Most linguists will agree that one has to be a writer before becoming a translator. I would like to add that in some extremely severe cases, being a writer takes precedence over everything else. It took me many years to come to terms with the realization that this simple truth applied to my life.

 

During my years on the payroll, I was never happier than when given a written assignment, a market research project, a brochure to write, or a translation to complete. At some point, my composition needs became so compelling that I started using down time at work to write on my computer. I would sometimes hear people say I had the personality to be a terrific sales person. These words from outer space would barely find their way into my tortured mind, until one day and out of despair, I decided to listen and take an outside sales position. I did very well, met my quotas, earned excellent commissions, and hated every minute of it! I remember watching myself loading equipment into a car before driving to a customer's site somewhere in Wisconsin. I had suddenly become a movie character, performing a ten-minute audition while looking straight at the audience, displaying a most professional attitude, and secretly waiting for the very first opportunity to pack up and leave. That day, I closed on an order for a huge dollar amount and made the decision to give my two-week notice. I took a customer service position and was soon given the responsibility of translating brochures for a Canadian customer. Then one day, an order came for an English to French software translation. I worked in collaboration with the company's engineering department, and later took over the translation of the user's manual. For months, I lost all notion of time while completely immersing myself in the project. Needless to say, my interest for the job ceased immediately after the language assignment was completed.

 

After so many years of unhappiness, I finally gave up not being a writer. My language degree from a recognized French university opened the door and I started working as a freelance translator. When I'm not promoting my services or completing a translation job, I'm probably writing a play or an article on some aspects of French culture. Though I still often resent the limitation of my talents to the use of words and languages, these nevertheless allow me to attain a sense of achievement that holds a delightful power over me.