Why I Almost Quit Interpreting! ⎮ ASL Stew

[@ResidentEvilBiohazard]

Things to know about the difference between VRS and Freelance: If you are rather shy, VRS may be your niche. If you are outgoing, Freelance may be your bag.

[@rad_quail]

I worked in mainstream schools for 4 years and then switched to a Deaf school. I'm struggling to understand/voice interpret for the students so its been a struggle for me. I realized working in mainstream made my receptive skills drop after so many years of not voicing very often. Its rough to keep motivated sometimes through my growth period right now. Thank you for your insight and encouragement!

[@worldsokayestcleric4118]

I had something kinda of like that happen, almost completely different. I really wanted to do something with ASL. And since I had an amazing asl teacher in high school that was always supportive so I thought I would do Deaf Ed, so I could be that to some kid,but once I started, I really hated it. I did one semester and i stopped because it was affecting my mental health. I almost gave on sign language because I thought that was issue, I finally figured out that was that i really don't want to be a teacher. Now I am going be going through medical training for two years and then going to get my interpreting license to work in a hospital.

[@AP-jm9ej]

Nice. How’d it go? You liking the hospital? I am going to do vrs work. I like working online at home😅… so yeah

[@toscatattertail9813]

I have worked Medical, Educational, VRS, Religious and Private contract. Each one has it's own positives and negatives. But your success on any of them depends on the opinion of the Deaf and Interpreter Community in your area and how intertwined they are. One misstep can cause problems for decades after the incident happened (i speak from experience). It is not merely a matter of getting the degree, in most states you have to be nationally certified to get your state licence to work in most settings, even private contract. National Certification is an additional year or 2 of study to prepare for the exams ( unless that is included in the curriculum of your interpreter training program). I am not saying this to deter anyone who wants to become an interpreter, i am saying this to let people know it's not something as simple as getting the degree and going to work, you have to be willing to dedicate yourself to the final goal of getting your national certification (in the US) in order to work.

[@alisuzannenewton4384]

Jill, I love your videos. I'm in ASL three right now so I'm just starting. I first started college to become a teacher (and I still do) a few years back, but I kept remembering many times when I wanted to study ASL and deaf culture so I decided why not do both

[@billyriedel6449]

I've never had your experience because I haven't done paid work yet, but I will say I did graduate from an A.S. interpreting program feeling like I wasn't qualified to interpret or that I lacked the skills yet people told I was very ready to interpret. However now I am in a bachelors degree program which is mainly online with one weekend a month onsite during that onsite there is at least one time when we interpret a mock situation with Deaf people who volunteer their time. Plus this semester I meet with a mentor at least once a week and now I feel so ready to work and that yes I can actually interpret it's little things here and there that I need to polish

[@ResidentEvilBiohazard]

Billy Riedel just a note...all interpreters, present company included, always have thing we need to polish...and it can vary with each client. Don't sell yourself short. We're a team and we want you in the field with us.

[@billyriedel6449]

Thanks so much. Yes, I am learning that more and more each day

[@lorrainedusseau5760]

Time to start working.

[@lorrainedusseau5760]

Drop earrings, js

[@MsVampirestories]

I'm currently going through something like that. I'm still in the ITP program, basically just starting out. I'm questioning rather or not to continue and it's not helping that my Intro to Interpreting teacher keeps says "if your not so and so" or "have trouble with so and so" than interpreting isn't for you. I'm also thinking if this is something I truly want to do or if it's something I was pushed into. Originally I wanted to be an author or a journalist. At first I thought others were supportive but looking back I notice none of them actively helped me look for places that had awesome writing programs nor did they actually seemed excited for it. It seemed like they were humoring as than when now they seemed to actually care even before I entered into the interpreting program. However, one day I can't remember how but a friend brought up how I should learn sign language so when I go on book tours I could sign to people there who used sign language as a form of communication. I brought it up with my mom and next thing I knew I had people actively helping me looking for place to become an interpreter. Even when I took a year off I still had people asking when and where I was going to become an interpreter. Suddenly me becoming an author or journalist changed and everyone was focused on me becoming an interpreter. I just felt like I had to go into interpreting and going into a major to improve my skills as a writer was a stupid idea. So now I'm wondering if this is something I personally want to do or if I'm just doing what others want of me. And I want to talk to someone about this but I feel like I would be letting everyone down, if I do. Plus I feel like no one would actually understand what I'm going through and how I feel.

