So many freelancer writers and translators rave about the freedom the lifestyle provides, including the freedom to work from anywhere – read anywhere with computer and Internet access. But how many of us actually take advantage of our freedom? And how many of us continue to sit in a home office at the same desk day in and day out?
As you may have read in yesterday’s post, Some Vacation are for Working, I am on a working vacation in London at the moment. I love working as a freelance translator and I love traveling; a working vacation is the perfect opportunity to combine the two.
Here are just some of the advantages of combining business and pleasure in one working vacation:
• Save money. You do not need to take time off or sacrifice an income while traveling. Take your work with you and earn money wherever you may be.
• Get to know a new place like a local. A working vacation usually means you can stay in a place longer than a traditional vacation allows. Instead of a few days why not spend a few weeks or even months in a new location? You’ll get to know your destination much better than any conventional tourist would.
• Network. Why go some place where you can meet long-distance clients face to face or even secure new clients with a one-on-one meeting. Or you could meet up with colleagues you’ve met online or make new contacts along the way. A new location means new networking possibilities.
• Brush up on your language skills. As translators we need to constantly work to hone our language skills, and one of the best ways to do that is through travel. A working vacation could be a great opportunity for translators to spend some time where their second or third languages are spoken.
• Get motivated. Sometimes a new workspace in a new location means new-found motivation and inspiration. Traveling may just spark creative ideas or even business models for your freelance career.
A change of location, if only for a short time, brings with it countless advantages. But you also need to be prepared for the challenges you may face. Check back tomorrow for the disadvantages of a working vacation.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi,
I really enjoy this little series, but I have one question: is it still possible if you have a partner? I think you take that into account in your next article.
Hi thierry, thanks so much for your question. My partner stayed home while I was on my working vacation. I’ll write more about it tomorrow in my next post with tips for planning your own working vacation.
thanks, i look forward to this post.
cheers