Translating as career?

by **loveatlas** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 6:04 am

Hey all you gaijin,

I need some advice from the experts. I studied Japanese in high school, but ended up majoring in history in college, and unless you like being unemployed, that degree choice was probably a bad idea. After this whole tsunami disaster, and checking up on some friends in Japan, I've realized that I *really* miss the language and culture. So, I'm considering going back to college in order to get a Japanese/Linguistics major.

Is this a dumb idea? Am I just setting myself up for more debt and no way to pay it off? I know the golden days of the early 90s are LONG gone, but could I still find a decent job translating? Reading around on the forums, it sounds like everyone is jumping ship to China, which is great but...I don't like Chinese at all, and have no desire to learn it.

I'm not in it for the $$...as long as I can live a somewhat comfy lifestyle, I'd be happy.

Oh and...I'm considering teaching Engrish in Japan for one year. Someone please talk me out of it.

by **Taro Toporific** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 7:57 am

loveatlas wrote:...ended up majoring in history in college...So, I'm considering going back to college in order to get a Japanese/Linguistics major.
Is this a dumb idea?

Yep.

Read the FG Threads:

So I have a degree in Japanese... now what?

Fresh graduate - Job hunting in Japan

Interpreter Salary

Jobs for the Fluent? (JLPT 1+)

etc.

by **loveatlas** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 9:29 am

Will do, thanks!

by **Taro Toporific** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 10:02 am

loveatlas wrote:Will do, thanks!

The whole idea of all those old threads is that you first need a full specialist knowledge in some field (normally, technical or financial) and then also have Japanese skills.

A gaijin translator without a technical university minor, special skill, or loads of experience in a specific field is rather unemployable.

by **Yokohammer** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 11:37 am

Taro Toporific wrote:A gaijin translator without a technical university minor, special skill, or loads of experience in a specific field is rather unemployable.

I dunno. Blond hair and a great set of knockers might get the job.

by **AlbertSiegel** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 11:46 am

Yokohammer wrote:I dunno. Blond hair and a great set of knockers might get the job.

or give it...

by **loveatlas** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 11:52 am

I could definitely get a 2 year technical/financial degree in a particular field while learning Japanese, and then hopefully get my foot in the door somewhere. I was kind of hoping I wouldn't need to go that route though, as I've already wasted thousands on a 4 year degree....damnit, don't people need their history books translated?!

Thanks for the links and tips Taro.

And yea...no knockers here.

by **ichigo partygirl** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 4:53 pm

Yokohammer wrote:I dunno. Blond hair and a great set of knockers might get the job.

If you're not looking for a job in 'entertainment' this can be a hindrance. Japanese men can often be quite terrified by a half decent looking foreigner :P

In all seriousness, get a degree or job experience in something else along with your Japanese. Although i don't regret my academic background, i would make make different choices if i had another chance.

by **Taka-Okami** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 7:18 pm

Dont forget your iodine pills.

Hot Topics
Buraku MARS...Let's Go!	Buraku Steven Seagal? Who's that?
Buraku Japanese Can't Handle Being Fucked In Paris	Buraku If they'll elect a black POTUS, why not Japanese?
Buraku "Unthinkable as a female pope in Rome"	Buraku Hollywood To Adapt "Death Note"
Buraku Post your 'You Tube' videos of interest.	Buraku Is anything real here?
Buraku There'll be fewer cows getting off that Qantas flight	Taka-Okami Your gonna be Rich: a rising Yen

Translating as career?

Translating as career?

Gain full specialist knowledge in some field AND ALSO learn Japanese

Who is online