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: Mayenne, France
Desired location: Golfe du Morbihan, also in France – but only if we can take our house with us!
Current work title: French to English translator and liaison interpreter
Desired work title: This one suits me perfectly, although I do admit to having all sorts of crazy “in another life” dream jobs!
Languages you have studied or currently speak: I speak English and French, plus some pretty rusty Spanish. I’ve also studied Latin, Italian and German, but would in no way claim to speak them.
Your current computer setup: Desktop PC with 2 big monitors. I’ve had this set-up for nearly a year and would not want to go back to a single screen.
Do you own a smartphone? Yes, a BlackBerry, which I use mainly for checking my email.
Favorite time of the day: I’m definitely a morning person. If I didn’t have a family to organise I’d be at my desk by about 7.30am.
Favorite gadget (apart from computer & smartphone): Sat nav – so much less stressful than a map.
Next conference/event you’re planning to attend: A trip to Europe’s biggest dairy museum, at the head office of the world’s largest dairy company. (I specialise in the food industry.)
How many hours per day do you usually work: Probably about 8 or 9. School hours (8.30-4.30 here) plus an hour or two in the evening.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Like many translators, definitely an introvert. I really need to get over my fear of posting things on Twitter!
Are you an early-riser or a night-owl? I’m an early bird – I can get up at 5am without a problem, but I’m generally falling asleep by 10pm!
What do you listen to while you work? The birds in the garden. I have never been able to work to music.
And a few non-work related questions to get more personal 🙂
Your children, incl. names and ages: Sébastien (6) plus 2 step-children: Alexandre (10) and Charlène (16)
Next city/country you want to visit: Now, where shall I start…
Favorite vacation place: Guernsey, Channel Islands – so long as the sun is shining!
Favorite book: A tie between Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and Island Magic by Elizabeth Goudge.
What are you currently reading? French and English food industry trade journals!
Author bio
Caroline Lakey, MITI, is a freelance translator and liaison interpreter based in Mayenne, France. She specialises in business and marketing translations, mainly for the food industry and the property sector, and also provides assistance to local English speakers. You can find her at www.carolinelakey.fr.
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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