From Polish document translation to court interpreting, the life of a Polish translator can be varied and unpredictable. But what is day-to-day life really like for a translator? We caught up with freelance translator, Iwona Wojcik, to find out.

Firstly, can you tell us a little about yourself please?

Of course! My name is Iwona Wojcik, 34, and I’ve been a translator for 10 years now. Polish is my native language, and I also speak English, which I started learning when I was 10. I grew up in Poland, and moved to the UK when I was 23. Now I live in London, which I adore.

What are your qualifications?

I have a BA degree in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), an MA in Bilingual Translation, a Postgraduate certificate in Conference Interpreting, a Diploma in Public Service Interpreting in English Law, I passed the Metropolitan Police Test and I am in the process of acquiring a Postgraduate qualification in Polish and Translation Studies.

Wow, those are some credentials! What made you want to be a translator?

It’s hard to say. I always loved languages and in particular English. I became a qualified English teacher but decided teaching was not for me. I ended up in London studying Bilingual Translation at Westminster University where I met amazing teachers who themselves were translators and I fell in love completely with this profession.

So how does a ‘normal’ day pan out for you?

If I have my translator’s hat on I would typically get up at 7am and work till 5pm with breaks for lunch and gym. That’s when the deadlines aren’t too tight. But if I’m swamped with work then I would get up 6am and work until 6pm or longer with just small breaks.

I am not only a translator but also an interpreter. So if the police or the courts call me then I have to get there right away.

Sometimes I can have up to 10 different projects in a day if they are short. If I have something large I would have to concentrate on it so would not be able to take on any more work.

I have to manage my workload very carefully. I try to do the most difficult texts early in the morning when I am the most productive.

What kinds of projects do you typically work on?

Legal, social services documentations, medical, technical, marketing, fashion, Polish document translation. You name it, I’ve done it.

My days vary so much and that’s why I love this job.

After a long day of translating, how do you relax?

I like fitness so I go to the gym quite a lot. I also like Bikram yoga which is extreme but really relaxing, and I have recently taken up salsa dancing.

What’s the best thing about being a translator?

People in general are surprised with my choice of career as it is unusual, but it is just so diverse. I love it because I learn so much every day, which otherwise I would never know.

Translating for Reflective Source is always interesting. The level of care towards translators is high and deadlines are not too tight. I always feel appreciated.

And the worst?

It is difficult to lead a balanced life as a freelancer as you never know what’s round the corner. However, it is what I also love about being a translator! I get freedom and I can take holidays whenever I want (though I have noticed that whenever I am just about to go on holidays the project start pouring it as if they knew I am going away!)

Typical! Thanks for chatting to us, Iwona.

If you need some Polish document translation and you would like one of our Polish translators like Iwona to do the job, speak to us Contact us.