[@jennifermiller8552]

I've been interpreting for 30 years. I started my training individually in 1986 for two years with a fantastic mentor. Back then, though there were ITP's here and there, they were still relatively few in number. I'm also a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), which does not qualify one as an interpreter. I encourage all CODA's to either go to an ITP or, at the very least, shadow an experienced interpreter(s), read everything you can on the subject of interpreting, culture, linguistics, etc. My mentor, who went on to be one of the drafters of the ADA and later served as RID president, really took me under their wing. Looking back, that was such a huge commitment for them to take on and a challenge for me to keep up. In 1988, I began working freelance with my mentor's blessing and obtained my NAD V Master certification a few years later. Several times throughout my career, I've experienced what is described above: dissatisfaction with my work. At first, I questioned my desire to continue the work, but after some self- evaluation, I found there was always something specific that caused those feelings. When I first started out, I was quite young and found myself working alongside some seasoned and experienced interpreters. Even as a native user, the field was still new for me, but I had a fantastic mentor that prepared me well. What I didn't expect was the competitive nature of the business, which I believe my young age contributed to. It wasn't that I couldn't do the work, I was open to learning and took appropriate jobs for my skills. Several years in, I almost walked away from the profession. Looking back, I realized I was projecting my own insecurities of working with such seasoned professionals and thought maybe they resented my working in a field that they had spent years training for. Though that might have been the case, on occasion, mostly I was simply a little thin-skinned and sensitive. This taught me a great lesson. Here I am, years later, and understand fully how important being open to feedback while maintaining a humble confidence can be. I grew what I like to refer to as "alligator skin." It doesn't happen overnight. It came from being ahead of the curve as much as possible in my continuing education and not letting feedback become personal. These are opportunities to grow. I also agree that interpreting is not a "one size fits all" situation. I became cognizant of the areas that caused me stress vs. the specialties that brought the most satisfaction. Truly listen to that inner voice and know that it's ok if you aren't able to comfortably work in ALL situations. To this day, I avoid funerals and weddings... for the same reason: I can't hold back the tears of sadness or joy. I feel it's best to let someone who can maintain composure as opposed to make a scene. Yes, in my early days, I found my limits. Don't give up. You're here for a reason and there's a beautifully fitted niche for each of us. Enjoy the discovery!

[@jennifermiller8552]

Hunter Quinn follow your gut. You can learn both and still write a best-seller!

[@mickiecamp6855]

I have not experienced the interpreting issue like you have...I have in my positions at work where I was before. I know what you mean! I completely understand how you feel. Whatever makes you happy is the way it should be!

[@Crz4wizard]

I almost switched major one semester shy from finishing my Interpreter Training Program. It doesn't quite compare to quitting interpreting but I was really burned-out with the amount of workload.

[@ResidentEvilBiohazard]

Crz4wizard LOL...The ITPs today are intense. I cried several times.

[@lorrainedusseau5760]

You can survive. I got 2 yrs at Gallaudet! Butonn last semester I got migraines and dropped, finished credits...all were scholastic.. a few asl....how bad do you want it??

[@stevenbalkam9149]

Im in the Interpreting program at RIT (Exp: 2024). Im a 3rd year transfer, but im at 1st level. Good info to know!

[@TheJetstone]

Thank you so much for sharing this story!

[@TheStews]

[Jill] Your welcome. Glad you like it.

[@louietoro5360]

Yes, I've thought about changing careers, on more than one occasion. Some experiences in law enforcement makes one think, maybe I should switch jobs. Cool video, thx for sharing.

[@TheStews]

Yeah, it's always an option to switch careers if you are not satisfied (and financially feasible at the time ofc).

[@maritzafrost6332]

I am starting out .. I see your frustration.. I am learning a lot .. still very excited about learning this language.. This is my 3rd Lang. Thank you for sharing!

[@TheStews]

Good luck! So glad you enjoyed.

[@miterball958]

I work in public school system and I have always loved the work.

