| Páginas sobre el tema: [1 2 3] > | Poll: Is it possible to support a family on a full time freelance translator's income? Autor de la hebra: ProZ.com Staff
|
|---|
This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Is it possible to support a family on a full time freelance translator's income?".
This poll was originally submitted by Hilary Davies Shelby. View the poll results »
| | | | Mary Worby 
Reino Unido
Local time: 14:34
alemán al inglés
+ ...
This depends on so many factors, including what your expectations are in terms of quality of life. I live in the UK, where the cost of living is relatively high and supporting a family on a single full-time income is pretty difficult at the best of times.
That said, my income makes a good contribution to the family income and our livestyle as a family would be very different without it. I imagine that, were I on my own and downsized the house a bit, I could probably support myself a... See more This depends on so many factors, including what your expectations are in terms of quality of life. I live in the UK, where the cost of living is relatively high and supporting a family on a single full-time income is pretty difficult at the best of times.
That said, my income makes a good contribution to the family income and our livestyle as a family would be very different without it. I imagine that, were I on my own and downsized the house a bit, I could probably support myself and my two children on my income. Fortunately, it's not an experiment I need to carry out. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Julian Holmes
Japón
Local time: 22:34
Miembro 2011
japonés al inglés
Quite possible since I have lived entirely on my income as a translator for the past 30 years.
How well, though, depends entirely on the economy and how well your customers' pockets are lined. I have seen my income skyrocket during the go-go bubble economy days here in Japan to plummet to the current duldrums. 
FYI, I have a mortgage and two children who I have both put through university. (My younge... See more Quite possible since I have lived entirely on my income as a translator for the past 30 years.
How well, though, depends entirely on the economy and how well your customers' pockets are lined. I have seen my income skyrocket during the go-go bubble economy days here in Japan to plummet to the current duldrums.
FYI, I have a mortgage and two children who I have both put through university. (My youngest has one more year to go.)
Edited small typos (not having a good day today)
[Edited at 2013-01-15 08:28 GMT]
[Edited at 2013-01-15 08:29 GMT]
[Edited at 2013-01-15 10:23 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | Michael Harris
Alemania
Local time: 15:34
Miembro 2006
alemán al inglés
| Other, or just a simple "yes" | Jan 15, 2013 |
It is the same as any other "normal" jon nowadays, just that if anything happens, you are responsible for everything yourself.
I actually find it being a freelancer much more satisfying with my family than when I was driving to work every day. And as for the income, it all depends on you life standard and country where you live.
I just wish that I did not have to pay so much tax / health insurance, but once again, it is important in case any of my children become ill, etc.
| | |
|
|
|
David Hayes
Francia
Local time: 15:34
francés al inglés
| Yes, but only... | Jan 15, 2013 |
if my family would be prepared to live in a tent, eat one meal a day and never go on holiday. Thankfully, they do not have to consider this option since my wife has a stable income from her salaried, permanent-contract job.
| | | | neilmac
España
Local time: 15:34
español al inglés
+ ...
On several factors, like what your family's needs are - for example how many members there are, especially children. Or the cost of living in your location. Or whether you have any debts or not, for example a mortgage. And what you consider "full time"...
| | | | Michael Harris
Alemania
Local time: 15:34
Miembro 2006
alemán al inglés
David Hayes wrote:
if my family would be prepared to live in a tent, eat one meal a day and never go on holiday. Thankfully, they do not have to consider this option since my wife has a stable income from her salaried, permanent-contract job.
David, are things so bad in France?
| | | | DianeGM
Local time: 16:34
Miembro 2006
neerlandés al inglés
+ ...
| Possible ... yes | Jan 15, 2013 |
A couple of years ago I would have no reservations in saying an unqualified 'yes', but now living in Greece, times are hard, the cost of everything has risen and there seems to be so much flux and instability. I think it is still possible, but I have no doubt it is now harder than before.
| | |
|
|
|
| I know people who have done it . . . | Jan 15, 2013 |
in the U.S., but it hasn't been easy.
If I were to try to do it, I'd have to change my lifestyle considerably. My pension income makes all the difference.
| | | | Mario Chavez (X)
Local time: 09:34
inglés al español
+ ...
| Define “family” | Jan 15, 2013 |
Although I answered with a qualified yes, it depends on the size of your family. I have a family of one: me, myself and my shadow.
