In the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, one young professional juggle the challenges of a unique career. Meet Rachel, a 24-year-old English-Mandarin WFH interpreter with GP Asia. With nearly two years of experience under her belt, Rachel offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of remote interpreting. In this article, she shares her journey, insights, and experiences in this demanding yet rewarding profession.
From Fresh Graduate to an Interpreter
Rachel's journey began as many do—with the excitement of a new career opportunity. Fresh out of university, Rachel sought a job that offered both convenience and a decent paycheck. The role of a WFH interpreter with GP Asia seemed to fit the bill perfectly. "I wanted to try this job because of the convenience of working from home, plus I thought the pay was decent for a fresh graduate," she explains. This decision marked the beginning of her career in a field that many find both challenging and fulfilling.
Preparing for the Night Shift: Coffee and Commitment
When it comes to preparation, Rachel keeps things straightforward. "I don’t really prepare for my shifts to be honest," she admits with a chuckle. Her approach is simple yet effective: "I just drink coffee and log in and begin working." Staying alert during night shifts is a common challenge for many in the field, but Rachel’s approach highlights the importance of maintaining a routine and leveraging the little things that keep you going.
Balancing the Demands of Night Shifts
One of the significant challenges of night shift work is managing health and work-life balance. Rachel describes her approach to coping with these demands: "I sleep during the day from Monday to Friday and sleep at night on weekends so that I can spend time with family and friends on weekends." This strategy helps her maintain a semblance of a regular life despite the demanding schedule. However, she acknowledges that this juggling act comes with its own set of challenges at first. "I occasionally get headaches before because my body is confused with the sleep schedule," she admits. Despite these issues, Rachel stays committed to her health by ensuring she gets enough sleep and stays hydrated.
Balancing personal life with the demands of night shift work requires some sacrifices. Rachel has found that "I sacrifice a lot of sleep every Saturday when transitioning from sleeping during the day to sleeping at night." Despite the difficulties, she embraces this challenge and finds additional fulfillment in her role as a freelance talent for commercials. "I’m even working as a freelance talent for commercials and I think that’s what I am okay with," she adds.
Facing the Unexpected: A Stressful 911 Call
Every interpreter encounters challenging situations, and Rachel is no exception. She recalls one particularly intense assignment from some time ago. "I had a 911 call a long time ago where a medic was teaching the caller how to perform CPR while waiting for the ambulance," she says. The urgency of the situation made it a high-stress experience. "It was very stressful although the call only lasted 7 minutes as I had to be very accurate in that life-or-death situation," she reflects. To manage such moments, Rachel relied on her training and focused on interpreting as accurately as she could.
The Rewards of Interpreting: Money and Meaningful Stories
For Rachel, the rewards of her job extend beyond just financial compensation. "The money (hahaha) and of course the interesting stories I get to listen to while interpreting," she says with a smile. She also values the knowledge she gains from her work. "I have gained a lot of knowledge about health I can use in my daily life." This blend of financial and personal enrichment makes the job not only sustainable but also gratifying.
Rachel has also seen significant growth in her professional skills since starting her career. "My language and interpretation skills improved a lot since I started interpreting," she reflects. "Many clients and patients have mentioned that I am very good at interpreting or even the best interpreter they have come into contact with." This positive feedback from clients serves as a testament to her dedication and hard work.
Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
As Rachel looks to the future, she remains open to new opportunities and experiences. "I will not pursue interpretation for a very long time but I will do my best to do my job well and enjoy the journey while I am still in this field," she says. Her current focus is on making the most of her present role while exploring what lies ahead.
Looking ahead five years, Rachel is still in the process of discovering her true passion. "I’m still exploring my options and finding my passion, but I will continue to give my all in everything that I do and also continue to be the optimistic, life-enjoying me," she concludes. Her forward-looking mindset and optimistic attitude are sure to guide her in whatever path she chooses.
Advice for Aspiring Interpreters
For those considering a similar career path, Rachel has some thoughtful advice. "Try to find a way that works for your sleep schedule and choose what to prioritize," she suggests. She acknowledges that what works for one person might not work for another, so she emphasizes the importance of finding a balance that suits one's individual needs.
Rachel’s journey as an interpreter with GP Asia is a testament to the unique challenges and rewards of this career. Through her experiences, we see a picture of a young professional who balances the demands of her job with a commitment to personal growth and well-being. Her story is not just about interpreting but also about navigating the complexities of work and life with resilience and enthusiasm.
Interested to be a work from home interpreter? We are here to welcome you! Apply to us now and start your journey with us.
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