Category: freelance translation

Good Problems

NOVEMBER 21, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
Image: Pixabay

I HAVEN’T QUITE GOTTEN THE CHANCE to try supplementing my income as a potentially reduced income earner (though it could also go the other way). Between getting a considerable amount of freelance translation work and still being able to help out at my old company, my schedule is not lacking for variety of activities. Not even a little bit.

During such a globally taxing time, finding time for balance is hardly a bad predicament. I realized this early on and though I may perhaps be sleep deprived from time to time, I am pretty hell bent on getting this right or as near to right as possible. Getting to work on all the projects I like and being able to help people (which at times is mutually inclusive) is all worth the effort to me. I am intrigued how time for family and friends and personal well-being is recurring throughout my days, because I am working on the former good habits while embracing the bad ones of, let’s say, perhaps maybe too much chocolate.

Finding time, due to there being several opportunities and many resources to explore, is quite a good issue to have. The circumstances are rather nice when transitioning from one work mode of 9ish to 5ish to whatever a freelancing schedule will look like. Taking the leap when the advice is to lock down my traditional role in what seems an especially unpredictable time has been destabilizing for me but at the same time, so rejuvenating.

With a little understatement, it shall be interesting to see how I do when I am just freelancing soon, or at least doing it 90% of the time. However, since I have been given the chance, I am thankfully embracing the continued multi-tasking of gradually transitioning just a bit longer from one step to the next.

Such is my way of life for now. In the interim, some considerable progress has been made, sometimes quite substantial progress. At times, my day is even organized. Deadlines are actually met and in retrospect, I realize I have accomplished a lot more than anticipated.

#travel goals:

I am picturing, like many circumstances, this transition period will be done before I know it. Still, I am pleased with the opportunity to make things easier for my now almost former team, while simultaneously designing a new lifestyle, almost nomadic, almost traveling, and largely flexible.

Currently, this is just about finding time for everything among translating, networking, eventual volunteering, travel, and some other projects. We shall see. Socializing (virtually and social distancing) is not to be forgotten. I am realizing the significance of this even more so, during a pandemic.

I am putting together my seemingly unruly schedule. My head is connecting with the pillow even more. There is a lot to be done but I already notice the flexibility in my choices. Now, I choose to work diligently on my new goals, both work and non-work related. Cheers to yet another chapter on managing me and to you for coming along. Your time is always appreciated.

Time Well Spent

OCTOBER 31, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
Image credit: bertvhul on Pixabay

…Cassandra Johnson has resigned her position with the association, her last day will be Monday, November 2.  We are sorry to see Cassandra depart the association, but wish her well! Thank you-

Above is how the announcement to my colleagues read.

The letter to my Director read:

…Thanks for our talk! It has been a pleasure getting to work with you and I appreciate all your support. I am going to take this time to continue focusing my time around traveling and volunteering. I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to meet so many dynamic and committed people, both as members and as colleagues and I will miss you and [the company]. I would like my last day to be November 2, 2020. I thank you for some very well-spent time.

The nervousness was intense as I went back and forth on the moment I knew this was right.

I am grateful I was able to step through the experience when in some ways, life remains seemingly easy when it is more predictable. Equally, I am also truly grateful for the opportunity to work at this last company for five years, This is not to say work was simply easy, but there have been plenty of nice times with plenty of cool people.

Following an even lengthier time of working away in various offices, I am surprised at how I no longer seem to be as nervous as guessed I would be upon leaving. Opening this next chapter feels more like a personal evolution.

Everyone is different and every soul requires something uniquely personal to grow. It could be inside an office or far from one.

I am interestingly satisfied and hungry at the same time. There is no blueprint because none of our paths can be exactly the same. I have no one to follow exactly. Still I am seeing how excitement overtakes the nerves and I am sensing the possibilities in being even more myself. Now it is a week from yesterday (updated) that will be my last one at work and changing careers for me has become more unorthodox than ever. Still I have my fellow travelers like many of you and nomads alike who inspire me and let me know what is possible. More to come. More to grow. Thank you for your time spent with me.

