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Could you have more than one job in different fields?
This may be a silly question, but I wonder if you could take more than one job in different fields, such as being a translator and an artist. These examples are careers I'm interested in, though I do not know if they would overlap or make things difficult in my schedule.
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5 answers
Updated
Abdul’s Answer
Hi Keira!
As someone who's bilingual and works multiple jobs at the same time (a full-time job and freelance gigs)—albeit it's in the same field—I might be able to offer some perspective on that.
Short answer: You can totally have multiple jobs, even in different fields! But it comes with a couple of caveats. You'll need good time management skills and to accept that you might gain experience in a field at the expense of the other one.
Longer answer: You can find a path that overlaps both of your interests, like working in a bilingual publication as an artist, or becoming an artist that incorporates different languages in designs (my friend designed this a while ago incorporating Arabic and English lettering https://ibb.co/hHb1Vpy), become a bilingual graphics designer (it is sometimes a plus or even required in some cases when applying to jobs), or even all of the above!
I hope my input helps with whatever decision you make in the future!
As someone who's bilingual and works multiple jobs at the same time (a full-time job and freelance gigs)—albeit it's in the same field—I might be able to offer some perspective on that.
Short answer: You can totally have multiple jobs, even in different fields! But it comes with a couple of caveats. You'll need good time management skills and to accept that you might gain experience in a field at the expense of the other one.
Longer answer: You can find a path that overlaps both of your interests, like working in a bilingual publication as an artist, or becoming an artist that incorporates different languages in designs (my friend designed this a while ago incorporating Arabic and English lettering https://ibb.co/hHb1Vpy), become a bilingual graphics designer (it is sometimes a plus or even required in some cases when applying to jobs), or even all of the above!
I hope my input helps with whatever decision you make in the future!
Updated
nancy’s Answer
Yes, you can! It will just take some consideration on your part because if you decide to juggle multiple jobs, you will come across multiple points where you would have to prioritize one over the other. Therefore I think some skills like organization and time management are extremely crucial and will help you immensely.
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Stephan’s Answer
Absolutely. Many freelancers enjoy the freedom of being able to work in different areas that they are interested in and have proficiency in.
I know a lot of translators who also work as language teachers, writers, musicians, artists, even actors. The more services you can provide, and the more interests you have, the better. And then you can always decide which of your different capabilities you like the best; that could be the one(s) where you can make the most money, where you learn the most, where you are the happiest. Having a portfolio of different fields and industries can only help you.
I know a lot of translators who also work as language teachers, writers, musicians, artists, even actors. The more services you can provide, and the more interests you have, the better. And then you can always decide which of your different capabilities you like the best; that could be the one(s) where you can make the most money, where you learn the most, where you are the happiest. Having a portfolio of different fields and industries can only help you.
Updated
Gisele’s Answer
Oh yes you can! So much was said here, but just wanted to add another point: having different jobs can boost your career. A translator will need somehow skills from the artist, like the creativity and to be a good artist skills from translation would be very nice too.
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Justin’s Answer
Hi Kiere - Abdul and Nancy are absolutely correct. Yes, you can! You get to choose what to prioritize in your life and where to apply your time/energy/passion. It can be difficult, and you may be met with situations where you need to choose one or the other, but that is no different than anything else in life. For example, I’ve worked for the Golden State Warriors for over a decade, and I’ve always wanted to work in sports. But that’s my second part time job. My main career is in tech at Cisco, and where I spend most of my working time (and where I get most of my compensation). I know plenty of artists and language scholars, and most work multiple jobs. My brother teaches language at a middle school and pursues his other language passions outside of teaching. You have every opportunity to create the life and career that you want. Good luck!