Career Prospects

[FrannyCakes]

Hello!

I'm considering a career with languages. The problem of having a wide variety of interests, is that it makes it that much more difficult to pick one to pursue professionally, and others recreationally.The way you choose is to figure out which subject / interest will earn you enough money so that you can continue to pursue your other interests.

My question is, What can kind of prospects can a person expect in entering this field? Which job (whether it's interpreting or teaching post-secondary) would be the most lucrative? Which languages are in highest demand and will yield the most opportunities?

I look forward to hearing your replies!

Thanks!

P.S. I don't value money for the material goods that can be accrued, and I don't give a hootenanny about a big house or a shiny car -- to me, money means freedom.

Thanks again all y'all!

[poli]

Hooray for you!

Knowledge of a second language is bound to come in handy for you in whatever field you choose. Spanish is particularly helpful if you choose to live in the USA. If you direct your studies to the embattled field field of
education, there will be a job for you, but even if you become a small business owner, speaking Spanish will be a tremendous help. You will find many clients who appreciate your accomodation if you speak to them in their own language.

Other languages like French are wonderful because you will find youself
networking with other American francophones who are a really smart bunch in general.

Translation is a daunting task and not for everyone. If you have an
inclination toward it worlds will open for you.

[Rusty]

Interpreting brings in more money than translating. The more languages you know, the better.

The median salary for an interpreter/translator is $38k - $49k, after 5 or so years of experience. An experienced interpreter working for the government can make nearly $90,000. If you work as an interpreter for the United Nations, you must be fluent in at least three of the official languages.

Translators find themselves in a small, highly competitive field. Freelance translators have to really compete to make a living, most scraping in less than $30k/year. They have to deal with people willing to outbid their projects.

Language teachers make no more money than a science or math teacher. Private tutoring will fetch you a higher wage, but you will teach fewer hours. And, again, there will be people willing to teach a language for next to nothing in group settings, so you've got to find a happy niche.

Wait for others to chime in. Some members actually translate for a living.

[CrOtALiTo]

Are you interested for the foreign languages?

My brother is studying that career and that is very interesting it.

[Elaina]

Well, just for the sake of input....I love interpreting because of the personal touch, you're dealing with another human being, etc., but translating is a bit more challenging. "Someone always know how to do it better than you".....the word choices, thinking too much as to who is going to read this.....what country are they from.....less rewarding.

I like to be on the move.....get to know different people....customs, backgrounds, interesting stories to tell, etc.

My

PS...I agree with you! Who cares about the fancy cars, fancy house! Let's make money and travel the world!

[marmoset]

I recommend TESOL as a career path. It is not the biggest money maker, but I think it is a great way to travel the world.