This Is It

OCTOBER 20, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

This is what I have most likely concluded: I am just about two weeks away from walking away and stepping into my new uncertain schedule. I am excited and deeply nervous. Notice the two weeks or rather the two-week notice.

Will I work? I would say I am interestingly unprepared because I have very little lined up for stability aside from some very interesting prospects which I developed on my side hustling detours.

My calculation: Being nomadic with one or two home bases. That is ideal.

One note about the objective: I have already learned a lot about myself and my process when it comes to working for myself. It is both encouraging and scary.

The question is how will I sharpen my skills and finally turn into the leisure traveler and volunteer, who has big plans but a fairly open agenda.

Nothing is written in stone. Thank goodness. Will I be back to an orthodox life? I hope not. My goal may change, and I welcome new knowledge. My goal may become a variation on a theme.

Okay, but truly how vague is this blog entry going to get? 😊 You know the key elements: freelancing, nomadic, traveling-when-it-is-safe-to-do-so, and a pending notice to give up my current work life as I have known it. I am so accustomed to working a certain way, I sense life will be odd, yet I cannot ignore a growing excitement.

Right now, I also have my eye out for the gigs which are most supportive of me, as my true self, as my new lifestyle is growing. I need the support of all things less draining and which actually fill me with energy. I can tell the difference. This drive compels me, and I feel less washed out. I feel like I can work longer or like I do not always need to work so hard, and rest comes much more naturally. These days it sometimes just feels like exhaustion and I suspect that to be more so from the mental gymnastics.

For now, this is it. I laid out a lot in my related posts below but just as much as I do not know the details of what is next, I am leaving this open.

– except to say thanks to you.

Your time is always appreciated.

*image: Canva designed + Cassandra written

Almost

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

Time to appreciate where I am now and where I am heading. This weekend, I get to experiment.

Since I have been inundated with work, spilling into the weekends, I am taking this weekend back for me, and not in a traditional way. I aim to be working harder, which is not always tempting when there is finally time for rest. I have got some freelancing to do and I am encouraged to focus on this for a while.

I simply must answer to me but in a way much less like myself as the worker bee with little flexibility. The preparation is for a steady transition. I understand steady may not happen. Mainly, I get to enjoy my work and share more of it as well.

I get to do this and plan for my next trip. With my vision aimed towards more travel and community, I am now looking at Helping Hands in Puerto Rico or a similar organization. Perhaps almost exactly one anniversary away from the time I volunteered with IVHQ will be the perfect timing. I was recently reminded by the posts of a temporary roommate and co-volunteer I met there. The various comments and his vivid pictures remind me. Our objectives seem similar. We wish to keep seeing the world, being of some service and enjoying the life we have to share.

*Pixabay images

Adding Up

SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

Organizing for work on Saturday reminded me I can do more of this for myself at home. Streamlining my day was first on my agenda on Monday, my first true workday after a weekend.

Some tasks are excessive, I am realizing. I need to unravel them. I may just be used to extra challenges in a so called “hard working day” when the struggle is not always so necessary. The words are red tape, endless paperwork, and protocol to name a few.

The overanalysis and fear of outcomes can take a step back as well.  I desire so much for all of us to be okay, but the control I have is mainly with me. There has been a rewarding shift towards my own passions and creativity, such as translating and writing. Traveling is to be continued soon hopefully😊. Looking forward to meeting more of the world and sharing it accordingly.

continues tomorrow:

Introspections: What I Discovered in a Side-Hustling Detour

AUGUST 29, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

Canva.com image

I have added several, (perhaps too many additional tasks) that translate into potential income. The last few weeks have given me the opportunity to sort through some obstacles and create a few more as well.

Not only did I discover a bit more regarding my objectives, I also unraveled some more of my own psychology when it comes to transitioning from a basic standard work life to a more freelancing nomadic one.

Allowing for a scenario which would enable me to volunteer more broadly in addition to traveling leisurely has not been hard on the imagination at all. My efforts were intense.

My conclusions were quite intriguing.

