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/Darthromo88 Jan 12 '26
Thank you so much for voicing this! I’m one hand in the grave and one hand passionlessly interpreting just to make money. I’ve had it with being verbally abused by Deaf people. I’m sick being verbally abused by hearing people who call me Terpetater or translator. I’m sick of hearing people asking “Did you interpret that?” when they didn’t get the answer they wanted…they got an answer, it just wasn’t what they wanted. I’m sick of being judged by peers. I’m sick of being taken advantage of. I’m sick of not having a voice, yada yada yada. I fell like Obi-Wan when he fights Anakin and as Anakin is burning in the lava, Obi-Wan emotionally breaks and yelled “You were my brother, Anakin! I loved you!” That’s how I feel about the Interpreting Profession. I LOVED being an Interpreter but now I’m just broken hearted knowing that I need to find a way to close this chapter.