| Pages in topic: < [1 2 3 4 5 6] > | 4000 words per day? Thread poster: Rebecca Hansford
|
|---|
| It is possible... | Mar 10, 2012 |
...based on facts like
- having enough rest before and after the work
- being specialised and only work in those fields
- your experience lasts for some years.
A very interesting video: http://www.proz.com/translator-training/course/4486-boost_your_productivity_now
The funny thing is, that I always thought that 2,5... See more ...based on facts like
- having enough rest before and after the work
- being specialised and only work in those fields
- your experience lasts for some years.
A very interesting video: http://www.proz.com/translator-training/course/4486-boost_your_productivity_now
The funny thing is, that I always thought that 2,500 - 3,000 words are my limit. Then I got a big project and managed nearly 25,000 words in 5 days (incl. proofreading!). Two days later I saw this video and was surprised that it was really possible. Also, the way I worked was the way Mr. Kisin suggests, if you want to boost your productivity.
Yet, think about, if you really want to take over this job or if you rather want to work on your own, without this pressure on your shoulders each and every working day! ▲ Collapse
| | | | jyuan_us 
United States
Local time: 01:42
Member (2005)
English to Chinese
+ ...
| it is possible to occassionally produce 6000 words per day | Mar 10, 2012 |
at home if you work long hours and if the document is in a field you are very familiar with. I once clocked my time and my hourly output is 600-700 for an acceptable draft.
However, you don't want such a heavy work burden on a day to day basis.
| | | |
Neil Coffey wrote: Tomás Cano Binder, CT wrote:
Isn't IQ related to work speed in any other human activity that requires a lot of thinking, like mathematics, physics, linguistics, etc.? But... so what? I don't really see the rationale behind picking the IQ test (or whatever "intelligence" test) as a metric for judging a translator as opposed to, say, degrees and other qualifications testing actual translation ability, an evaluation of their research skills, peer/client review of their work etc.
But I think I did not say that intelligence is the only factor influencing productivity in translation... or did I and did not notice?
| | | | Linh Hoang
Vietnam
Local time: 12:42
Member
English to Vietnamese
+ ...
| Possible but low quality | Mar 13, 2012 |
I had some years working as in-house translator for law firms. The standard speed is around 1,800-2,000 words/day/8 hours (English version counted). In some cases, nearly half of the time was used to carefully check the translation to ensure the best quality.
For some projects (plain writing or just for reference...), my speed may reach 4,000 words or higher a day.
"daily production target is 4000 words per day" is, in my opinion, possible but, of course, will not be s... See more I had some years working as in-house translator for law firms. The standard speed is around 1,800-2,000 words/day/8 hours (English version counted). In some cases, nearly half of the time was used to carefully check the translation to ensure the best quality.
For some projects (plain writing or just for reference...), my speed may reach 4,000 words or higher a day.
"daily production target is 4000 words per day" is, in my opinion, possible but, of course, will not be surely guranteed.
Working with such daily speed for a long time, translators are believed to be in serious stress,
rhansf1 wrote:
Hello all,
I have recently been for a job interview in Italy to work as a translator for a translation company.
The contract in question does not provide for any set hours, just production targets.
The daily production target is 4000 words per day. I was under the impression that 2000 was the industry standard, can anyone confirm this?
I feel I will be staying long hours and producing poor quality work with this target and would like other opinions on this matter.
Many thanks! ▲ Collapse
| | |
|
|
|
Krzysztof Kajetanowicz (X)
Poland
Local time: 07:42
English to Polish
+ ...
| "production targets" | Mar 13, 2012 |
Ty Kendall wrote:
b) do you want to work with "production targets"? (where you may be penalized if you don't meet them)
For me, this would be too reminiscent of my banking days (reach these targets or else!).
No thanks, not for me.
Well, you're a freelancer, so you have the luxury of setting yourself any targets you please, be it earnings, your own development or anything else.
On a job with a private company, which is what I think we're discussing, you'll always get "production targets" one way or another. Is your banking experience unique to banking? If you don't perform, you're out. At least they're being open and honest about it, so the employee has the comfort of knowing what is being expected.
[Edited at 2012-03-13 12:02 GMT]
| | | | Alex Lago
Spain
Local time: 07:42
English to Spanish
+ ...
| Increase your productivity | Mar 13, 2012 |
I think regardless of what their current productivity is all translators should strive to increase the amount of words they can translate per day. I would also recommend looking at Konstatin's video as mentioned by D.L. Staude as it has some interesting ideas for people who think it is possible to increase the amount of words they translate per day.
Why bother? Well because it is the easiest way to increase the amount of money you make, you don't have to find clients who pay higher ... See more I think regardless of what their current productivity is all translators should strive to increase the amount of words they can translate per day. I would also recommend looking at Konstatin's video as mentioned by D.L. Staude as it has some interesting ideas for people who think it is possible to increase the amount of words they translate per day.
Why bother? Well because it is the easiest way to increase the amount of money you make, you don't have to find clients who pay higher rates, you simply increase the amount of words you do per day.
