20 (or so) questions on how Charles Ek works
This series of posts was inspired by Lifehacker’s How I Work series, which I’ve been reading for quite some time and thoroughly enjoy. It’s about time we discover how our colleagues work and get to know them a little better.
If you want to participate in this fun series, send us an email at info@linguagreca.com so we can send you the Word template where you can fill in your answers and your bio (incl. your site/blog/social media links) and then send it back to us as an attachment along with your photo (optional but preferred). If you don’t like any of the questions, just delete them and add your own. You can read the previous interviews here.
Location: Herefordshire, England
Desired location: Right here. My partner and our families are here, but I do love to travel.
Current work title: Translator, editor and copywriter at Speech Marks Translation
Desired work title: There’s not much that I would change, especially in terms of lifestyle. My work lends itself very well to being adapted around family commitments, which is something that a lot of colleagues mention and, for me, is very important. In terms of business development, growing my client base is my focus for the next few months.
Languages you have studied or currently speak: I currently work with English (native), French and German, but I have studied Spanish and would love to pick it up again soon.
The project you’re most proud of: What I’m most proud of at this relatively early stage in my career is being strong-willed enough to decline projects that aren’t in line with where I want to be, and receiving several referrals from happy clients.
Your current computer setup: A MacBook Pro with a separate 21-inch monitor. I love the flexibility of being able to change where I work, and I have moved around a lot in the past few years, but I will most likely succumb to the pull of a desktop before long.
Do you own a smartphone? Yes, an iPhone 5. Being able to respond to emails when I’m out and about is brilliant, if only in urgent cases.
Favorite time of the day: Mid-morning and then late afternoon and evening in terms of productivity. I’m not really a morning person!
Next conference/event you’re planning to attend: I’ve signed up for the World Travel Market in London in November to get industry news and make some contacts. I also have my heart set on an ATA Conference one of these days (Catherine, you have talked me into it!) but, in the meantime, I’m planning to get more involved with some of my local business networks.
How many hours per day do you usually work: I have never really had an average week, especially with part-time study over the past two years. I’m aiming for around 7-8 hours per day when I have a steady workload.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? I’m a definite introvert. I’m very comfortable with my own company, and sometimes feel overwhelmed by a room full of people I don’t know, but a group of the right people can really energise me.
Are you an early-riser or a night-owl? I’ve always been a night owl, much to my partner’s annoyance! Sometimes I wish I could be an early bird, but then I have to get up at the crack of dawn for something and I change my mind!
What do you listen to while you work? I like to change my working environment quite often. I’ll switch from music in English to one of my source languages, to an audiobook or podcast, to silence. Like many people have mentioned, though, I’m best off editing and proofreading in silence.
And a few non-work related questions to get more personal 🙂
Your babies or pets, incl. names and ages: None yet! I’d love a cat, but some private negotiations need to take place first…
Next city/country you want to visit: Venice. I’m hoping to go early next year to celebrate my birthday.
Favorite vacation place: So far, I think Rome might be my favourite: lovely food, stunning surroundings and all that history.
Favorite book: I’m a great lover of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series and Ian Rankin’s Rebus.
Favorite song: Books from Boxes by Maxïmo Park or Slow Dancing in a Burning Room by John Mayer.
What are you currently reading? Now that I’ve finished my MA course, I’m struggling to choose from a large pile of options!
Author bio
Megan Onions, BA, MCIL, AITI, runs Speech Marks Translation from rural Herefordshire, England. She has been translating (FR/DE>EN), editing and writing since 2007, primarily for the marketing, sports and tourism industries. Find her online at http://www.speechmarkstranslation.com, on Twitter as @speechmarksxl8 and on Facebook.
About the author
Catherine Christaki has been a full-time English-Greek translator since 2001 and co-owner of Lingua Greca Translations since 2012. She specializes in Information Technology, Medical, and Technical texts and loves writing for the Adventures in Technical Translation blog. She regularly shares her experience and insight on social media and blogging for translators, giving interviews and presenting at conferences. Connect with her on Twitter @LinguaGreca.
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Great interview, Megan! Like you, I tend to be introvert and awfully quiet in a room full of individuals I don’t know! Props to you for attending a professional event! I have yet to do it…