  1. Turns out, I am one person (albeit energetic).

Easily matching my passions for traveling, my culture and many other cultures is my interest in translating. However, suddenly combining freelance assignments with already required work threw me off balance for a bit. How would I reconcile my time with what I had been conditioned to believe sustains me versus taking a chance on a freer style workflow? More freedom could also mean more risk. Alternatively, there might be more opportunity than what is currently available.

Fortunately, my random juggling did not end in the easy temptation to give in and set my new attempts aside. Strange that life would seemingly be simpler if I stay with what appears certain. However, the bigger challenge has been staying and wondering.

The challenges of freelancing can be grueling yet exciting. Perhaps there is less stability. What about the possibility to gain much more? Self-direction and choosing the most appealing projects speak to freedom once again. The path becomes clearer. The outcome may do the same. Eventually.

I digress and return to my first clear lesson of seeing myself operating as one person. I can pull off a certain amount of work in a particular time frame. I should keep up the work but not overextend myself. I can draw from considerable resources, including other professionals and enhance my process.

2. Accountability Leads to Greater Efficiency: As I delved into taking on more, I saw how much more I was capable of doing. Prior to being given multiple projects (outside of my day job), I would unwittingly stall, carefully trying to pick the perfect project or some otherwise perfect side gig. Too carefully.

Reaching out, submitting my credentials, and suddenly being connected with a different kind of company caused me to work readily and be more accountable. My natural work ethic would drive me to fulfill their requirements as well as those of the end clients.

Still, more lessons were to be learned. The tools and techniques I can incorporate into my future process have been noted and I know there will be more to come.

The encouraging side note was seeing the many existing opportunities and the increasingly better ways to prepare for them.

The workflow would have also been more than reasonable without previous obligations. I have to wonder about those obligations not being there and if I am impeding some of the steps along the way.

3. Self-Acknowledgement Is Needed: The best reminder to give myself credit is the encouragement I receive from family and friends and it is my pleasure to offer the same.

A motivating factor in going forward is self-reflection. Looking back and enjoying the present with all the attempts made and the objectives reached means we all can be strong messengers for ourselves. Challenges can be daunting and recognizing what has been accomplished reinforces our drive.

Following my all-nighters, I remembered the importance of credit for just the attempts. If we can recognize the diligent work of others, we can see our own hard work as well. Getting some parts right and getting some of them wrong helps the process. Turns out, we are capable of so much. Thank goodness for a detour. Thank goodness for the opportunities outside the box.

Arrival Ready

JUNE 26, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
from Inside Cuba in 2016: A Lot Can Happen in 10 Days

The heat became intense during our summer trip through Cuba. I can see why so many air conditioners were part of the luggage our co-passengers were bringing back. Each of our private home rentals (our casas particulares) had a window unit which we used only at night. Perhaps even some or a lot of the people on our flight offered home stays as well. There was quite the network of people involved in the tourist industry, which could include various types of sightseeing, tours, and transportation. As a result, there was typically no shortage of places to stay, places to go or ways to get there. We just needed the proper negotiating and timing.

We lost a couple of half-days on no-luck negotiating. Some good ways to save money were teaming up and splitting rides with 3 or more people in addition to splitting tours. Once inside various cities, we could get to a lot of places on foot, in the local cabs (vintage cars), public city buses or in the more interesting one driver two-seater vehicles.

I had messaged the owner of our first casa particular, Dignora, to let her know our flight was delayed a couple of times so the driver she had arranged for us would stay informed and most importantly not leave us. He didn’t. I handed KT a blue “mosquito repellent” bracelet that looked more akin to the old school coil key chains and I kept the pink one for myself.

Our driver was there, waiting calmly. Our bags retrieved, I spotted him right away. He was holding a makeshift sign – a couple of the letters in our names not quite right. Suddenly, I sensed things were falling into place. If I wasn’t trying to be off the grid, I would have been my regular enthusiastic traveling self from the beginning, but my ease came in waves. Once we reached the sky over Cancun, I was more self-assured and seeing the driver, knowing we were on our way gave me complete comfort. (I figured I would worry later about jumping through a couple more hoops on the way back.)

