 |
| [Unbalanced scale*] |
Many freelancers, including translators, hold two jobs, one salaried with regular hours and one as an independent. The benefits of such a dual existence are clear. However, the relative load is asymmetric and variable, creating stress not only in terms of being able to properly perform the job but also in terms of expectations of one’s self. The key in this arrangement, as in all imperfect situations, is accept natural limits, however frustrating they may be, at least most of the time.
For transparency’s sake, I state that I am a full-time freelance
translator and a half time (8 hours a week) college English lecturer at a local
engineering college. After starting my translation career in my 40’s,
I continued working as a full-time teacher for some 8 years until
circumstances allowed me to cut that down to half time. I still maintain and
enjoy the salaried position as I get to be around people, even more in their
20’s with their future in front of them, an invigorating experience, and also
have a vested pension. Thus, I see great benefits in having dual careers.
These benefits include financial security, risk management, benefits and
flexibility. Clearly, given the uncertainty of freelance income, the knowledge
that the mortgage or rent will be paid significantly reduces financial stress. In practical terms, a stretch of poor business does not endanger the roof. On the same line, having
a salary creates the basis of a budget and facilitates budgeting. Salaried
positions may carry benefits, such as paid pensions, health insurance and
vehicles, all expensive items for many freelancers, depending on your country.
Retaining the paid position also allows freelancers to build up their freelance
business until such a time that they can change their status. Looking from the
opposite perspective, having an independent business allows time flexibility to
deal with family and health issues. It also creates a sense of personal
ownership of the success, a experience often lacking as an employee. An independent
business may also better express the talents and ambition of the person. Thus,
both holding a salaried position and having an independent business can be
recipe for happiness.
However, maintaining the balance can be stressful as the loads vary but people’s
ability to excel at two positions is limited, creating disappointment among
colleagues and in themselves. Most company positions have peak work periods,
such as after the tax year, during holidays and before the end of the semester.
During these times, employers expect a full effort and do not care about the
other obligations of employees, including family and other work. Colleagues also expect no less effort than
they invest. As most people wish to meet these expectations, whether it is to
receive the respect of their peers, their own pride or both, it is uncomfortable
to be limited in one’s contribution. In simple words, you are only one person
with some 16 hours a day available. The option of burning the midnight candle
is only practical for short period and harmful in the long term. Even during
normal period, it is difficult enough investing time in career advancement,
including attending seminars and conferences, in one profession. For most
people, there is not enough time to invest in two professions as they would
ideally do so. As a result, people’s skills become relatively static in one of
two positions. Two work positions, no matter how well balanced, create an
internal tension.
The key to emotional acceptance of this situation, aside from dropping
one of the jobs, is accepting the greyness of the world, i.e., people can only
do their best even if the result is less than ideal. It is clear that nobody
chooses occupational schizophrenia as a first option. Circumstances lead to
that situation. A person needs to understand and accept that others are often either
unaware of or apathetic towards individual circumstances, whether in regards to work, family or health. As in the old story about the man, boy and the
donkey, we need to do what is good for us, not what pleases others, within
limits of course. More importantly, freelancers holding another position almost
have no choice but to accept that ultimately, they have to choose which
position to put their ego in. In my case, I am a professional translator that
also teaches, albeit generally rather well after more than 30 years of experience. Most of
the time, I am happy with that description. I no longer strive to be the best
lecturer in my department, which I would have if I only taught, due to a lack
of time and energy. Some people may consider that unprofessional but employees live in our own reality and can only do their best, however unsatisfactory that
may seem to others and themselves.
Thus, while employers may act as if employees are all in their job, many
entrepreneurs must or choose to split themselves among two jobs as well as family. The benefits,
financial and otherwise, of trying to manage two work worlds are clear but the
stress and challenge of properly serving two bosses creates emotional
dissonance. However, with an effective personal attitude, it is possible to
properly balance asymmetric loads, at least most of the time. I made that
choice some 18 years ago and have never looked back. I hope that those that
have made or will make the same choice feel the same.
No comments:
Post a Comment