[tkgally]

I worked as a freelance translator from age 28 to 48, when I was offered a faculty position at a university. There would be a big drop in income and I was hesitant about cutting contacts with several clients I had worked for for years, but the offer came at just the right time in my life: the kids were nearly out of school, the house was almost paid off, and translation, while still paying well, had gradually become less interesting to me. The university job was only for a fixed term at first, but I took it because it seemed more stimulating. I also figured that, if my contract wasn't renewed, I could always return to freelancing and build a new set of clients.

The university job worked out in the end. I got tenure after a few years, and I had many more opportunities to learn and to interact with interesting people than if I had continued as a freelancer. I retired from the university earlier this year at the age of 65.

Looking back, I am glad I made that change when I did. But I still remember how nervous I was the day in September 2005 when I emailed my long-term translation clients and told them I couldn't accept work from them anymore.