Translator: requirements

Introduction
Number one: know how to speak BOTH languages fluently. Gestures only go so far.

Job Function
Interacting with people and being a part of the process that allows people to bridge the gap between cultures and language barriers is truly satisfying. To know that you have been a part of an exciting, dynamic interchange of ideas is a gratifying experience. Or so I would assume. In truth, I don't speak much more Mandarin than your average shlep on the street, so my translating tends to need a lot of hand gestures and rolling of the eyes and repeating "How much does that cost?", "what is your name?", and "this is a pen." Luckily my clients never catch on, but I have to keep the Mandarin-speakers from trying to translate themselves. This could go directly against whatever it is I had determined was the essence of the conversation. An artist works with the materials he has, and creates something new, his own, from whatever materials at hand. Advertisement
Lifestyle
I had a lot more work in the past. I haven't gotten too many repeat customers, but that's because I specialize in one-shot, high-intensity deals. Also, there hasn't been much of a demand for translators recently.

Additional Information
Don't let all that wild-looking crow foot writing intimidate you. You can sense the meaning.