The lazy, hazy days of summer linger around until late September. But vacation soon comes to an end, and students go back to school soon…

Well, not all students. It has been four months since I completed my translation certificate. Since then, I’ve been trying to find myself work. To date, I have had some success. I must say, though, that work has been slow on my end of the rope, particularly during the months of July and August. I have attempted, but so far failed, to obtain any part-time jobs. What will September have in store for me? For one thing, I have been busy contacting a number of potential businesses to offer my services as a freelancer (translator, writer, editor). Let’s hope that projects start rolling in as early as next week. After all, someone has to pay the bills! I will also continue searching for part-time employment in case freelance projects don’t come to any fruition.

In the short to long term, I have some projects on the table:

• Apply for candidate certification membership through Quebec’s order of certified translators, terminologists, and interpreters, or OTTIAQ;
• Become a member of the American Translators Association (ATA);
• Become a member of the Editors’ Association of Canada’s Quebec/Atlantic Canada chapter;
• Become a member of the Professional Writers of Canada’s Quebec chapter;
• Apply for certification through Quebec’s society of professional writing, or SQRP (yes, writing is an interest of mine);
• Attend a few seminars or workshops offered through a variety of language professional associations.

As the fall progresses, I will certainly have other projects to consider or pursue. Something tells me I’ll have a great fall. I just need to persevere.

Oh, here’s some breaking news: I recently became a friend of the English-Language Arts Network (ELAN). This means that Quebec artists and other aficionados can contact me if they are in need of my language services. I am happy to offer services to a community that interests me most.

And one more thing: I’ll be in Quebec City in mid-September to attend a workshop presented by François Lavallée, a certified translator, professor, and author who lives in the Quebec City region. This workshop is organized by the province’s association of self-employed workers and small language-service businesses, or ATAMESL. I hope to see some of you there!