Even though we've been running our business through its European sister company since 2002, Judy didn't join Dagmar in full-time entrepreneurship until last year. From 2003 until 2008, Judy worked full-time as an in-house translation department manager for a large e-commerce corporation and ran Twin Translations on the side. August 31, 2008, marked her last day in corporate America. Today, August 31, 2009, is the first anniversary of Judy's full-time entrepreneurship. A few thoughts:
- It's been an amazing year, even though we picked an economically difficult time
- There isn't enough money in the world to make up for the joy of being in control of your own destiny
- We've acquired dozens of new clients and hundreds of new projects
- We debuted this translation blog
- Judy debuted her "Entrepreneurial Linguist" workshop, which she's now given ten times across the U.S. and Europe
- Judy was elected Vice President at the Nevada Interpreters and Translators Association
- Published five articles in high-circulation translation newsletters, including the ATA's Chronicle and the ITI's Bulletin
- Enjoyed all the freedom of working from anywhere thanks to wifi (pool, cofffe shop, etc.)
- Took a working vacation to Europe for seven weeks in the spring
- Still counting blessings
Even though being an entrepreneur, especially in these tough economic times, is a huge challenge, we're both really proud of how far we have come. We will most likely earn less income this year than in our highest-grossing years (2006 and 2007), but we are doing what we love, working with whom we like best: each other and our fabulous clients. Thanks to everyone for all their support and for giving Judy the kick in the butt to make a long-overdue decision.
8 comments:
Happy Anniversary!! If you can make it during this year, you're all set. Can't wait for the release of the Entrepreneurial Linguist!
Congratulations and many happy returns.
Congratulations to my twinnies! Your worldwide tech support ;-)
What great achievements in just one year. I think the beginning of September is a perfect time to look back on the year, congratulate yourself for your successes and think about where you want next year to take you. We'll all be writing our 2010 business plans in the upcoming months, and reflecting on past achievements and areas for improvement will be great fodder for the BP 2010!
Congratulations! I am a regular reader of your blog. This is more interesting for me as I too consider my self as an entrepreneurial Linguist.
I am also running a blog for translators.
I am looking for your book.
=Ostom
Hooray! A great year, and I'm so psyched for you both. And you're an inspiration--I begin a 9-week course for small business start-ups soon so that the nuts and bolts won't keep scaring me away from freelance and freedom!
Thanks, everyone, for your wonderful comments. We really appreciate it!
@Lynn: can't wait to hear more about your course. You will be the best cool, hip photographer (pets?) on the East Coast! I just know it.
What a year! Congratulations on taking the plunge.
I too am a regular reader of your blog. Thanks for all the tips and tales!
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