Welcome!

Welcome reader!
My name is Beth and I am a translator. I am new to the world of blogging (reading food blogs probably doesn't count right?) so please be nice! The purpose of this blog is to track my tale as I take the terrifying leap from the pampered world of in-house translation to freelance life, SCARY TIMES AHEAD!

Before I begin with all the nitty-gritty, I thought I would conduct a Q and A (with myself) so anyone reading (hi mum!) can found out a bit more about me.

So, how did you get into the wonderful world of translation?
To be honest, I have never really wanted to do anything else! Back in those days of GCSE German, I guess you could say it was love at first translation - I have always enjoyed writing and I was one of that tiny weeny group of oddities who actually enjoyed German at school so it seemed like the perfect combo for me. I went on to study translation at one of the very few universities in the UK where it is possible to do so (the beautiful UEA in Norwich) and then decided to challenge myself by doing my Masters' degree in Germersheim in Germany, which I would recommend to any German speakers hoping to become translators.

What type of work have you been doing?
During my Bachelors' degree, I got the opportunity to do work experience at a large company here in Germany and haven't really looked back since! Following on from my internship, I worked there for a contractor and then, after my Masters', went back to a full-time contract. It has been a great experience throughout - I have really enjoyed working with a team of translators, I think it is great to have that type of support and creative thinking when you are starting out as a translator (the shorter working hours and nice salary haven't been bad either!)

Why on earth are you leaving then you crazy lady?!
A question I have asked myself a couple of times I must say - am I mad to be leaving a well-paid job with short working hours, paid holiday and sick leave?! I hope not! There are a number of reasons for my decision...I like the idea of being my own boss and the challenge of freelance work. I think it is quite easy to become complacent when you are working in-house and I don't want that to happen to me. I also think that, living abroad, you are in danger of losing touch with your home language and culture, so I will also be moving back home to sunny England (where it doesn't rain all the time, contrary to what the Germans will have you believe!)

Anything else we should know about you?
I have a sister who also translates on the side line of her blossoming baking work - we have been living together here in Germany for the last couple of years, which does seem to raise quite few eyebrows in the relatively small city we live in!
In my free time, I love reading, cooking and baking (when I can get near the kitchen) and am also a bit crafty (when I have time or feel especially inspired by all the beautiful things on Pintrest!) 
I have loved my time in Germany and will miss it sehr, but I have reached a point where I will probably go a little bit loopy if I have to fill out another form or get another scolding look for crossing the road incorrectly!

I hope this hasn't bored you too much - now there is nothing left but to get down to business I guess!