The driver was mixed in with a group of other people with signs plus those without signs who seemed to have no one in particular to pick up. They were searching and offering. One of them randomly said, “Cassandra”, smiling after he saw the exchange between me and ­­­­­­our driver, who led us out quickly, very purposefully. We stopped off at a money exchange kiosk outside the station. The driver was super chill again, directing us over and then smiling, waiting.

Enter and Exit the Fortress:

There was a safe friendly energy surrounding Havana. I know our Wi-Fi access was limited and the country entities were very much state-run. Still, in addition to feeling free from any potential harm, I felt free to explore.

When I write about fortress, however, I am even more specifically picturing Dignora’s house. We had to walk up a few flights to get to the communal area, and back to our room, which was one of about four rooms in her casa particular. Walking up that many steps with my pink duffel back and my suitcase and my backpack was a workout, but I was thrilled. My friend was feeling the climb too. He said, “For real”, when we turned yet another corner on the way up.

The walk up was worth it. The view from the terrace was gritty and breathtaking. We would also have breakfast there a few times for an additional 5 CUCs (pesos convertibles) the money for foreigners like us. (I mention more details on the two currencies in my Spontaneous Audio Suggestion).

We left the house on Day 1 in the late evening. We wanted to get in some sights before nightfall, but not before I lost myself in chatting with Dignora and her husband. All our smiles. What fluid feelings going from being nervous before boarding the plane to feeling relieved. Sometimes I swear it feels like I’m revisiting people I’ve never met before. There is something so familial about a lot of the places I’ve stayed and most of the reception seemingly may be both from my enthusiasm for exploring and bringing my own diversity to tourism.

I took out little replicas of both KT and my country’s flags. I handed them to our host. Dignora had explained she enjoyed having them as mementos from everyone who stayed with her. I believe I was her first quasi-lone visitor from the US. KT’s flag was her first Swedish one. She accepted both with pleasure and I realize one of the kindest things anyone can do is welcome you for exactly who you are. 😊

Play Big. Play Often.

APRIL 29, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
Image Credit by Alexas_Fotos on Pixabay

Life being too short and precious, experiencing grief and seeing it unfold reminds me how I want to appreciate what we have. I think about how I want to approach each goal and how I want to simply live and share without overthinking it and without dismissing opportunities.

Whether it be future travels, social connections, or our livelihoods, I’m sure we all have unique expressions to continually bring to the world. This is a place you can always share yours.

This has been a sad time for the world collectively, on every imaginable level. This has also been a time of resilience and revelation. We could take the time to reexamine our goals. We could become better at old skills, learn some new ones. We could take a moment, work on reducing stress and getting rest. We could take care of our souls. I think one part of staying healthy and whole is being aware of the right choices for ourselves as often as possible – figuring out what is true for us and void of external influences. Though we are irreplaceable to one another and we need our environment and our community, awareness can go a dangerous way. We may have found this out very early, when we were in school and perhaps became painfully aware of some difference between us and other classmates. We may have felt it and not been able to verbalize it.

When I wrote similarly about this a few days ago, it seemed as easy as “being true to yourself”. The harder part I know is doing that in the context of working not to be judged, trying not to fail and making sure to have all your needs met. For me, that means I equally haven’t taken 100 percent of the risks which I knew weren’t technically dangerous. The biggest threat was to the seeming comfort of not standing out. However, I’m pleased to have grown older and earned my “RiskySafeTravels”, when for seemingly inexplicable reasons, I don’t question my initial good instincts.

Risks seem tiny and large from day to day even in something like sharing an interest, defending someone, or me dancing before the club has officially transitioned from dinner to party hour.

I never want to encourage others or myself to take risks that put their lives or anyone else’s life in danger, nor take any risks that would alter their social or financial ability to live securely. However, I venture to encourage us to pay attention to natural joy. My joy seemed stifled from time to time, conforming in unwelcome circumstances. I see joy as not being secured from anything purchased or some great compliment we can receive. True, we can delight in such pleasure and appreciate it, but in me, it’s those times of being okay or getting to being okay, no matter what. Self-acceptance and acceptance of others, being creative, immersed in a passion project and talent, it’s just there. It’s just there, complementing a sense of well-being, providing peace and welcoming the kind of challenges that help us grow rather than drain us.

