The Translator's Survival Kit

Inevitably, you will want to brave the elements and actually leave your house. Don’t be afraid; many translators have left their homes and lived to tell the tale. It’s a dangerous enterprise, though, so make sure you’re properly equipped. Here is a non-exhaustive list of essential items that will help you survive “out there”.

1) Shoes.
Yes, I know your slippers are so much more comfortable, but these days, fashion-conscious pedestrians wear more robust footwear with soles and actual laces.

2) A coat
Note: Only in winter.

3) Combed hair.

4) Pants.
Note: Make sure to pull and zip them up. The "ankle look" went out of fashion while you were pulling an all-nighter to finish that text on O-ring selection.

5) A dictionary.
Someone may say a word that you don’t know the translation for.

6) Pen and paper.
Someone may say a word you can use in a future translation.

7) Your cell phone.
In case your six-year-old needs to call you from her cell phone. Clients won't call you on your cell phone. They will leave an incomprehensible message on your answering machine and then give the job to someone else ten minutes before you get back.

8) Your laptop.
You might have about two minutes to spare while waiting in line at Wal-Mart. Put it to good use – churn out three lines’ worth of work!

9) Your PDA.
The CEO of General Electric may be waiting in line behind you, see what you’re doing and want to give you his number.

10) Your business cards.
The CEO may not have his PDA on him. Carry at least five hundred – better safe than sorry.

11) A bottle of water.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.