When you dread the ringing phone, feel irritation bubbling up all the time, are so mentally drained at the end of the day that nothing can stop you from doomscrolling . . . you’re likely in the midst of interpreter burnout.
When this happens, it’s important to remember that burnout is not a personal failure. It doesn’t mean that you’re not suited for this job or that it will never get better.
Instead, it’s an occupational hazard of an often stressful and demanding profession, like interpreting.
Even though burnout is challenging to avoid, as interpreters, we should do our best to reclaim the passion we once had for our profession and take the necessary measures to prevent or minimize burnout in the future.
What Causes Interpreter Burnout?
“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.”
— John Donne
The isolation we experience as independent contractors is the biggest contributor to interpreter burnout.
Isolation is often a byproduct of the tradeoff we make to the freedom in managing our own schedules and working from home. And while it’s hard to avoid, let’s look at what might help minimize it.
In other words, let’s fight back.
And one of the best ways to do that is with community.
Seek Community to Combat Isolation
While the word “networking” strikes terror in many people’s bones, the lack of structured social environments can intensify detachment and emotional strain. That’s why it’s essential for remote interpreters to seek out and join a community of other like-minded individuals.
Community can:
- Help you see your profession as part of a bigger picture
- Flood you with practical suggestions and helpful advice
- Give space to process vicarious trauma safely
- Share professional development opportunities
- Prevent systemic burnout
How to Find an Interpreter Community
At this point you’re probably thinking, “I got it. Community is important. But how do I find a community of like-minded people when I generally prefer dogs to humans?”
We’re so glad you asked 😊
Start Online
Platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram offer numerous groups, channels, and forums for engaging with peers. Use the search function to find interpreters by modality, subject area, or location. Join a range of groups, evaluate the engagement and usefulness over time, and stay active in those that add the most value.
Move to In-person
Identify conferences and events that are within driving distance. These can offer valuable opportunities for professional development, networking with potential clients, and building connections with other interpreters.
Get Certified
Earning certification strengthens your professional profile and increases your visibility within the field. It also connects you to wider professional networks. National organizations, such as CCHI and NBCMI, keep up with evolving industry standards and provide reliable updates, education, and support.
And Don’t Forget to Laugh
A bit of appropriate humor can help you get through a difficult day. Look up “interpreter humor” on your preferred social platforms.
Burnout does not mean that you’re not capable. You’re an interpreter because you have a rare gift: creating understanding in place of confusion.
That gift doesn’t disappear when you’re overwhelmed. This gift needs to be honored and nurtured. That’s why we need community, so we can lift each other up when we’re feeling down.
More tips on interpreter self-care.
