The morning started early, too early. I accepted a two-hour minimum assignment with an agency that pays higher than average. Not sure if I am allowed to disclose the monetary details… Let’s say I would gladly do so over a cup of coffee, but here, on my blog… not so sure.
On the other hand, the long commute helps to inspire thoughts about the life of this hybrid model of language helping worker/practitioner I am.
Can we talk openly about our salaries, compensation, and related maladies? Or we are bound to a moral standard that establishes the evils of that practice? There is an implicit prohibition to dialogue about freelancing monetary details. Why? I would love to light up the topic! Who is with me?
Before we go into any trouble, let me explain. I learned many lessons during these 10 years as a freelancer. I am sure you learned even more. Can we help each other protect our major asset? Our time, that is.
For example, today’s assignment.
I woke up at 5:45, to leave my house at 6:30 (aspirational thinking, granted). Blame it on the cold, cold 21 Fahrenheit weather. Left at 6:45 only to discover I needed gas, had to stop to take care of that. Then drove with heavy traffic towards Atlanta Midtown area for 1 hour and 28 minutes without time to go to a coffee shop to either work on my translation projects (SDL 2011, thank you for existing!), or continue studying the 650 pages book for my comprehensive exam coming up in 10 days (I am finishing a Masters in Community Counseling). My only option is to wait in the parking lot texting with a full-time colleague and finishing up this entry.
And I have a long and fun day ahead. I love this freelancing life. Yesterday, and the day before, I stayed at home, cozy, in jeans and crazy hair translating a consent for a clinical trial!
Have a good day!
Edurne
