On Mar 31, 9:09 am, Declan Murphy <declan_mur...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Having lunch today with a student aiming to become a professional
> translator. Currently in Yamasa's advanced program. Already has a work
> visa, native speaker of English (USA), educated etc. Aims to stay in
> Japan long term. Unsure what advice to give other than "Don't".
> Any suggestions? Last time I was earning my rice bowl through
> translation gigs was back in 1998. The internet has changed the scene
> a lot since then.

Not really within my realms of experience to comment on but your
advice seems spot on.

I get the feeling that having a lot of contacts that need that sort of
thing is really
helpful in keeping the rice bowls coming.  That, and specialising in a
particular field
(law, science, etc.) is beneficial if not really a borderline
requirement.

Is the student capable of doing anything else as a fall back (besides
eikawa of course.)?
Without a lot of contacts and leads, those rice bowls might be few and
far between until
you build up a clientele list.