Insecurity Used to Live Here, But It Moved Out

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At the beginning of my career as a translator, I had a lot of doubts.

And I’m not just talking about linguistic ones — like which word sounds more natural or whether that verb tense makes sense.
I mean deeper, more uncomfortable doubts:
Can I really do a good job? Is this profession right for me?

Insecurity didn’t knock — it barged in.

Over time, I realized insecurity never fully leaves.
It picks a little room and settles in.
It becomes your messy roommate — the one who shows up with inconvenient questions right when you're focused, who spills coffee on your glossary, who whispers “your English isn’t good enough” in the middle of a delivery.

But I also learned that this beast can be tamed.
Study, practice, and experience are like a good trainer: they help keep that creature in its place.

And more than that, it’s essential to remember that our work goes far beyond words.
It involves culture, context, deadlines, the (often unclear) expectations of authors and clients — and, of course, our own internal pressure.

Some insecurities are almost universal among translators.
If you’ve ever felt any of these, know you’re not alone:

• Constant comparisons with more experienced colleagues or those with different backgrounds
• Scarce feedback (or that one negative review you remember for years)
• Struggles with client outreach and retention
• The feeling of always falling behind — the infamous FOMO

Dealing with insecurity isn’t about eliminating it. It’s about living with it more peacefully.
Here are a few strategies that have worked for me:

• Normalize it: Insecurity is part of the process. Its presence doesn’t invalidate your work.
• Anchor yourself in what you’ve already done: Keep a portfolio, write a journal, exchange ideas with peers — they’ll remind you of your journey.
• Keep learning — with balance: Never stop growing, but don’t wait for perfection to act.
• Celebrate small wins: Finished a tough translation? Landed a new client? Spotted and fixed a sneaky false friend? That deserves recognition — even if you’re the only one who sees it.

Translation, like any profession, has its challenges. Some are technical, some are human — but most of them walk hand in hand with insecurity. And when we learn how to deal with it, we also learn how to face many of those challenges more calmly.

Insecurity may still show up unannounced — but you get to decide whether to offer it coffee... or lock the door and carry on with your day.



Curious about how I can help bring your book to Brazilian readers?
Explore my portfolio and editorial services here.

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