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Friday 21 October 2011

Am I too specialised?

Friday, 19 November 2010

So, my first work-free weekday in around 6 months, and thus a good time to reflect on where I’m at as a translator and consider what, if anything, I need to change with regard to the work I do.
Looking at the projects I’ve completed during this busy period, it could be argued that the translation work I do is too narrow in terms of scope - at least 95% of it is patent-related, mostly chemical. Until recently, I just took this as a indication that this field has a good deal more demand than supply, and I lapped up well-paid work from long-standing clients that I respect and appreciate.
However, I now find myself rather wishing for slightly more variety in my work. I have recently done a couple of jobs in the field of food science, which I enjoyed very much. It was quite tough work, as I don’t have a great deal of background in this area, but it got me thinking that the cause of my mild malaise could be my subconscious needing a fresh challenge.
With this in mind, I’m thinking of actively seeking work in new areas, primarily those in which I already have an interest and, therefore, a degree of knowledge. In my case, this would be motorcycles, photography and malt whisky, all of which have many ties to Japan. I have some ideas of where to hawk myself in these industries, but I know I’ll find it hard to turn down the regular stream of work from my existing clients. I’ve promised my wife that I won’t work evenings or weekends (not that I want to), as time spent with her and my soon-to-be 2 year old son is by far the most precious time I have.
I guess I’ll have to make some compromises work-wise, then, but how to judge it? I dare say others may have been in the same boat at some point. If so, I’d be glad to hear from you.

Kobe Port Tower

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