Stuck and scared

[MunayCrysis]

My line of work is being destroyed by AI 😭 Been self-employed my whole life.
Are temp agencies still a thing? Wondering how I can pick up some hours alongside my freelance stuff to tide me over while I wonder what the hell to do next

Yes temp agencies are still a thing! How old are you and what skills do you have?

Unfortunately it’s going to become more and more common. AI can do 90% of computer based jobs now.

Temp agencies are still very popular with plenty of roles to offer, google whichever one is local to you and sign up online.

Including plucking statistics out of thin air?

Thank you, I'm early 40s and I'm a translator. My income has more than halved in the last two years. I still get book contracts but these are extremely unpredictable - the real loss is the commercial work, which was once my bread and butter and has now reduced to a trickle.
I'm also a writer, but whether it's my own books or translating others' manuscripts, the money/regularity isn't enough: I need something to replace the commercial work.

I've always been really sociable and love people, so I'm actually wondering whether this is an opportunity to find work that gets me away from the desk and out in the world. The thing is being self-employed is something I'm good at, and I'm quite attached to carrying on working for myself. I just feel stuck because I feel too old for a lot of entry-level stuff - like nobody's going to hire me when I don't even have an employer to name, and they could hire a 20-something.

Sorry @OhLaDiDaDiDa I meant to quote the poster below who made up a statistic 🤦‍♀️

What language(s) do you speak? Could you do grinds/tutor work for people at school or college? That way you can still be self employed. You could do regular weekly lessons in groups, and revision courses for GCSE or A Levels in the xmas and easter holidays perhaps

Translators are still used verbally in places like healthcare… phone or face to face.

The nhs use a lot of agency staff to cover many admin roles - check with agencies are local to you and get your CV updated and book some appointments with them and see what they have to offer.

Thats interpreting, its a different job and skill though op may be able to train.

Tutoring is a good suggestion. I do post graduate tutoring and I only take international students doing a Ph.D or a Masters. As English is not their first language they often need help with presenting, getting through their viva and so on. The foreign students are respectful and hard working and they do not query why they are paying in US dollars into an offshore bank account. The service I supply is on an individual basis so each student is different. I charge highly for it. Is there a translation niche where you could supply a similar individualised service?

Could you offer éditorial services post AI ? The people using it cannot be 100% sure the translation is reliable. Get your revenge by using AI to help you build a killer USP. Good luck OP

Since you mention doing something less desk-based could you become a tour guide for visitors from the countries where your languages are spoken?

Hi OP, I am a long-time lurker and this is my first ever post as I can 100% relate and wanted to offer some support!

Like you, I have been a self-employed translator for many years but as you said, AI (plus low rates in general) is destroying the industry. Sadly, I do not see much of a future for our profession 😔

I have just started a part-time admin type role to supplement my income. It wasn't easy to find as anything entry-level and part time is super competitive in my experience. I think what helped me at interview was the fact that I had done some volunteering. Would definitely recommend this as it demonstrates skills like team work and flexibility which employers may be concerned about when someone has been self-employed for a long time.

And yes, temp agencies are still a thing. I signed up with one a while ago and they offered me a couple of roles. However, they were both full time which wasn't an option for me. Definitely worth a try though.

Sending solidarity OP, you are not alone!

Same here OP! Good luck! Following for advice.
My friends and I have seen the obliteration of our erstwhile decent careers in the past couple of years - publishing, editorial, proofreading, graphic design, tv production, photography etc. We’ll all be signing up to temp agencies 😫

@HappyHermit3170 I'm so sorry you're going through this too. It's an absolutely horrible feeling, and as well as the financial insecurity, it feels so degrading to have once been valued for skills that are now seemingly seen as utterly irrelevant.

Thanks all for your input! This might seem like a random stream of consciousness but here goes!

I'm not confident about interpreting as an alternative as sadly I have many friends who are interpreters, and AI is coming for them, too.

With tutoring, are the platforms any good, or are you setting up on your own?

One of my special skills (😂) that never got exercised as a translator is I'm able to very quickly build rapport with pretty much anyone from any walk of life, and get them feeling comfortable/opening up.

One of my favourite jobs back when I was a student was working reception at hotels (which is also a good opportunity to use your languages) but again: who's going to hire me when they could hire a 20-something?

Part of me wonders whether I should look into becoming an estate agent. Obviously I'd have to start off in house but maybe it could be a good option for someone who likes people and wants to ultimately be self-employed. But then how long do estate agents have in this new AI world?

Another random idea (can you see how I'm frantically thrashing around): I was considering trying to run experiences (via Airbnb or something?) in my city.

What about looking into interpreting for the Police? When they have someone in custody they ask if they need an interpreter.
I bet the money is quite good for that.
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