Dylan
The Best Career for a Lover of Language
Hello everyone! I was just wondering what a good career would be for someone with my hobbies/skillsets/shortcomings.
I am an aspiring polyglot, specifically with Korean, Spanish, Mandarin, Hindi, German, Italian, French, Portuguese, English (Native), Japanese, and Russian. As of posting this question, I am fluent in Spanish and English, and conversational in French.
I love learning languages. I can't really explain why, but I just love it; I don't know if it's because it's like a puzzle, or because I get to communicate with other people around the world, but I just love language and want to learn as many different ones as that I can fit into my head!
Another passion I have is the written word in particular. While this does relate to the aforementioned point, I relate this more to writing and composition. I love making great stories and copy that people enjoy reading. I feel that what entices me about this the most is the creative-aspect of it-I love being able to create new things.
I also love to help people. I've had a lot of caregiving jobs in the past, and I feel that this part of me is what attracts these types of occupations. However, one problem with this is the physical part of the job-taking care of elders is great until I have to help them in the bathroom. As a germaphobe, eventually these jobs got to me, as they typically entailed cleaning/sanitizing of some sort, leading to some icky situations. A job where I help people by means that isn't physical (teaching?) would be a great fit, I feel.
All I know is my dream job is related to those 3 things. I've thought of translating/writing/teaching, but I wanted to know if there are any specific jobs or industries I should look into.
Now, for my shortcomings.
Firstly, I am a very emotional person. An occupation where this would jeopardize my success should be avoided. To further develop on this, by emotional I mean that I tend to let my emotions get the best of me, meaning that occupations where my emotions would be tested, such as a surgeon or therapist, would probably not be good for my mental health. (I am diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, as well as OCD.)
Another shortcoming I have is that I get easily stressed out/overwhelmed. The more welcoming and low-stress an environment is, the better, as I do not thrive in high-stress environments. An ideal environment would be one where it's very team-oriented and everyone has great synergy, and there's little conflict, and any conflict is effectively worked through, as opposed to less productive solutions.
Finally, I procrastinate. A lot. I know that most people do this, but I have a very big problem with this. I know that a more favorable solution to this shortcoming would be to work on it, but I mention it here to give some more detail to my profile and help understand how I am in the workspace.
Lastly, anything manual-labor oriented should be disregarded. The less amount of physical exertion in an occupation, the better. It's not that I don't enjoy exercise (I walk a mile a day outside to stay kinda "in shape") I just see myself as more of a mental worker than a physical worker, if that makes sense. I also don't tend to do very good work that is manual, such as cleaning/repairing/moving. It's not my strong suit.
Some other interests that weren't covered include video games, traveling, and beauty/fashion. These interests are not as strong as language/writing for me, but they're still significant hobbies.
Lastly, I don't plan on having kids or a family (I'm lGbt if that matters), so an occupation with a lower salary isn't a deal breaker. I also am willing to relocate to pretty much anywhere for any amount of time-a nomadic lifestyle is somewhat appealing to me.
Again, all of these points are ideals, meaning that, obviously I don't expect to find a job that's perfect for me, but rather I'm trying to find a career that would compliment my traits best. Thank you for any help!
#career #careeradvice #career-advice
-Dylan
9 answers
Brenn M. Simonen
Brenn M.’s Answer
First, thank you for offering "shortcomings" as this is challenging for many to even admit to themselves, much less post them here on CareerVillage for all to see. I applaud you for that strength of self and the ability to be vulnerable. Both of these traits take courage.
Second, what kept rolling in my mind while reading your post is an "online blogger/article writer. Your words flowed from topic to topic and pulled me in, and I wanted to keep reading, thinking, "why is this person?" It's that kind of natural talent that makes a good writer great. When operating a blog, it is so essential that your readers can't wait to hear what you have to say next. And it's even better when they want to share your words with friends to grow your audience. You can be a self-employed Blogger/Writer, or you could be hired by a company to represent their product, ideology, and forecast trends to their audience. Blogging or writing articles for companies checks off a lot of your boxes. I've used your words below:
1. I get to communicate with other people around the world
2. ...passion I have is the written word in particular
3. I love making great stories and copy that people enjoy reading.
4. the creative-aspect of it-I love being able to create new things
5. A job where I help people by means that isn't physical would be a great fit.
6. I've thought of translating/writing/teaching
Now to respond to your list of shortcomings:
1. I am a very emotional person (Let it pour out on paper and pull your readers in.)
2. I get easily stressed out/overwhelmed.
--With operating your own business, you dictate your time. If working for an organization, you often know in advance how many articles/blogs/short stories you have to submit monthly, and that reduces the stress of the unknown.