It's not as difficult as it sounds, if I can translate 2000 words a day in 8 hours, that means I am doing 250 words per hour, if I increase my productivity by 5% and reach 262 words per hour then that's an extra 96 words a day, which is an extra 480 words a week, that's an extra 1920 words a month, which is nearly the equivalent of what I was doing previously in one day, so just by translating an extra 12 words an hour I can make the equivalent of one more day's "wages" at the end of the month.
There are many ways to get that extra 5%, and once you've achieved that and are comfortable at that speed you may even be able to boost yourself again, trying different things to help you translate quicker. Also don't expect this overnight, approach it in a steady manner, make sure you have clear objectives in mind and a strategy on how you will achieve this increase and over time you will see an improvement
Obviously you will reach a point when you can't keep on increasing, however even just two 5% increases mean a lot. Imagine, even if I only boost my speed once I get an extra day at the end of the month, if I managed to do it just one more time and increase my speed by another 5%, in the end I would be translating 275 words an hour, which is 2200 words a day, which is an extra 1000 words a week, which is an extra 4000 words a month, which is an extra 44000 words a year (counting only 11 months of work), that is the equivalent of 22 days work at my old speed (that's a whole month's work if you don't count weekends) so I have increased my income by the equivalent of one month's work simply by increasing my translation speed by 25 words an hour.
I'm not saying it's easy but I'm saying it's definitely worth it. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Niina Lahokoski
Finland
Local time: 08:42
Member (2008)
English to Finnish
+ ...
| Too much on a regular basis | Mar 13, 2012 |
I would not be comfortable with such a daily target. Yes, as a freelancer I can and often do translate a lot more on one day, but I still do not advertise to have a daily capacity of more than 2500-3000 words per day.
Another question is, would you get paid on a per-word basis or on a monthly/hourly basis - and in the case of the latter, what would your calculated rate per word be? Would your salary compensate adequately for the increased stress? As a freelancer it definitely makes sense t... See more I would not be comfortable with such a daily target. Yes, as a freelancer I can and often do translate a lot more on one day, but I still do not advertise to have a daily capacity of more than 2500-3000 words per day.
Another question is, would you get paid on a per-word basis or on a monthly/hourly basis - and in the case of the latter, what would your calculated rate per word be? Would your salary compensate adequately for the increased stress? As a freelancer it definitely makes sense to strive to increase your productivity as Alex says, but for an in-house translator with a fixed monthly or hourly salary, there might not be any financial benefit from translating more words.
[Edited at 2012-03-13 12:43 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | Ty Kendall
United Kingdom
Local time: 06:42
Hebrew to English
| Can't generalize | Mar 13, 2012 |
Krzysztof Kajetanowicz wrote:
On a job with a private company, which is what I think we're discussing, you'll always get "production targets" one way or another. Is your banking experience unique to banking? If you don't perform, you're out.
I don't think you can generalize, not all private companies impose production targets, I've had plenty of jobs where no such targets exist (you were basically left to "get on with it").
| | |
|
|
|
Sheila Wilson
Spain
Local time: 06:42
Member (2007)
English
+ ...
| Pertinent point | Mar 13, 2012 |
Niina Lahokoski wrote:
Another question is, would you get paid on a per-word basis or on a monthly/hourly basis - and in the case of the latter, what would your calculated rate per word be? Would your salary compensate adequately for the increased stress? As a freelancer it definitely makes sense to strive to increase your productivity as Alex says, but for an in-house translator with a fixed monthly or hourly salary, there might not be any financial benefit from translating more words.
[Edited at 2012-03-13 12:43 GMT]
That's a thought: if a translator working for this company is really fast and manages to complete the 4000 words by 3.30 in the afternoon, do they get to go home, or sit there reading a book? I doubt it! I bet they'd be told to keep translating until the full day was up. In fact, if they regularly did 5000, then one day "only" managed 4000, they'd probably be accused of slacking. I doubt that companies with this type of attitude would understand "enough's enough".
Sheila
| | | | Ty Kendall
United Kingdom
Local time: 06:42
Hebrew to English
| Only if you are motivated by money | Mar 13, 2012 |
Alex Lago wrote:
I think regardless of what their current productivity is all translators should strive to increase the amount of words they can translate per day.
"Should" is quite a loaded word....and "regardless of their current productivity"? Really? So if a translator's productivity is optimized they should still push themselves to produce more?
I didn't realise I was a production line worker in a Chinese sweatshop.
Why bother? Well because it is the easiest way to increase the amount of money you make, you don't have to find clients who pay higher rates, you simply increase the amount of words you do per day.
I'm not sure everyone will agree with you there. Under optimal conditions, I'd prefer to find quality clients, rather than increasing the quantity of lesser ones.
Obviously you will reach a point when you can't keep on increasing,
..when you have worked yourself to the bone?
Sorry if I have been a bit pedantic above, nitpicking with the wording but your argument presupposes that we are all motivated by money. Sure, a lot of people are...and I can only speak for myself but I sure don't do this job for the money.
| | | | Nicole Schnell
United States
Local time: 22:42
English to German
+ ...
