[Guest Blog Post] Eli Wood is a freelance content writer from Massachusetts. Eli studied and tutored Japanese throughout college and now helps businesses grow by using the right words. You can connect with Eli on LinkedIn or visit their website.
Most of the time if you want to use your Japanese in the workplace, you think of jobs where you travel to or live in Japan. Don’t get me wrong – that’s the dream for a lot of us! But what if that’s not in the cards right now? What if circumstances at home mean you can’t travel yet? What if you’re not financially or even physically able to travel?
The good news is that not all Japanese speaking jobs require travel, and there are many opportunities for you to work from home. Why should your skills go to waste just because you can’t be in Japan? Here are some things you can do anywhere you like:
Translator
Translating is something you can do in so many capacities. You can translate all kinds of texts, whether it’s web content, novels, technical documents, or even emails! Sometimes you’ll translate correspondence between business liaisons who don’t speak each other’s native language – it can be a great business opportunity for you as much as them. In fact, you might be surprised at how in demand Japanese translators are. You can even build a freelance business out of it, just like Nicole from one of our Senpai Success Stories!
Localizer
This goes beyond translating, though the two go hand in hand. A localizer takes translated text and brings it one step further. They’re the ones who make sure the tone and phrasing of the translation sound natural before it’s released to the public. Oftentimes the translator plays this role, too, but localization is its own skill and may be a separate role if you’re working for a company.
Subtitler
Think of all those subtitles you see in anime. You might not think subtitlers need to have much knowledge of Japanese, but if you’re subtitling Japanese dramas or anime, it’s definitely helpful (and required in some companies). The broader your skills the better, and knowing Japanese and subtitling programs can only help your chances at getting work.
Online Teacher or Tutor
This is a great gig for Japanese speakers of all levels. Even if you’re still learning yourself (which nearly all of us are), you can tutor beginners. I tutored in college while still taking Japanese classes myself. A lot of these sessions can be done online through Skype, and you can tailor your sessions to your schedule. Plus, you’ll meet people of all ages this way – it’s not only young people who are learning another language!
Interpreter
Not all interpreters are there in person. If a company has a conference call, they may still need an interpreter, and you may be just the person to help them! Or maybe the meeting takes place online through Skype or another video platform. Either way, a remote interpreter could work for their needs, and you can do the job from the comfort of your own home.
The world of Japanese jobs is so expansive! Don’t limit yourself by thinking you HAVE to go to Japan to find one. Whether a remote job is a starting point or your ultimate goal (after all, how awesome does working in your pajamas at home sound?), it’s useful to keep the option in mind!
Photo by William Iven on Unsplash