Back in the days when I would entertain the idea or goal of getting married, I would have said “well, I wouldn't be the sole breadwinner,” but I have managed to live a pretty decent middle-class life on my own for the last two decades. Varying the translation agency/direct client ratio has helped weather the storms, as well as adding Spanish>English ... See more Although I answered with a qualified yes, it depends on the size of your family. I have a family of one: me, myself and my shadow.
Back in the days when I would entertain the idea or goal of getting married, I would have said “well, I wouldn't be the sole breadwinner,” but I have managed to live a pretty decent middle-class life on my own for the last two decades. Varying the translation agency/direct client ratio has helped weather the storms, as well as adding Spanish>English language services to the mix of services I provide.
I know, some colleagues think that translating into a non-native language is unethical. My answer: according to whom? Where is that written?
Some fixed overhead, such as health care premiums, keep rising year after year, but this is not the only factor that prompts me to rise my rates. After all, telling a client that my rates increase because my cost of living increases would be unprofessional. According to me.
 ▲ Collapse
| | | | Tim Drayton
Chipre
Local time: 16:34
turco al inglés
+ ...
One important factor is offering a language pair/language pairs for which there is strong demand at good rates.
| | | | Paul Dixon
Brasil
Local time: 10:34
portugués al inglés
+ ...
In Brazil the answer is definitely No. It's not even possible to support one person, let alone a family (assuming family of at least two people).
We have the highest taxes in the world, more than one hundred and twenty different taxes, and one of the highest costs of living. We also have the highest interest rates in the world (for purchases - currently 16% a month in some shops). Property much more expensive than in the UK, for example. In contrast, rates for translators are usually very... See more In Brazil the answer is definitely No. It's not even possible to support one person, let alone a family (assuming family of at least two people).
We have the highest taxes in the world, more than one hundred and twenty different taxes, and one of the highest costs of living. We also have the highest interest rates in the world (for purchases - currently 16% a month in some shops). Property much more expensive than in the UK, for example. In contrast, rates for translators are usually very low, and everyone wants discounts. ▲ Collapse
| | |
|
|
|
with Michael
Michael Harris wrote: David Hayes wrote:
if my family would be prepared to live in a tent, eat one meal a day and never go on holiday. Thankfully, they do not have to consider this option since my wife has a stable income from her salaried, permanent-contract job. David, are things so bad in France?
Even though we live in France we manage pretty well...
| | | | | I answer Other | Jan 15, 2013 |
As there is no option with a simple yes. I have lived entirely on my income as a translator for the past 30 years (3 kids, all out of the nest now), some years quite easily, others with difficulty, depending on the economy...
| | | | Allison Wright (X)
Portugal
Local time: 14:34
| Yes, but I voted "depends" | Jan 15, 2013 |
Depends on the size of the family, and that family's needs - since we are all different.
Depends on your ability not to cave into rate-reduction proposals being bandied about by so many agencies these days.
Depends on what "support" means. Clean, fed, and sheltered is one thing. Dressed, regularly eating out at restaurants and going on holiday every year/two years is another.
Depends also, on what "full-time" means: 6, 8, 10 hours or more a day? How many da... See more Depends on the size of the family, and that family's needs - since we are all different.
Depends on your ability not to cave into rate-reduction proposals being bandied about by so many agencies these days.
Depends on what "support" means. Clean, fed, and sheltered is one thing. Dressed, regularly eating out at restaurants and going on holiday every year/two years is another.
Depends also, on what "full-time" means: 6, 8, 10 hours or more a day? How many days per week? Working the conventional 40-45 hours per week may not always cover all the necessities, whatever you deem "necessities" to mean.
Too many variables, but yes, it is possible. Not always easy - but then, what is? ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Páginas sobre el tema: [1 2 3] > | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » Poll: Is it possible to support a family on a full time freelance translator's income? | Trados Business Manager Lite | Create customer quotes and invoices from within Trados Studio
Trados Business Manager Lite helps to simplify and speed up some of the daily tasks, such as invoicing and reporting, associated with running your freelance translation business.
More info » |
| | 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 
