The future is here and it’s here to stay. Interpreters are finally embracing the technology that allows them to interpret remotely from home. Due to COVID-19, we are all homebound and gatherings are either forbidden or highly discouraged. A couple of years ago, most interpreters thought remote simultaneous interpreting (hereinafter RSI) platforms were the devil, but they now hold onto them like a castaway to a life buoy. Becoming acquainted with RSI platforms and preparing a set-up to work from home has become a matter of professional survival.
A bit over a year ago, I wrote the article “Remote Interpreting: Not Even Remotely as Much Fun.” I focused on the FUN FACTOR involved in the interpreter’s lifestyle and how RSI platforms were the 1984 Terminator cyborg mercilessly killing all the fun. Since the start of the current pandemic, however, RSI platforms became the 1991 Terminator who’s here to save us from complete professional idleness. For the past five months or so, even the most orthodox interpreters have gladly surrendered to these platforms. A lot of interpreters have built full-blown studios in their homes. Many had to invest in a second computer, redundant internet connection, professional headphones, soundproofing, etc.
My angle, however, will be on the FUN FACTOR again. After around five months without traveling, and interpreting exclusively from home, I have found a whole new world, a new fantastic point of view, just like Aladdin. (Feel free to burst into song—it’s a great one!) So here are some of the benefits I’ve reaped by interpreting from home, in addition to the oft-cited savings in time and money, and decrease in carbon footprint.
First and foremost, after almost a semester without traveling, my cats have finally understood that I am not with the cleaning crew. They still think they’re my feline overlords, but at least treat me with more dignity now.
With all the traveling, I hadn’t had time to get to know my neighbors. Now most of us are on a first-name basis. Such nice people! Many have lived in this building since the Stone Age and are catching me up on stories of the past. One was about a man who threw all his wife’s sex toys out the window, towards the pool, after an argument. Some of the dildos were hanging from trees for weeks. Would I have known of such an important episode in my condo’s history if I were still traveling the world all the time? Nope!
Another priceless benefit of interpreting from home has to do with a long-lost love. After much time closed away and forgotten, the vacuum cleaner has reignited my passion. It has got to be the best home appliance ever created. Got dust? Suck it up!
My pre-event logistics have gone from checking traffic conditions and best routes to get to an assignment on time, to checking my internet speed and stability several times a day. Thank you FAST.COM!
When conferences were mostly on-site, I would spend around 50% of the year away from home. Clients would take me to “awful” cities like Stockholm, Amsterdam, Las Vegas or Rio de Janeiro. I used to feel very guilty about not being around my teen daughter as much as I thought I should. Out of guilt, I did what sensible parents do and showered her with money and gifts. Now that she has the ultimate gift that is my continuous presence, I guiltlessly cut down on her allowance. She immediately opened her own business and also got a part-time job. (Mom is so proud of you, my little capitalist sweetheart!)
After five months, I’ve finally run out of hotel soap bars. One day recently my husband came to me looking distraught and said, “Honey, we need to buy soap.” To which I replied, “What do you mean buy soap?! Who does that?!” It had never occurred to me that soap is not like tap water or oxygen. There are actually entire stores specializing in soap! Again, it was a whole new world opening up for me, of colors, fragrances and shapes.
Remote morning assignments, especially, are more pleasurable than on-site ones. I truly don’t miss waking up as much as four hours before start time, wearing high-heel shoes designed by men, facing rush-hour traffic, and dodging Miami’s asphalt-sunbathing iguanas. Now the only thing I dodge in the morning is anything or anyone that dares to come between me and my coffeemaker.
As you can see, I’m completely adapted and love this new interpret-from-home era. I have my doubts about ever wanting to go back to on-site interpreting.
Wait… give me a second… the phone is ringing here. I’ll be right back.
(5 minutes later)
I just got a call to interpret a five-day conference in Vegas. Vegas, baby! Heading to the airport. It’s been so good talking with everyone. See ya!
(But seriously, what unexpected benefits have you found in working from home? Drop your comments below and let’s have some fun!)
