Professional translators who are considering the freelance market may want to read this article first to know the pros and cons of their likely decision.

Pros:

• There is no need for a middle man; thus, a direct transaction with clients and no need to divide the fee.

• Working hours is flexible.

• It’s more comfortable and efficient to work from home.

• Break time can be anytime.

Cons:

• A middle man provides an honest evaluation of a translator’s skill. A translator that does not have one will most likely have a hard time gaining the trust of possible clients.

• It requires more discipline.

• Advertising and promoting one’s service will take up time.

• There is no guarantee of stable orders.

Choosing between going freelance or taking a regular office job is one of the most important decision a translator have to confront in his professional life. It is by carefully assessing his skill and lifestyle can he know which career path is the right one for him to tread.