartphone, from everything… Try to really take a day off and spend the day in a park, a museum, reading a book in a cafe, have dinner in a pleasant local restaurant. On these days, which, however, it is useful to arrange once a week, you should not even check Facebook, Twitter or Skype. Some even prefer not to take any devices with them at all.
Sign up to volunteer
If you don’t have any inspiration for work anymore, try volunteering to help someone using your professional skills. Then you will see what role your work plays in the lives of other people. There are many non-profit organizations in need of volunteer translators. These can be groups involved in providing assistance to those who have become victims of natural disasters or other unforeseen situations (for example, Translators Without Borders, Victim Support), educational organizations, centers that provide assistance to migrants, and others. Such activity is not just a good deed. Volunteering for those in need gives a special vision of life and helps to regain interest in what we do and what we strive for.
Support a Newbie
One of the surest moments of self-affirmation in your occupation is a chance to share your passion with another person, to transfer your knowledge, to talk about experience. Helping a colleague is, again, a good thing in itself, but it’s also how you yourself look for creative solutions that point you in the right direction.
Attend an event for translators
There are particularly dull periods filled with uninteresting commissions (or rather, we ourselves lose interest due to the lack of any inspiration at all). Take a look at thematic sites, ask your colleagues: perhaps a translation duel or competition, master classes, an unusual translation conference will be held soon. Sometimes observing colleagues changes the personal paradigm, helps to look at the process from a different perspective. Isn’t it interesting to watch two translators working on the same piece of text, discussing every sentence, every pretext, every choice they have worked so hard at, pondered with such diligence. It really is contagious! Translation activities can provide excellent motivation for the future.
Try working on the translation in a different setting
We all love our home, our native work area, but sometimes it is useful to change the situation. To do this, everyone chooses a place to their liking: someone goes to a cafe nearby, someone to the library, some even to the museum. For some, a park is a pleasant place, while for others even a metro station is suitable (yes, we’re not joking!). This is a desirable change not only for the eyes, but also for the brain. Most prefer silence and light walls, but a different environment can form a new look and improve the inner mood.
Think about what else can help you look at work with new eyes, and hurry to implement what you have planned!