Ever feel like you’re juggling more projects than ever, yet your income isn’t reflecting the effort? That's because working more doesn’t always mean more earnings.
Check your client list over the past few years.
Chances are, most of your income comes from just a handful of clients. And most of your stress comes from the rest. That’s the 80/20 rule in action.
What To Do Now
Identify projects and clients where you’re overworked. Underpaid. Exhausted.
The solution isn’t to work harder. It’s to apply the 80/20 rule. Focus on the 20% of projects that generate 80% of your results. And learn to say no to the 80% that drain your energy without rewarding you.
Dive deeper into applying the 80/20 rule in your translation business → Read the full article.
Community Voice
Last week, we asked translators: What’s the healthiest response to unfair MTPE rates?
54% said negotiate for fair pay
26% said say no and walk away
13% said push for industry reform
Only 7% said accept to stay competitive
Translators’ Journal
The majority of translators are waking up to a hard truth: low rates are unsustainable. Negotiating or walking away isn’t just bold — it’s how professionals protect their skills and sanity. MTPE isn’t “easy editing”; it’s real translation work that deserves real compensation.
Next time a low MTPE offer lands in your inbox, don’t reflexively accept. Assess, negotiate, and know your bottom line before committing.
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Until next week,
Translators’ Journal
Giving translators what they need to succeed
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