“The Flexibility in Freelancing”
“Money won’t create success, the freedom to make it will.”
Nelson Mandela
“How Does One Become a Freelance
Interpreter?” is a loaded question. In order to become a Freelance Interpreter,
clearly one must have completed some sort of formal training and taken one of
several test required by each individual state to become an Interpreter. There
are a few test and or evaluation diagnostic tools out there such as a state
Quality Assurance (QA) test or the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA)
exam or the National Interpreter Certification
(NIC) exam and in some cases State Licenses in addition. Becoming a Freelance
Interpreter clearly is a personal choice. After a dedicated study and
successful passing of one of the tests for the profession, and countless
workshops, (not to mention “baptism by fire” in the “community”) one arrives to
what fits their lifestyle at the time. We have all heard it said, “Necessity is
the Mother of Invention”. I am a firm
believer that all of our needs are met when we are in the right place at the
right time and when we are open and honest to identifying and prioritizing our
most pressing needs. The process is not easy and requires work and attention. A
person will know when and if the time is right to become a Freelancer.
A freelancer can make an honest living if
assignments are available in their area. Freelancers obtain assignments
primarily via agencies that fulfill a need with a particular discipline, such
as medical, legal, educational or a specific community. These agencies can be
local or national. In the current world, it is possible to provide services for
an agency and never set foot inside of the brick and mortar location.
Assignments and deals are sealed via an electronic handshake. Often these
assignments are parlayed into additional opportunities for Freelancers,
especially when professionalism is the top priority… trust automatically
ensues.
There are a variety of benefits associated
with being a freelancer. Freelancers enjoy the benefits of independence and
flexibility as well as the unending expanse of variety. The freelancer builds
an expansive repertoire of experiences with a caveat of vocabulary which is
invaluable and can never be seized by anyone. This sort of intellectual
property is something that all interpreters should seek to increase
marketability.
The pros and cons are equally balanced when
working with an agency. I tend to take the optimistic path. Advantages and
Disadvantages are in the hands of the beholder and the beholder’s personal
perspective on what is important. One of the pros is all of the pre-conference information
and negotiations are supplied and set for you. One of the cons is the freelancer
receives a percentage of the gross profits and must master the discipline of personal
accounting for income tax purposes as well as paying for your own insurances. These
are only a few to consider when thinking of becoming a freelancer.
Freelancers can also take full advantage of
maintaining and managing quality time with their respective loved ones as well
as making time for recreational activities. After all, freelancing is a
business and should be treated as such.
Freelancers become successful and crafty at
managing their respective budgets during the lean times. The key is cultivating
and maintaining successful relationships. For example, smart long-term freelance
K-12 educational interpreters learn to take advantage of the summer months with
such things as tutoring, theme park interpreting, teaching ASL at summer camps (if
qualified), and the like.
In summary, freelancers have the ability of
creating their own way and carving their own niche in the marketplace.
Ultimately, you become your own brand and have the luxury of creating a demand
for your services by remaining open and teachable while keeping your hands
clean…(pun intended).
This Blog Written by Franklin Eaves for IIDS
