Forums about proz.com » Poll Discussion »
Pages in topic:   < [1 2]
Poll: Do you typically have to explain your work when people ask what you do?
Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
Ricki Farn
Ricki Farn
Germany
Local time: 10:04
English to German
Yes Dec 23, 2017

My typical conversation goes like this:

- I'm a technical translator.
- What languages do you translate?
- Bad English into bad German.
- ???
- It's all about IT.
- Oh!
 
Maxi Schwarz
Maxi Schwarz  Identity Verified
Local time: 03:04
German to English
+ ...
No Dec 23, 2017

First, because "I am a translator" is enough of an answer. Either they know what it is, or they don't. I haven't actually encountered anyone who doesn't. Also, since I live in Canada's capital, the usual response is "Oh - my cousin / uncle / wife / neighbour is a translator / I'm a translator too!" Often the next question is "Do you work for the government?", because many do.
 
Mario Freitas
Mario Freitas  Identity Verified
Brazil
Local time: 05:04
Member (2014)
English to Portuguese
+ ...
Not the work per se Dec 24, 2017

I don't recall many people who didn't quite understand what my job is. Saying I'm a translator is usually good enough.
However, I do have a hard time explaining that I'm not unemployed, I'm not some kind of tramp, I don't stay at home eating and watching TV, I do pay lots of taxes, I will retire, I have a health plan for my kids, etc, etc. In my country, people have a really hard time understanding that someone can work at home and make four times more money than they make in their traditi... See more
I don't recall many people who didn't quite understand what my job is. Saying I'm a translator is usually good enough.
However, I do have a hard time explaining that I'm not unemployed, I'm not some kind of tramp, I don't stay at home eating and watching TV, I do pay lots of taxes, I will retire, I have a health plan for my kids, etc, etc. In my country, people have a really hard time understanding that someone can work at home and make four times more money than they make in their traditional jobs. But well, who gives a sht anyway?

[Edited at 2017-12-24 05:14 GMT] ▲ Collapse
 
Pages in topic:   < [1 2]


To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator:

Moderator(s) of this forum
Jared Tabor[Call to this topic]

You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request »

Poll: Do you typically have to explain your work when people ask what you do?






Wordfast Pro
Translation Memory Software for Any Platform

Exclusive discount for ProZ.com users! Save over 13% when purchasing Wordfast Pro through ProZ.com. Wordfast is the world's #1 provider of platform-independent Translation Memory software. Consistently ranked the most user-friendly and highest value

Buy now! »
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! »