Archived polls

6637 polls, displaying 1 through 50
What is your biggest frustration with modern Translation Management Systems (TMS) and CAT tools?
By anonymous - featured on 08:10
Paying fees for minor incremental updates. 23.9%
AI features forced into them. 21.4%
Laggy platforms and browser-based editors. 20.5%
Other (please comment). 18.8%
File format mismatches. 8.5%
Proprietary locks between tools. 6.8%
117 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (9)] [View this poll]

Where are you investing most of your professional development time this year?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 29
N/A (other). 50.7%
Mastering specialized tools. 17.2%
Marketing/cold outreach/negotiation str. 13.4%
Taking medical/legal/technical domain courses 11.9%
Refining transcreation/copywriting/etc... 6.7%
134 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (5)] [View this poll]

How do strict NDAs affect your ability to market your portfolio to potential clients?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 28
No impact. 46.6%
Minor issue. 21.6%
Major hurdle. 20.3%
N/A (other) 9.5%
Showcase personal or public domain projects. 2.0%
148 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (6)] [View this poll]

What is the biggest challenge when transitioning to direct B2B clients these days?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 27
Other (please comment) 33.3%
Eeaching the right decision-makers. 31.9%
Setting appropriate rates. 18.1%
Project management-actual translation balance 9.7%
Managing contract terms. 6.9%
72 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (4)] [View this poll]

How quickly do you switch off your "translator brain" on Friday evening?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 26
You have not voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (7)] [View this poll]

What is the most critical skill required to survive as a modern language professional?
By WordAnt - featured on Jul 25
N/A Other (discuss) 34.2%
Value-Based Pricing Strategy 25.0%
High-Risk Domain Specialization 20.0%
Workflow Automation & Orchestration 10.8%
Client AI Education 10.0%
120 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (8)] [View this poll]

What is the biggest misconception new clients have when approaching freelance translators?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 24
"Google Translate is enough" 26.8%
Instant turnaround. 25.5%
One-size-fits-all rates. 22.3%
N/A (please share). 15.9%
Proofreading is fast. 9.6%
157 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (8)] [View this poll]

Where can human translators offer the most irreplaceable value in the age of AI?
By WordAnt - featured on Jul 23
Hyper-localization & Regional Slang 32.5%
Artistic & Literary Invisibility 25.4%
Other (please comment) 24.6%
Advanced Source Content Optimization 9.5%
Intellectual Property & Data Bias Auditing 7.9%
126 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (11)] [View this poll]

How did you end up in your current specialization?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 22
I work across many different fields. 37.3%
I worked in the industry before translating. 24.4%
A random job came in, and I stuck with it. 24.4%
N/A (please share). 7.8%
I researched and studied a high-paying field. 6.2%
193 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (4)] [View this poll]

What do you do the moment a client misses a payment deadline?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 21
Wait a week before following up. 58.8%
Send a polite reminder on day one. 30.8%
Other (please comment). 9.5%
Freeze all active projects for them. 0.9%
Instantly charge a late interest fee. 0.0%
211 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (5)] [View this poll]

How does the summer business slump affect you?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 20
It triggers financial anxiety. 26.9%
My workload stays steady. 26.9%
I enjoy the slower pace to recharge. 21.8%
N/A (please comment). 14.3%
use the time for learning/admin. 10.1%
119 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (3)] [View this poll]

Can you relax vacationing where your source language is spoken?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 19
I enjoy the trip without analyzing everything 54.1%
It boosts my passion. 22.4%
Not applicable. 11.8%
My brain goes into overdrive. 7.1%
Other (please share). 4.7%
85 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (7)] [View this poll]

How do you do your final translation proofreading?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 18
Segment-by-segment in the editor. 47.4%
Reading it exported (PDF/Word). 28.9%
Printed out physically. 15.1%
Other (please share). 7.2%
Using text-to-speech software. 1.3%
152 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (5)] [View this poll]

What is your policy on accepting post-editing work?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 17
It is a standard part of my workflow now. 0.0%
0 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (2)] [View this poll]

I know at least 1 colleague who has transitioned out of the industry in the last year (not retired).
By Jared Tabor - featured on Jul 16
True, more than one 34.5%
False 31.6%
True 28.8%
False, in fact I know of more coming in 5.1%
177 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (5)] [View this poll]

In 2026 so far, my overall income from language services is...
By Jared Tabor - featured on Jul 15
Down compared to last year 49.8%
About the same as last year 26.6%
Up over last year 17.4%
I am not keeping track 6.2%
241 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (14)] [View this poll]

