What does an interpreter do? A day in the life

Interpreters live exciting lives. No two days are the same. They are always on the go and they are their own masters with a lot of freedom – and how about their life-work balance.

But while we’ve all seen interpreters on TV next to world leaders or business executives, most people have a couple of key questions when it comes to this role. What does an interpreter do? And what does a typical day look like?

Take a look below at two typical days in the life of an interpreter – before and after RSI.

How do they compare? For both days there is a nice work-satisfaction, but life holds other aspects as well.

what does an interpreter do?

Before RSI

4:30 The alarm goes. Breakfast. Bag packed.
5:00 No taxi, no Uber – some misunderstanding.
5:20 Off – but late – traffic intense, in spite of early hours. The whole city seems to be going to the airport.

7:00 Airport, fast-track, slow security, take-off, 90 minutes flying time – final preparations for today’s meeting.
9:00 Uneventful transit from airport to conference center. In place at conference, hello to colleagues in other booths.
9:00-12.30 Busy conference, many presentations. Some have changed, since they were sent to the interpreters.
12:30-13:30 Lunch break in conference site.
14:00 Text from baby-sitter – suspicion of mumps (Concentration disturbed).

17:00 Conference finished. Off to airport, fast-track, security.
18:30 Flight cancelled. Waiting time.
20:30 New flight.
23.30 Home – no mumps – just a virus.
00:30 Relax and finally to bed.

A day in the life of an interpreter

After RSI

7:00 Breakfast with family.
8:30 Getting ready for meeting, checking software and documents. Connecting with technicians and colleagues in other locations.
9:00 Meeting launched. Hiccups in technology. Problems solved within 20 seconds.

11:00 Meeting finished. Feedback from participants positive.
11:00-13:00 Preparation for next meeting. Administrative work, calendar, planning.
13:00 Getting ready for meeting, checking soft-ware and documents. Connecting with colleagues in other locations and technicians.
13:30 Meeting launched.
14:00 Text from old client: emergency meeting called for 21:00. Yes, I am available.

16:30 Meeting finished.
18:00 Homework with kids and dinner with family.
23:00 Good night.

WHICH ONE DO YOU PREFER?