In memoriam
4000 words / day would result in a daily income around US $ 700. Not bad. Considering 21 work days per month this will result in a monthly salary of more than 15,000 US dollar. Plus benefits. This will buy you plenty of drugs and vitamins that make you strong and really fast, plus (because health insurance and such is covered), your stay at the rehab is covered, too. Yayyy!!
| | | | | Interesting! | Mar 13, 2012 |
Alex Lago wrote:
Why bother? Well because it is the easiest way to increase the amount of money you make, you don't have to find clients who pay higher rates, you simply increase the amount of words you do per day.
I'm not saying it's easy but I'm saying it's definitely worth it. [/quote]
So if I try to translate say 4.000 words for a (very) low rate, I earn as much as if I were paid twice as much and managed only 2.000 words.
But what would be the sense of all this effort? Unfortunately, I don't catch it.
| | |
|
|
|
Alex Lago
Spain
Local time: 07:42
English to Spanish
+ ...
| Small productivity increase = big money increase | Mar 13, 2012 |
Ty Kendall wrote:
"Should" is quite a loaded word....and "regardless of their current productivity"? Really? So if a translator's productivity is optimized they should still push themselves to produce more?
I didn't realise I was a production line worker in a Chinese sweatshop.
I did say "I think ... should" so it's just my opinion, don't see why that should be "loaded".
How do you know your productivity is optimized, have you ever tried to increase it? If it is optimized and you feel you can't increase it at all, then good for you it means you've got that covered and can forget about it.
Who said anything about sweatshops? Why do you equate increasing productivity with sweatshop conditions? Why does increasing your productivity turn you into a production line worker?
Ty Kendall wrote:
I'm not sure everyone will agree with you there. Under optimal conditions, I'd prefer to find quality clients, rather than increasing the quantity of lesser ones.
Wouldn't we all! I said it was easier to increase productivity then find new clients, I didn't say you shouldn't find new clients, why can't you do both, why does it have to be either or? Also, what if your clients are already quality clients and you are already charging a good rate, what then? Look for more clients? the thing is just like with productivity you will reach a point were you can't find "better" clients.
..when you have worked yourself to the bone?
I don't recall saying anything about working yourself to the bone, all I said is you can't keep increasing it forever as you will obviously reach a point where your productivity really is optimized, but if you've never tried to increase it how can you know it is optimized?
Sure, a lot of people are...and I can only speak for myself but I sure don't do this job for the money.
Really? you don't work for the money? you wouldn't like to make more money? if that's the case good for you, but what's wrong with liking what you do AND wanting to make more money? I see nothing wrong in trying to get as much money as I can.
| | | | Alex Lago
Spain
Local time: 07:42
English to Spanish
+ ...
| Better productivity does not mean low rates | Mar 13, 2012 |
Christel Zipfel wrote: So if I try to translate say 4.000 words for a (very) low rate, I earn as much as if I were paid twice as much and managed only 2.000 words. But what would be the sense of all this effort? Unfortunately, I don't catch it.
Never said anything about 4000 words, never said anything about low rates, why do you think increasing productivity means accepting low rates?
My example was based on going from 2000 to 2250 words a day, I also said this happened over time.
You are equating translating a lot of words with low pay, but what if I have a top paying client, they pay me a whooping $1 per word, and this client can give me as much work as I can take, why can't I try and translate more words a day without sacrificing quality or working longer hours, why not try and translate quicker, look at my work flow, what can I do to be quicker, how can I translate faster without sacrificing quality?
| | | | Ty Kendall
United Kingdom
Local time: 06:42
Hebrew to English
| It's loaded because you said.... | Mar 13, 2012 |
Alex Lago said:
I think regardless of what their current productivity is all translators should strive to increase the amount of words they can translate per day.
That's quite a sweeping statement, you can't lump all translators together and tell them what they should/shouldn't do. You might have noticed we're quite a diverse bunch with different lives, requirements, obligations, needs, wants etc.
I guess I see what I do as more than just squeezing as many possible words out of me in a limited amount of time. There are only so many hours in a day, and there comes a point when prioritizing quantity will affect quality.
...and if I really cared about money that much, I'd have studied law/medicine and not languages/linguistics.
[Edited at 2012-03-13 14:58 GMT]
| | | | | Pages in topic: < [1 2 3 4 5 6] > | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » 4000 words per day? | CafeTran Espresso | You've never met a CAT tool this clever!
Translate faster & easier, using a sophisticated CAT tool built by a translator / developer.
Accept jobs from clients who use Trados, MemoQ, Wordfast & major CAT tools.
Download and start using CafeTran Espresso -- for free
Buy now! » |
| | Protemos translation business management system | Create your account in minutes, and start working! 3-month trial for agencies, and free for freelancers!
The system lets you keep client/vendor database, with contacts and rates, manage projects and assign jobs to vendors, issue invoices, track payments, store and manage project files, generate business reports on turnover profit per client/manager etc.
More info » |
|
| | | | X Sign in to your ProZ.com account... | | | | | |
Login to reply/comment 
Translation news
