They say no one needs language skills because every content can be translated within one click of a mouse. Somehow millions are working on the translation of books, documents, localization of games, teaching Spanish, or giving travel Tims at the moment.
Translating
Being a translator can bring you up to $3k per month. There are a few important rules to follow to earn that much:
- using CAT tools
- Being fully involved in a process
- Specialize in a certain area of expertise
- Charge more than average and provide the appropriate quality
- Never violate deadlines
The translation is not rocket science, but on the other hand, it requires plenty of effort and time. If you considering becoming a full-time freelance translator, make sure to choose a sufficient field of expertise. Remember, you can only invest 8 hours per day if you are excited by the process. Gamers can become gaming localizers. People involved in beauty can become one of the beauty experts in translations.
Newcomers have two options.
- First, to work for an agency, have a constant load of translations, strict recommendations, and quality control. This pathway leads to a stable monthly income, but lower than the average.
- To apply for jobs directly to the brands you like. Many of them rarely or never post job offers, so it is recommended to contact them directly. A motivation letter is more important than an impressive resume.
Localizing
Localization is translating certain content, but with a higher level of understanding the mentality of target language speakers. Localizers usually needed for Instagram accounts, games, marketing campaigns, and others. Translating is often associated with technical or business documentation, books or publications, and other formal documents. Localization means speaking with simple and understandable language. The most common localization positions are in:
- Gaming
- UI design
- Web design
- SMM
- Fashion
- Beauty
Try to send your motivation letter to a few of your favorite brands, offering them to make localization for your first language. Don’t step back if there are no positions at the moment. They might have never thought of it, and hopefully, you will do the job for them.
Creating content
SMM agencies are and will be growing drastically for the next few years as well as online companies for students who google “cheap write my essay for me”. It means they will need more people to create unique texts or research. The job is perfect for people with a creative mindset. They will have a chance to express themselves by expressing their thoughts in writing. It is also perfect for people who support the idea of constant learning. Every day comes new research. You, as a content writer, feel thrilled by the information that you discover and spread. It is also great for people who would live to polish their writing abilities and are dreaming of writing a book someday. The best advice on how to become a writer is to write every day.
Becoming an online teacher
For those who are interested in making money in Spanish, French, German, or English, there are plenty of online platforms where you can become a teacher. Teaching online is fun. They say that you need a gift to become a teacher, others say if you want to learn something, start teaching it. Both are correct. If there is a way to get paid to learn a language, then it is becoming a teacher for newcomers. If you are a freshman yourself, you can take one or two students at a lower price and teach them what you have learned yourself. Learn a lesson and teach it to your students. This way sounds unfair, but it is the most motivating and efficient.
People who want to become full-time teachers can register on language learning platforms like Lingoda. It is important to become a responsible and reliable teacher. Having these traits, you can teach whenever and wherever you want.
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Becoming a tour guide
Immigrants can become tour guides for tourists who speak his or her first language. You don’t need outstanding language skills. All you need is to contact a few tori agencies and offer your help in your native language. They will register you and contact you as soon as there is a group for you. Working as a travel guide can be not only financially beneficial but also exciting. You can meet plenty of exciting people, observe their excitement every day, learn new information about the place you live in, and many others.
Bottom line
These are only a few examples of how you can benefit from your language skills. There are also personal supervisors, assistants, official translators, consecutive and simultaneous translators, and many more. Providing translating, localizing, or content creating services can be exciting. Teaching language can help you to polish your own language skills, and becoming a guide will make you an active and social person. Online translators will never replace people. At least not in the next few years. People need your Spanish, French, German, or other language skills.
BIO – Sandra Larson is a freelance translator and content creator. She worked as a simultaneous translator in the past. Sandra gives lectures in schools and universities to improve her proficiency and enjoys the process.