[@TheStews]

[Jill] That's great you love your work. We need more people in the education system who like their job and therefore do a great job at it. :)

[@HandsThatAreCold]

Agreed! I recently started working in K12. I had resisted it for so long thinking that I would only do community work or VRS, but I ended up really loving this interpreting environment! You just never know :)

[@katiegonzalez3925]

HI, I know this video is from 2018 but I relate to it so much! I joined VRS when I wasn't ready and it took my joy from interpreting. Flash Forward..... I found my niche and actually went back to VRS after more years of experience under my belt and now i love it way more/appreciate it. Thanks for sharing!!! _\,,/

[@TheStews]

Yes me too. I currently only work VRS and it's not as bad as before.

[@katiegonzalez3925]

The Stews wondering! :)

[@jesse382]

I’ve always watched your videos even before I was in a ITP but now I watch them with no sound and practice my voicing and I thought it was interesting how you signed “bachelors” degree , I’ve never seen that variant before in Southern California we sign BA and than the sign for degree

[@shinobishiranui3654]

I did. One of the main reasons are these certification tests. I want to point out that I'm not against certification tests. I am against how they rate you and figure you cannot interpret because you cannot pass their screening. A certification test should not cost $300-$500, and a person who interprets and passes their screening doesn't mean they are qualified to interpret everything. While certification is a credential initiated by RID, it is voluntary. A license to practice as an interpreter would be better than a paper that says "I can pass a test and I'm qualified to interpret in most scenarios". Too many agencies want that "certification" to show you can do the job and it really doesn't prove anything; FACT: EIPA states on their screening that the score is a reflection of the interpreter's skills on that test and not their actual abilities". Another reason too is that interpreters are very catty/rude/unsupportive, and I'm meeting too many of them with this attitude which is not helping the interpreting/deaf community. It would be awesome to offer certification and give the interpreter areas as I just read so they know WHERE their skills could be potentially used and work they are qualified for to interpret. These screenings are based off opinions and due to that, these so-called experts are not helping the profession nor supporting each other as colleagues of the profession (RID CPC 5.4). There are not enough interpreters willing to mentor and build up other terps because egos or whatever other issues. This profession can die out very quickly as there are more deaf people than interpreters. It would be awesome IF there are ways to help one another stay in the profession than leave to do other work areas, quit due to carpel tunnel, and/or leave because they cannot pass a fictional test that is not based of real-life experience. To gain experience is to do the job to build experience. I could have quit and did something else because I'm at the point to where "certification" is all people talk about and these certifying organizations aren't trying to award certification; this is a money-making business and imagine how many people take it, pay for it, fail it, and re-take it again. The deaf people have a right to a qualified interpreter as the ADA says and by not giving people a level that matches the interpreters skills tells the agency not to hire someone because they're not a level 4 which is ridiculous. People aren't going to be doing this for long and once those interpreters retire, quit, deceased, or if laws are passed to annihilate the profession, they will find themselves jobless. Address this issue and help people to become great interpreters. Once this starts, the profession will have more terps and better results. Do better and support one another so people will want to stay.

[@TheStews]

Yes, the certification test has been a hot topic for as long as I can remember. I know many interpreters that are amazing and cannot pass the test. Other interpreters are still good, but not at the levels of others and pass easily. I was lucky I'd say and passed pretty quick after graduating. But that definitely did not mean I could just interpret anything. I had to use my discretion and make sure I took work I could handle. Sadly, yes some interpreters are barred from work they are totally qualified for and that super sucks!

[@stephanies3862]

This! Yes for the very reasons you stated is why I almost quit this profession. The snobbish attitudes of Nationally certified interpreters and and many CODAs is ridiculous. Instead if putting us down for not being certified, be supportive and help us to pass the exam as well.

[@smol_b34n61]

Hello! Can you possibly make a video talking about rise and purple? Thank you I really learn a lot from your videos!

[@kreiger]

Interesting you say VRS pays more than FL. Depends on the area? For sure depends on which VRS company you're working for.

[@matcha3257]

So my background is not interpreting. I took some ASL and Deaf culture classes while working on another degree and was warned that medical interpreting can be really draining. I imagine each type of assignment - medical, legal, VRS, etc - is it's own niche. They all sound like they would have totally different demands.

[@jennifermiller8552]

matcha3257 It sounds like the person who indicated medical was draining indicated such from their own experience. Find your path, your place and what you find joy in doing.