With even more time to reflect, I am interested in taking bigger chances on some skills and experiences I’ve played with just a little here and there. I’m playing two roles this week. One is employee and the second is owner. No surprise that the second needs some more focus. 😊 Not that it’s any less commendable to enhance a quality organization’s mission statement, but truly important to remember your own.

You and Me

APRIL 26, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
Image Credit: Gellinger on PIxabay

Thank you for being here with me again. I’m excited I’ve reached some more subscribers. Sharing my stories here was a bit of a leap of faith. Still is. I appreciate all the encouragement both on this platform and in everyday situations.

I get a message speaking to me every few days and played out in different ways, both verbally and in actions I witness. This is in addition to different overarching and more subtle ones. From some of the influencers I follow, the recurring message is a reminder to be myself in every moment and in case you need the reminder: Also think of what it means to be the real you. Always.

When I was very young, before I knew what a blog was, I wanted to write stories, novels, poems, a book. I loved the play on words. People putting energy and meaning to paper meant the world to me.

I’m fortunate my mom gave me so much encouragement when I would lose myself in what I now know as the source of creativity. Emerging later with a poem, she would be my first audience. She would recall my latest one whenever my aunt was visiting from their home state. “Go and get the poem you wrote.” My heart would be dancing, my feet practically running out from under me. Returning so fast, I would read it proudly, though at the time, I was a shy child developing self-image issues. These are the times I was taller than life.

I got a sense if I could read something, I could learn it. The clarinet naturally aligned with my identity in band and symphony for umpteenth years. I began reading music like the many books I checked out of the local Middletown library. I inhaled them. On one occasion I leaned especially nonfiction, picking up Pelé’s autobiography and a couple of training books, deeming myself officially ready for high school soccer tryouts. There was nothing like the physicality of the conditioning and drills I would endure, and the real world negative and positive experiences. Still, my internalization of words and characters on paper somehow got me to the next and the next, even if that just translated into encouragement and possibilities.

I developed more affinity for the art of language, especially Spanish, as I navigated from junior high to high school. I fancied a vision of some future diplomacy work. Exploring and volunteering would be next. My best-laid plans are in some of my travel stories. Turns out my itineraries were best followed and altered after delving into books, guides and forums like Lonely Planet and National Geographic. Seeing it, (and occasionally planning too much) I finally left to play and live in some spaces I once only imagined.

I see it could be easy to forget even just tiny remnants of what piques our interest before hopefully recalling them again. I know just a few of mine are writing, translating, traveling off-beaten tracks, and connecting with the stories everyone has. What intrigues us doesn’t have to be static, but it’s sometimes helpful, at least for me, to recall that feeling. I sense we all have a sense of what makes us feel alive, when we feel most energetic and interested rather than blasé.

Sometimes, we can look outward and not always fully recall what truly matters the most to us and what we truly want to reflect and share with others. It can happen when trying to fulfill certain everyday expectations and obligations. Every one of us is unique so such metrics can be off putting.

The message coming to me recently from a lot of influencers is that it sometimes took them a while to get back to who they have always been. How easy it is to get caught up when seeking some particular permission or acceptance. Funny how the need to evade rejection or judgement sometimes creeps in or even stuns us.

What I gathered from their lessons is that whether the metrics are perceived or real, the quickest way to the fullest life is being true to yourself in all you do. In turn, you’re true to others. The message was encouraging, seemingly simple, though easily forgotten when moving about the world. A simple reminder I sometimes need when making a choice and a reminder to you in case you ever need it.

Your time is always appreciated. Thank you sharing it here with me. 😊

FYI: For Your Inspiration (Audio)

Spontaneous Suggestion for April 20, 2020:

BY CASSANDRA
I recorded this audio in early April, spontaneously, still no edits as promised.
Image Credits: Hasan Cilingir – Pixabay
Continue reading “FYI: For Your Inspiration (Audio)”