How much do you set aside, or usually spend, per year, for hardware related to your work?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 14
Nothing, usually 44.3%
Less than 50 USD 16.5%
50 - 150 USD 12.4%
150 - 250 USD 9.8%
250 - 500 USD 7.7%
500 - 1,000 USD 7.2%
More than 1,000 USD 2.1%
194 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (5)] [View this poll]

How do you feel about working remotely while traveling?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 13
You have not voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (8)] [View this poll]

What is your go-to read while on summer vacation?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 12
Thrillers, sci-fi, or bestsellers. 32.7%
I leave the text behind, I need a break! 28.7%
Other (please share) 25.7%
Memoirs, history or self-help books. 7.9%
Catching up on magazines. 5.0%
101 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (3)] [View this poll]

Have you planned out where you want to go professionally in the next few years, albeit mentally?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 11
Something along the lines of "just keep going" 39.3%
No 31.1%
Yes 29.5%
183 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (6)] [View this poll]

What is your style for a summer vacation out-of-office email?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 10
I state I will have zero access to until xx. 30.5%
I say I will check messages "periodically." 29.8%
N/A (other). 18.5%
I let messages pile up. 13.2%
I share my number only for urgent clients. 7.9%
151 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (6)] [View this poll]

What is your policy on taking on volunteer translation/interpreting work?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 9
Keep my skills only for paid work. 26.3%
Only during slow periods. 25.0%
Help loved ones, but not organizations. 21.4%
N/A (please share). 15.6%
Consistently dedicate time to it. 11.6%
224 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (6)] [View this poll]

When reading for fun, what format gives your mind the best reset?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 7
Physical print. 80.5%
E-reader. 9.1%
Phone/Tablet. 5.5%
Audiobooks. 2.7%
Other (please comment) 2.3%
220 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (4)] [View this poll]

How do you feel about companies using free, crowdsourced translations?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 6
Profitable corporations shouldn't. 32.8%
OK if it’s for open-source or non-profit jobs 24.6%
Indifferent. 21.6%
Other (please share). 12.7%
A low-stakes way for beginners to get exp. 8.2%
134 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (6)] [View this poll]

Has professional translating/editing ruined how you read for pleasure?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 5
No. 52.1%
Only with badly-written texts. 25.2%
Yes. 14.3%
I prefer audiobooks/podcasts. 5.9%
Other (please comment). 2.5%
119 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (4)] [View this poll]

Do you experience anxiety when you aren't checking your project alerts?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 4
Sometimes. 40.5%
Never. 31.3%
Yes. 17.2%
N/A (please comment) 11.0%
163 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (4)] [View this poll]

How do you satisfy your need for professional community as a freelancer?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 3
I don't seek it. 57.5%
Online forums. 21.5%
Local meetups. 10.0%
Other (please share). 8.0%
Co-working. 3.0%
200 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (4)] [View this poll]

How do you combat the physical and eye strain of prolonged screen time?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 2
I physically get up and stretch periodically. 39.9%
I don't do enough. 24.0%
Some of the above. 17.8%
I wear blue-light blocking glasses. 12.0%
I adjust my screen. 2.9%
All of the above. 1.9%
I use the 20-20-20 rule. 1.4%
208 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (2)] [View this poll]

How often do you sacrifice sleep to finish a translation project?
By anonymous - featured on Jul 1
Rarely. 41.2%
Never. 28.8%
Frequently. 26.3%
Other (please share). 3.6%
274 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (8)] [View this poll]

When is your brain sharpest for complex translation work?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 30
Early morning. 60.6%
I'm a night owl. 20.4%
Afternoon. 19.0%
137 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (2)] [View this poll]

When you take a true vacation, can you fully unplug from your freelance business?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 29
Partially. 41.8%
Yes, completely. 30.6%
No. 14.7%
I don't take vacations. 12.4%
Other (please share). 0.6%
170 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (6)] [View this poll]

How long can you sit at your workspace before experiencing physical discomfort?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 28
2 to 4 hours. 31.6%
4+ hours. 25.6%
Under 2 hours. 24.1%
It depends. 18.0%
N/A (please share). 0.8%
133 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (7)] [View this poll]

Do you ever feel emotionally drained by translating highly sensitive subject matter?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 27
I feel a brief impact, but I can shake it off 36.0%
My specific niche doesn't apply. 27.4%
Heavy topics stay with me all day. 16.6%
Zero emotional attachment. 16.6%
N/A (please comment). 3.4%
175 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (4)] [View this poll]

How often do you feel the pressure to learn new AI tools and software?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 26
Sometimes. 36.9%
Never. 36.4%
Constantly. 25.6%
N/A (please share). 1.0%
195 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (5)] [View this poll]

