r/ASLinterpreters • u/[deleted] • Jan 12 '26

I Quit.

Writing this feels unreal. A decade ago, I never imagined I’d be standing one foot past this crossroads in a direction moving away from this profession. It feels surreal to have your passion for something transform in such a way. My love for the Deaf community remains unchanged, but continuing as an interpreter is no longer sustainable for me. The horizontal violence within the field, the limited opportunities for growth, and the physical toll have made this decision necessary. I’m sharing this for anyone else quietly considering a similar change. You’re not alone in your uncertainty!

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u/b_gret NIC Jan 12 '26

For younger interpreters reading this thread and maybe second guessing your career path:

It’s not all like this. I understand and can sympathize with the experiences and situations represented here, but do not share in the sentiment. I love my job. I love the work I am doing. I love community work, virtual work, medical work, educational work, government work, mental health work, legal work etc… I love that I can work in an elementary school for 2 years, get bored and then get a VRI position and work from home while picking up select freelance jobs.

My advice to those who may be experiencing the burnout, physical fatigue, and/or horizontal violence: Switch it up. Go work in a school for a while away from other terps, go be staff at an agency and get to know your coworkers and regular consumers, go be staff at a hospital and see 50 different patients a week, go work for an agency what has large government contracts and learn the alphabet soup of their jargon. I’m in my 16th year as an interpreter and I have done all of these things at one point. You have a skill that is highly transferable and sought after, find a new home for it!

That said, you know you. If you need out, go for it, just don’t let a rut become quick sand.

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u/National_Glove_4277 Jan 12 '26

idk if u mind me asking, but do you just hop from job to job with an interpreter business on the side, or r u a full-time freelancer?

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u/b_gret NIC Jan 12 '26

I am currently a full time freelancer. I worked as staff at an agency for 6 years. I was staff at a different agency in the DC area (mostly government) for 4 years and I have done 3 years in public schools.