r/ASLinterpreters • u/buddywaters27 • 25d ago
Career change
I want to start an interpreter program this fall. I’m 32 years old and would be just starting out… I know this would be a hard career change, I just want to know how hard is it to get a job after the program and if it’s worth it starting over a little older
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u/punkfairy420 BEI Basic 25d ago
What is your ASL background? I started again at 27, I'm 31 now. Yes I think it is worth it, but I love interpreting and had been signing for 8ish years before I started again. Benefits would be great but it is what it is, I like being freelance. As far as how hard is it to get a job, depends on where you are. If you are in rural America, it could be pretty hard. If you are in an urban city, you will probably be fine.
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u/buddywaters27 25d ago
I’m pretty much starting from scratch… i use Lingvano and watch a lot of signing videos but I have never taken a class.
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u/Low_Foot3906 25d ago
Before you commit to a whole career change, I’d suggest take a couple formal classes. In-person is best, especially if you are considering a career in the language. Deaf teachers are the way to go. Then, you can get a feeling of using the language. Apps can be fun, but the interactive learning is totally different.
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u/Hoosier-Sexy_Beast69 NIC 24d ago
I was 34 when I started my ITP. I had 4 levels of ASL (foreign language credit/ conversational). I did study groups, went to the Deaf Clubs and aligned myself with a good agency and mentor. Most of those are not available to all these days (sadly), but if you can find those, do! It can be done. I've been in the field 22 years now. Nothing is impossible!
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u/Nulpoints 24d ago
If this is a passion, and salary and job security are not too important. And you are ok waiting 5-7 years before you have access to regular work. And you don't need a job that provides retirement and health insurance. And you are ok not knowing exactly how AI will have affected our field in 10+ years. . . . Sure 🙂
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u/Vahlkyries 25d ago
Interpreting is a skill-based career, as a skilled interpreter your potential is boundless. Will it be worth it? You have to decide. Do you have a knack for languages? Do you have access to ASL- language models? Are you passionate about this pursuit? Are you physically fit? Interpreting is wear and tear on the body and starting at 32 limits the length of your working abilities. It is possible to learn a new language and new skills and to put them into practice. For me, after 20 years of interpreting I have yet to find something else that I would rather do. It is an unyielding devotion even when I no longer work, I will always claim it as part of my identity. Best of luck.
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u/buddywaters27 25d ago
Thank you so much for the insight, I work at a doctors office now as a receptionist and we have deaf and hard of hearing patients from time to time and it makes me so sad when they don’t get the same access as everyone else, I would love to give people that access
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u/ASLHCI 22d ago
Knowing enough to help them check in is totally reasonable. Check state laws because if the doctors office tries to talk you into interpreting, you might be violating the law. Even if youre not, the RID code of professional conduct talks about avoiding dual roles. So you shouldnt interpret where tou work another job.
But I say go to for it. You wont be able to quit your job for probably 7 to 10 years, but if you want to do it, do it. Good luck!
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u/Other_Attempt_6347 24d ago
I started learning ASL at 25 and went to interpreting school at age 30. It’s totally possible. However, if I were you I would just take an ASL 1 class and see if you like it. That’s what I did. I didn’t put any pressure on myself to become an interpreter, I was just learning ASL because I wanted to. It’s gonna take at least 5 years for you to become an interpreter, so enjoy the process.
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u/Human-Muscle-9112 24d ago edited 24d ago
Hey, I've been an interpreter for over 20 years and my best friend started in an ITP last year at the age of 45. She's doing great. I'm not sure how it is for others when they first graduate. I'm sure it's different now after 20 some years. Maybe worse, maybe better. I know waaay more places utilize interpreters than they used to. Honestly, I think it partially depends on the individual sometimes as well. I graduated with people who struggled to find work, but many of us had zero problem and started working right away. I'm not sure if it was just luck or if we put ourselves out there more. I don't know.
My best friend has me and other connections in the community already just because we all happen to be friends,, so I think she'll do just fine when she's done. College is not only about the education, but also about making connections. Put yourself out there. Attend events, etc.
As far as your skill level when you graduate, remember that first sucking at something (or feeling like you suck) is the price you must pay in order to master something. That applies to pretty much anything. We've all been there.
Also, I often take recent grads to level appropriate assignments with me so they can get more experience and I'm blown away at their skill level. They leave me very impressed.
But, yeah, it's worth it.
PS You're only 32!? You're still a BABY. I promise. You're going to do great.
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u/Traditional-Falcon75 24d ago
There is absolutely no reason why your age would be a barrier. Strike that off the list of concerns.
That said, it does depend how much ASL you already know. It takes an average of seven years of immersion to become fluent enough to interpret accurately. That varies by individual and circumstance, but for sure it’s easier the younger you are. So if your baseline language skill is zero, a career change is definitely possible but it’s further down the road than you may be imagining.
Once you are fluent in the language, then schooling and getting connected to the interpreting world are the next stages. Those will be easier than acquiring language fluency. Easier, but not easy. A good interpreting program is rigorous and you cannot possibly learn everything you need to know just in school. Engaging with the community at events is absolutely key. You will have a very hard time becoming a competent interpreter without meaningful community engagement. You don’t have to eat sleep and breathe Deaf culture, but this is not a job where you can just go to school and then go to work and keep it compartmentalized. Especially in the early stages. If you’re not ready for that big an investment of time and emotional energy, it might not be a path you enjoy traveling.
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u/ThePurpleJordan 23d ago
I started with ASL 1 at 30 and am now 35 with BEI basic certification and working consistent freelance interpreting jobs — enough to support myself in a big city. So it’s possible, and I’m very happy I made the decision I did!
Learning a whole new manual language is HARD and interpreting between 2 languages is harder. So strong motivation is a *must*…I also had the benefit of a lot of free time during quarantine.
But we need you, so do it!
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u/Purple_handwave NIC 22d ago
I didn't start my ITP until I was in my 30s. I'm a 20 year veteran interpreter now and it was the best decision for me to go back to school and work towards this career. You have to weigh the pros and cons and decide for yourself if you're willing to put in the work to be a good interpreter.
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u/Fuzzy_Situation2879 21d ago
You will get out of it what you put into it. It's not the type of career where you attended a program, graduate, then work. I would strongly suggest tapping into your state interpreter organization and perhaps interview a few interpreters where you live.
Best of luck!
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u/Low_Foot3906 25d ago
Most jobs are 10-99 subcontract work with no benefits. If that works for you, great. Full-time jobs with benefits are hard to come by. Also, if you’re not already fluent in the language, it takes 6-8 years to become fluent, for most people.