How hard is it to step away from your desk mid-paragraph?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 25
I must finish the thought/section before. 48.6%
It depends. 23.8%
I can leave, but my mind stays trapped. 15.7%
I drop the keyboard instantly and walk away. 10.3%
Other (please comment). 1.6%
185 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (5)] [View this poll]

Do you use AI (eg: ChatGPT) for your personal, non-work writing?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 24
Never. 39.1%
Occasionally. 30.2%
Often. 15.3%
I prefer them to be 100% human-written. 12.8%
N/A (please share). 2.6%
235 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (6)] [View this poll]

What is your most frequent warning of burnout?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 23
Loss of focus. 36.5%
Irritability. 29.4%
Other (please comment). 12.9%
Typos/Errors. 10.6%
Physical pain. 10.6%
170 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (10)] [View this poll]

What is your primary metric for deciding if a project was a success?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 22
Client satisfaction. 35.4%
The project was straightforward/paid on time. 32.3%
Hourly earnings. 19.2%
N/A (other). 7.7%
Mastering a highly complex linguistic puzzle. 5.4%
130 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (4)] [View this poll]

If a client pushes payment terms out past 60 days, what is your move?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 21
I accept reluctantly. 34.6%
I refuse the project. 27.8%
My regular clients all pay within 30 days. 15.8%
Other (please comment). 13.5%
I accept but increase my rates. 8.3%
133 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (3)] [View this poll]

What is your ultimate boundary rule for protecting your mental health?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 20
I struggle to say no if a client offers a job 26.2%
Weekend lockout. 22.1%
Buffer days (eg: between big projects) 20.1%
Other. 19.5%
No late emails. 12.1%
149 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (4)] [View this poll]

How do you handle clients asking for a discount on AI-pre-translated drafts?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 19
It depends. 38.4%
Reject! AI takes longer to fix. 26.1%
I switch to hourly billing. 13.8%
My clients never ask for discounts. 13.3%
Other (please share). 8.4%
203 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (2)] [View this poll]

Are you actively trying to specialize in a new industry niche this year?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 18
Happy with my current specialization. 49.7%
I remain a generalist. 19.1%
Moving toward highly technical fields. 14.2%
N/A (please comment) 12.0%
Pivoting toward transcreation/gaming. 4.9%
183 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (5)] [View this poll]

Have you started offering AI optimization/Linguistic Prompting/etc as a paid service?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 17
No. 51.9%
Never! 20.4%
Yes. 14.5%
Thinking about it. 11.9%
Other (please comment) 1.3%
235 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (6)] [View this poll]

How often do you actively look at the ProZ Blue Board before accepting a job from a new agency?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 16
Always. 70.3%
Usually. 15.4%
Rarely. 6.1%
Never. 6.1%
Other (please share). 2.0%
246 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (5)] [View this poll]

How many monitors do you actively use in your translation workspace?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 15
Just a single laptop or desktop monitor. 66.9%
One for the source/CAT tool, one for research 15.9%
I like a multi-screen command center. 12.1%
N/A (please comment). 4.5%
I work on the move with a tablet/small setup. 0.6%
157 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (10)] [View this poll]

After a long week of solitary freelance translation work, how do you recharge?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 14
Spending time out with friends/family/groups. 42.2%
It depends. 23.7%
Getting away from screens. 17.8%
Complete quiet time alone with a book/hobby. 16.3%
135 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (1)] [View this poll]

How do you handle clients who send "urgent" updates via WhatsApp or SMS?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 13
If it's not in my email, it doesn't exist. 32.2%
don't share my personal number with clients. 27.0%
N/A (please comment) 16.1%
I like the instant communication. 14.4%
I read them but only reply via email. 10.3%
174 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (5)] [View this poll]

On which criteria do clients choose their translators?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 12
Rates. 48.2%
I don't know. 27.7%
Other (please comment). 7.2%
Their profile/Blue Board. 6.7%
Accuracy. 6.2%
Availablity. 4.1%
195 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (8)] [View this poll]

Cloud-based CAT tools vs. Desktop apps: Which do you prefer?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 11
Desktop only: speed, security and stability. 49.6%
Hybrid: depends on the project. 32.3%
No CAT tools. 9.9%
Cloud only: flexibility. 6.5%
Other (please share). 1.7%
232 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (10)] [View this poll]

Do you use voice-to-text (dictation) tools to draft your translations?
By anonymous - featured on Jun 10
Never. 79.3%
Occasionally. 10.0%
Tried it, hated it. 8.0%
Constantly. 2.8%
251 vote(s). You have voted on this poll.
[Discuss in forum (6)] [View this poll]

6637 polls, displaying 1 through 50
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