First job!

It took a bit more than a week before I could write again, because first my mom came for three days, and that was quite an experience, and after that I managedto get my first order! One of the weblancer forums, a Russian one, brought me a project where you needed to do a test translation first, so I could try and hope I would be chosen without a portfolio or positive references. And I was chosen! I worked on this text for several hours on Friday evening, and when I was in time to send it to the customer in the morning, I got two more files that some translator didn't manage to do. So all the day yesterday I worked, and if everything goes OK I'm gonna get my first freelance money and maybe a reference. At least I'm hoping for it, but I don't have any feedback as to my translation yet, so having some patience and waiting. And hoping no fraud is involved, as it's quite a risk in freelance work.
I also downloaded and set up TRADOS software on my PC, as it is something I'm definitely going to need. I'm going to learn to use it this week. And I opened a Webmoney account for myself to get the money I earn. And I wrote to several publishing houses and translation agencies and got a couple more test translations. I'll do them today or tomorrow and maybe I'll get some more work soon.
So, the ice has moved, and I now know that it's possible to find some work outsde of the office.
Hoping for the better and moving ahead...

See you in a week!

Well, here I am!

When I was leaving my last job in an attempt to lead a life I wish to, my Director made me promise I would start a blog in English and update it at least once a week. I promised, and here it is - the blog where I'm going to write about my freelance experience.

My name is Olga, I live in Ukraine, and I'm a translator. For the previous four years I worked as a full-time translator: first for a translations agency, then for a company engaged in the casual games industry. So, if you have a question about casual games - just ask!

But I got tired of getting up early and being restrained with my working hours, and of some other things, so I decided to quit my job notwithstanding the economic recession and to try to work for myself a bit. I should say it's quite a challenge now, as the competition is tough, and my experience is not unique, and I've never worked individually, but I'm determined to do it. Otherwise I'll have to admit I'm a complete loser.

I started with getting an Internet connection to my place, and this took almost a week. Now I'm fulfilling my promise and starting this blog, and the next steps in my plan are getting registered on some freelance forums and other places of this kind and trying to get myself noticed, as well as learning how t oyou some professional software I haven't needed before and maybe another language. I'm thinking about Spanish.

Meanwhile I'm doing much modeling, which I really enjoy, and this include making some fridge magnets and some earrings and necklaces. Rather clumsy, I should say. But this doesn't bring me money, so tomorrow I'm gonna start bombing translation agencies and publishing houses with my CV.

Wish me luck! And see you net week! Or earlier...