[@suewestby7979]

Miss you!!

[@TheStews]

[Jill] Aww thanks. :)

[@Aurora81689]

The majority of things I've heard is peopling quitting due to carpel tunnel :/ The main reason why I'm nervous about seriously working thourgh an ITP. Expensive, demanding, and potentially short career that would require me to get additional education in a new field after having a serious case of carpel tunnel o_o

[@billyriedel6449]

If you learn certain excersises and how to sign in ways which won't give carpel tunnel then you should be ok

[@ResidentEvilBiohazard]

Stretching helps a LOT. And water...always more water. In vrs, you work in a smaller viewing window, so you tend to squish yourself in...but, if you snag a snazzy standing station (say/sign that 3x fast), you can back up and move more. That helps. I find that signing all day every day (I have a home life that allows me to keep my hands signing) also keeps things from locking up...BUT...Be careful, it could make things worse for other people. I don't know your hands. :)

[@HandsThatAreCold]

There are articles about signing ergonomics and how interpreters can avoid repetitive stress injuries, just FYI :) my biggest advice would be to rest your hands completely whenever you are not signing - that includes pauses in interpreting (don’t keep your hands up to prepare for the next sentence).

[@HandsThatAreCold]

Oh and definitely invest in wrist stabilizers/braces, especially for sleeping. I sleep in a way that really does damage to my wrists and forearms and buying braces has helped infinitely.

[@jennifermiller8552]

If you self-advocate for breaks and/or teams, use proper techniques, and take care of your hands and wrists, you can have a very long and satisfying career. 😊

[@bulldogmom4645]

why can't i get alerts for posts? the 404 alert pops up every time.

[@Lovechulajuana]

I love your page

[@TheStews]

Thank you!

[@catyalilly4928]

Nice video

[@brokencrayon83]

hello. thank you for sharing your story! I am 30 and cannot afford school. I am hearing, and think that I could be a good interpreter, but don't have the time or money for school. is a degree required? are there other ways to gain that training? thank you!

[@TheStews]

Schooling is not required, but you would need to figure out some sort of mentoring if you don't do school. If you are already fluent in ASL then you might just need a mentor to help you learn how to interpret, cause it's a totally different skill.

[@brokencrayon83]

@@TheStews thank you for your feedback. New subscriber here and I love your videos

[@AP-jm9ej]

It’s required where I live unfortunately

[@Crz4wizard]

True biz? 😲😲😲

[@suewestby7979]

Hi gals? How are you both doing? How is. Miko?

[@TheStews]

[Jill] We are doing well. Mikko is doing great!

[@shangoody1850]

Are you hearing?

[@TheStews]

Yes

[@MasochistMouse]

I am not an interpreter, but I am taking ASL classes. I have felt that with other jobs I have worked in different fields, but it was more to do with the environment(not naming specific companies but I hate the favoritism & cliques that pop-up in some places) or just not being the right area for me. So that totally makes sense to me, that it wasn't the company or people but just the focus wasn't where you felt you want to be in.

[@TheStews]

Yeah, co-workers were great, but the environment was definitely not for me.

[@pixieglow268]

Why are her lips not mimicking the actual words she's saying? I'm confused...

[@TheStews]

Sometimes the interpretation (English) is not the exact signs that are signed. It's a little confusing. Maybe I can make a video on it someday.

[@pixieglow268]

Thanks, that would be helpful :) I just started learning and it's all still confusing to me

[@toffeestrange7706]

@@pixieglow268 because ASL is a different language than English...

[@starlahtais9637]

Wanted to say I'm in the process of becoming an Interpreter and absolutely LOVE watching helpful videos pertaining to something I'm interested in, BUT I could NOT stomach this video for one more moment. I had to stop it half way through because if she pushed up on her glasses ONE MORE TIME I was going to throw my computer. NO clue why this bothered me so much, but I really can't afford a new touch screen, so to make the situation better I had to stop the video and let this out. SORRY, but I was hanging on the edge

[@TheStews]

Wow, okay I feel that is a bit dramatic. Yes my glasses fall a lot and I recently had them fixed. Sorry you feel that way.

[@AP-jm9ej]

Yeah she doesn’t need to be in the interpreting field😅. Maybe a quiet place where nobody is around .