| Pages in topic: [1 2 3] > | Poll: Are you planning to leave the language services industry? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Are you planning to leave the language services industry?".
This poll was originally submitted by Jared Tabor. View the poll results »
| | | | Lieven Malaise 
Belgium
Local time: 09:20
Member (2020)
French to Dutch
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I plan to stay here as long as possible by taking every measure necessary to achieve that goal, including switching to parttime freelancing if that would ever become necessary. I absolutely plan on being the last person to switch off the light.
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Why do you care? Are you planning to leave the language services industry?
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I’m well over retirement age. I started freelancing in 2006 when I retired from my in-house position. My plan is to keep on working (health permitting) as long as my clients continue to send work and I’m happy doing it…
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Luca Adie
Germany
Local time: 09:20
German to English
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I'm 40 and have been working as a translator for nearly 20 years now. I see that times are changing, but I have to say that the past two years were two of the best. I have noticed the complete dry up of small, corporate and touristy texts, which used to be a large part of my work, but I managed to get some good clients in the pharmaceutical field, which has kept me busy. Translation has been my side gig for the past 10 years or so, as I combine it with artwork, even though it makes up approximat... See more I'm 40 and have been working as a translator for nearly 20 years now. I see that times are changing, but I have to say that the past two years were two of the best. I have noticed the complete dry up of small, corporate and touristy texts, which used to be a large part of my work, but I managed to get some good clients in the pharmaceutical field, which has kept me busy. Translation has been my side gig for the past 10 years or so, as I combine it with artwork, even though it makes up approximately 70% of my earnings. If things change, I'll have to adapt and find some kind of salaried job. I don't see me ever giving up translation unless the robots truly take over. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Dan Lucas
United Kingdom
Local time: 08:20
Member (2014)
Japanese to English
| On what is survival predicated? | Feb 27, 2025 |
My response was "Not yet, but I am considering it" because I think everybody needs to have a plan B.
Like Lieven, I absolutely intend to be one of the last people standing. A lot of what I do when I'm not actually translating is aimed at becoming ever more efficient, while delivering better quality.
That's partly because it me gives a better chance of succeeding in that goal of survival within translation, but also because it offers the potential to divert time <... See more My response was "Not yet, but I am considering it" because I think everybody needs to have a plan B.
Like Lieven, I absolutely intend to be one of the last people standing. A lot of what I do when I'm not actually translating is aimed at becoming ever more efficient, while delivering better quality.
That's partly because it me gives a better chance of succeeding in that goal of survival within translation, but also because it offers the potential to divert time from translation to invest in other areas of work. If you can translate in six hours what used to take you eight hours, you have freed up a quarter of your time.
If the worst comes to the worst, it is the kind of profession that lends itself to part-time engagement.
Come to think of it, that's part of the problem I guess... 🤔
Dan ▲ Collapse
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I would leave it at once, because it doesn't make sense anymore. But I can't, as for special reasons I am not able to do other things.
| | | | Sandra Boca
Italy
Local time: 09:20
Member (2024)
English to Italian
+ ...
| No, but I know a few colleagues who are leaving or have left | Feb 27, 2025 |
My current economic situation allows me to stay (and try to stay in) at the best of my possibilities and capabilities. I do believe it is an industry where you can work and thrive, it's just a question of finding the right spot (sectors, language combinations...).
I tried a different career some years ago (i.e. teaching) but it just wasn't my thing.
I know a few colleagues who gave up, disillusioned.
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Liena V.
Latvia
Local time: 10:20
Member (2014)
French to Latvian
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I've been "planning" to leave it (i.e. preparing for a possibility that I might have to eventually) ever since I started freelancing 15 years ago. I'm surprised I have managed it this long already and will continue business as usual until no longer possible for whatever reasons. With the current state of the world focusing too much on future plans is a waste of time anyway.
| | | | Lingua 5B
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Local time: 09:20
English to French
+ ...
| One foot out | Feb 27, 2025 |
I’ve been with one foot out (sometimes two) for at least ten years. You see, what most of you experience now, it’s been present in my language pair ever since (job shortage, surplus of translators’ supply, extremely low rates etc.), so I am not sure how anybody in my language pair can survive on translation only (and not only in the current times).
Of course, with AI it worsened exponentially.
My other jobs/projects have nothing to do with translation.
... See more I’ve been with one foot out (sometimes two) for at least ten years. You see, what most of you experience now, it’s been present in my language pair ever since (job shortage, surplus of translators’ supply, extremely low rates etc.), so I am not sure how anybody in my language pair can survive on translation only (and not only in the current times).
Of course, with AI it worsened exponentially.
My other jobs/projects have nothing to do with translation.
As it’s been at least ten years, I am kind of prepared now. ▲ Collapse
| | | | | I would if I could | Feb 27, 2025 |
I love the actual work but the financial pressures are enormous. Yesterday I received an ultimatum from a largish translation agency requesting I reduce my rates after not ever increasing them in almost 20 years. Nearing retirement age, I have little option but to persevere.
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Leaving?
Sure. I’ll just inform my expenses that they’re on their own now! I’m sure they’ll manage!
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Richard Jenkins
Brazil
Local time: 04:20
Member (2006)
Portuguese to English
+ ...
| This is a horrible poll question! | Feb 27, 2025 |
The question smacks of fear that we're all feeling right now in the translation industry.
AI is rife, agencies don't send much work, but what are we supposed to do?
👉 Migrate, slowly into other complementary areas and pick up as much work as you can.
I'm not going anywhere!
I'm a freelancer!
I sometimes question why I continue to be a paying member on this site?
Please don't post further questions like this, it's destructive.
| | | | CasaPhil
Spain
Local time: 09:20
Member
English to French
+ ...
| Considering it | Feb 27, 2025 |
Doom is approaching!
February being a good month after two low months and 25 years of full-time translation, I'm not sure where I stand yet.
When I can no longer support my lavish life style, I'll definitely have to reinvent myself. When you don't have a sponsor, partner or enough property to live off them, or simply seek financial independence, earning money through work is of the essence. Work that's not already threatened by AI et al., that is.
If translation and coll... See more Doom is approaching!
February being a good month after two low months and 25 years of full-time translation, I'm not sure where I stand yet.
When I can no longer support my lavish life style, I'll definitely have to reinvent myself. When you don't have a sponsor, partner or enough property to live off them, or simply seek financial independence, earning money through work is of the essence. Work that's not already threatened by AI et al., that is.
If translation and collaterals fail to generate enough income this year, my next step is obvious: earn more money elsewhere, even if it means leaving my comfort zone. With another 10 years to go before retirement, I certainly don't look forward to it.
Anyway, before I change paths, I will finish my wooden ship model I started in 2014. That will be soothing.
Philippe ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Another apocalyptic poll? | Feb 27, 2025 |
Come on, Proz staff... you're better than that.
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