Are you really an interpreter?

By Matheus A. Freitas

I still remember the kid I was at 18, working on my first interpreting job, in-person with a church in the city of Jundiaí-Brazil. That was my first time in real life with a native speaker who needed me to be her interpreter across the bustling streets of Jundiaí. Nervous, excited–that kid had no idea what was waiting—a journey that would lead to becoming an international interpreter, digital nomad, and a voice reaching over 10,000 interpreters every week. But back then? I was just trying to get a foot in the door.

Life’s twists are funny. I took jobs I hated, taught English to people who barely wanted to learn, and nearly burned out wondering if this “passion for language” thing would ever pay off. Then one day, everything shifted.

It reminds me of a violinist playing his heart out on a busy street where few would stop to listen, and he would make a few coins at best. But take that same violinist and put him on a concert stage, and suddenly, he’s respected, well-paid, and celebrated—even though he’s the same person, with the same talent. That’s what happened to me when I became an interpreter. Same skills, but a whole new stage.

How long have you been interpreting for? What obstacles have you fought through?

And if you’re looking for a place to connect with others who get it, join the Interpreter HUB, a project with the vision to become the biggest interpreter community in the world. Let’s make our mark together.

Do you feel like you're on that big stage with your career or are you playing on the street for a few coins?