3. I procrastinate.
--This can be a good thing for those types of writers who purge greatness onto paper while under a time crunch. (Like me) Or you may consider the ideas in this article by The National Writing Project. This study was given to me by a friend of mine, who is a College Writing Professor.
https://archive.nwp.org/cs/public/print/resource/456
All the best with your endeavors, and feel free to reach out to me with additional questions.
Brenn
Thank you so much for the response! Your comment on my writing touched me-thank you!
Thankfully, freelance writing is definitely something I see myself doing for a living.
-Thanks again, Dylan
Dylan
Dylan,
You are most welcome. I'm excited to see where your passion for language and writing leads you. I am a Arts and Letters Major, so I know how the writing bug can bite, and never let go. Enjoy the journey. All the best!
~CoachBrenn
Brenn M. Simonen
Michelle Paitich
Michelle’s Answer
Another is to consider what companies or countries could benefit from your skills. For example, if you love Korean, look into the Korean companies and industries that could benefit from your skills. Conversely, look at international companies that are expanding to the US. I worked in Hong Kong because my skillset was one that a company needed. Once I was there, recruiting firms had companies from Australia to Japan willing to pay for a visa for me to work in any number of Asian countries due to my background, so also look at recruiting companies that specialize in industries and countries you're interested in.
Finally, a lot of the recommendations here would enable you to really live and work from anywhere https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/07/top-companies-hiring-for-remote-roles.html
Best of luck! Please reach out if you want to chat or have other questions.
christine mellis
christine’s Answer
First I want to say that I am so impressed with your self awareness! This is rare in young people so pat yourself on the back for this!
The first thing that came into my mind when I read your info was that you would make a great travel writer.
Have you ever seen Rick Steve's travel videos ?
You sound like a Rick Steve to me!
You might want to look at some travel magazines to see the type of writers that they hire.
You can write, be a nomad , enjoy travelling and help people all at the same time.
There are writers who write the travel guides like Frommers, Lonely Planet , Fodor's - You might want to
check them out and see how they write.
When I travel I am always grateful for the information provided by these travel writers!
Just something to think about.
Best of luck to you!
Chris
christine recommends the following next steps:
Tom Behan
Tom’s Answer
You could do this from home. Also as mentioned above there are a TON of companies needing daily translation. Amazon comes to mind, so does virtually any other company doing international business.
Here's another idea. Learn Mandarin and then use that skill to approach Chinese companies wanting Mandarin translated to English. You can speak their language and that will be impressive. Should open a lot of doors for you. 祝好运。Zhù hǎo yùn.
Justin Fan
Justin’s Answer
Livia Thayna Pino
Livia Thayna’s Answer
I'm also very passionate about languages.
I would recommend thinking about your soft skills: negotiation, communication, and input.
Do you know the 16 personalities test? https://www.16personalities.com/
According to your profile, they give you some possibilities of a career based on your answers and you can get a full map.
I would recommend the travel agent or blogger but you need to think about what is a daily basis for these people.
Best of luck!
Lora Bennett
Lora’s Answer
You would work at your editors pace and have someone holding you accountable (I find this to be helpful when I'm procrastinating).
Travel Agent- Sales is tough of course but you could use your skills to help write about the culture and experience you will have at the destination.
Marketing for a company that is international and domestic. Such as Nintendo. You use your language knowledge and learn video game making.
This is a very "niche" skill and you will need to study specific reasons why you like these languages. Use that as a road map
Also your short comings are very normal of a young person just starting in life, however, no one is responsible for overcoming those short falls except you.
Good luck!
Jason Rechtman, MA, MBA, LPC
Jason’s Answer
Sunny H
Sunny’s Answer
I was impressed by your interest in multiple languages! I think it will definitely take you a long way if you have talents in languages. I majored in Chinese language for my bachelor's degree and have been exposed to a lot of different industries.
Translator/interpreter: This is definitely the career that most language lovers would try to find their first job experience. I joined the language association when I was in college and it opened up a lot of opportunities to work as a translator. There are different events such as trade consultation events and electronics fairs and I could help them build relationships with the buyers and expand their business markets.
International business: Some companies have departments called "international business/global business" and they deal with overseas marketing, merchandising and trades with other countries. It will give you a variety of experience on how to communicate with the people in different locations, understand cultural differences and managing clients' orders. You will have more direct interactions with the foreign clients in this job field.
Language teacher/instructor: If you are interested in teaching and helping people successful, this will be your fit. As you know, this job needs a certain degree or certificate to become a teacher. You may would like to teach English in a foreign country if you like living in a diverse environment. From my experience, I have met great professors and teachers in the either college or language academy and they really helped me get where I am now.
I wish you the best luck in your future!