I grew up in an Air Force family, which meant that we were rotated to a new home every two or three years. We first got stationed in Germany in June 1965, when I was ten years old. By the time summer vacation was over, I spoke German fluently enough, to be placed in "German IV" in our obligatory German lessons at school.
We were rotated back stateside in 1968, and my Dad gave me my first paid translation jobs. I translated all his correspondence with his German friends (in both directions).
My working life had always included translating, but I didn't get my actual credentials until 1994. I worked part-time as a translator for the Faculty of Forestry, University of Göttingen, and put myself through language school at the same time. Though I'm not naturally one to brag, in this particular case I will make an exception, since I graduated with honors at the top of my class - and was always home by the time my children arrived back from school.
Translating keeps you on your toes, and your mind wide open for new ideas, challenges - it's an ongoing learning process, because you automatically research new subject matter.