~*~*~ THE RAT RACE REBELLION TELEWORK BULLETIN ~*~*~ Dear Reader, A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR This week, in addition to our customary 20 hand-picked jobs, brings the first issue of the Bulletin’s “Greatest Hits,” based on reader requests. (To compile the issue, I dug back through our archives and fetched some of the pieces that readers have said they liked most.) If you’re thinking that this let’s me off the hook somewhat this week (since I write almost all of the content for each week’s Bulletin), I confess that you’re right. Chris and I have been drawn into one of the most intense (and critical) projects we’ve ever done, and have been “flat out.” We look forward to sharing the outcome of our efforts with you very shortly! Enjoy, Good Luck, and Be Well. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, U.S. MARINES! Chris and I will be thinking of you this coming Monday, Nov. 10, on the Corps’ 233rd birthday, and we salute and thank you, wherever duty may find you. ------------- INTERVIEW WITH CORINNE McKAY -- “BECOMING A HOME-BASED TRANSLATOR” Many people have foreign language skills, but aren’t sure how to leverage them and make money translating from home. Author Corinne McKay, who first appeared here in May 2006, is a leading expert at this, and shows others how to get started too in the courses she offers online. I’ll let Corinne introduce herself in her own words. “I am an ATA-certified French to English translator based in Boulder, Colorado, United States. The focus of my translation business is on legal, financial and marketing translations for quality-conscious clients. I also translate in some technical areas, most notably computer hardware and software. In addition to working as a translator, I teach classes for people who want to become translators, work as a Contract Linguist for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and published the book ‘How to Succeed as a Freelance Translator’ in 2006.” (For more on Corinne, including her book and classes, see her website, at http://www.translatewrite.com .) We chatted with Corinne via email. RRR: How did you get started in freelance translating, and who were your top entrepreneurial role models? CORINNE McKAY: I taught high school French for 8 years, then after my daughter was born, I decided to find a work-from-home job where I could use French. My first day as a freelancer, I opened up the Yellow Pages to "Translators and Interpreters" and started making phone calls, then over the course of my first year I cold-contacted over 400 potential clients, plus joined two translators associations and a local freelancers group. I'd say my best role models were other people in the local freelancers group; people who had thriving businesses, loved their work and made their own decisions. RRR: How would you recommend that people with good foreign language skills get started as home-based translators? CORINNE McKAY: For beginners, some type of credential or experience is really useful. Translation certificate programs are becoming more popular, and New York University even offers one online. Translator certification, offered through the American Translators Association (www.atanet.org) is helpful too, although not a must-have. Finding a mentor who's established in the business is another excellent option. Freelance business management is also essential, something I cover in my book, "How to Succeed as a Freelance Translator." After that, it's time to find some clients! Cold-contacting and networking are the keys here. Beginners should become active in associations (such as local chapters of the ATA) for translators, and for freelancers in general. Contact every translation company in your area and ask for an interview; find translation companies on the web and apply through their websites; contact businesses who work in countries where your languages are spoken; set a goal of contacting at least 500 potential clients during your first year in business. RRR: What range of income can freelance translators expect to earn during their first few years of work, and after they've gained experience, in exchange for how many hours per week of work? CORINNE McKAY: Freelance translation will have a startup phase (I'd say an average is 6 months to a year), just like any other home-based business. The average freelance translator in the US earns in the mid-50,000s, but personally I think that number is conservative. With some assertive marketing and a strong base of regular clients, I think that gross earnings of $60,000-$70,000 are very doable, even working a flexible schedule and taking a generous amount of time off. An established translator working part-time could probably earn $25,000-$40,000. RRR: What are your favorite "Dos and Don'ts" for aspiring freelance translators? CORINNE McKAY: Do: - Set up a professional-looking website. Focus on something clean-looking and informative and prominently state your language pair(s). - Meet as many other translators as you can. Learn from them and build their trust so that they will refer clients to you. - Be the person who never lets a client down. Regular clients are essential to your success as a freelancer. Don't: - Accept too little return for too little marketing effort. Aim to contact 500 clients during your first year in business. - Give up too easily or too soon. Plan on six months to a year of startup time. RRR: Where can people go to learn more about becoming a freelance translator? CORINNE McKAY: - The American Translators Association (www.atanet.org) administers translator certification in the U.S. and is the main professional association for US-based translators. - ProZ (www.proz.com) is a large translation job board and portal; it's not always the best source of work, but the information on the site is excellent. - My website http://www.translatewrite.com has free articles for freelance translators and information about my book and course for beginning and aspiring translators. DUPING THE CUSTOMER A BAD FIRST STEP -- A CONVERSATION WITH “JOSH” To make a hotel reservation for Chincoteague Island in Virginia, I recently called a toll-free number and was connected to a young man named “Josh.” But he didn’t sound much like a “Josh” to me. Rather, he sounded as if he were in India. He was a nice guy, and clearly wanted to help, but he had no idea what a “Chincoteague” was, or how to spell it. I spelled it several times for him, until he understood. Outsourcing companies hire consultants to teach call center employees in India and the Philippines to lie about their identities and locations in order to “provide the customer with a good experience.” Mohan becomes “Mac,” Luzviminda becomes “Liz,” and someone -- who knows who? -- becomes “Josh.” The employees are instructed not to say they’re in Mumbai or Manila, but in “Chicago” or “Los Angeles” or maybe “Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.” To “reassure” the customer and “build rapport,” they’re also instructed to lie about the Thanksgiving dinner or Memorial Day weekend they recently shared with their families. (On Memorial Day, did they visit the grave of a veteran, too, and place some flowers there?) Memo to outsourcing companies: First, feel free to assume that I’m stupid -- we avidly support free thinking here -- but please don’t make a spectacle of the assumption. It’s irritating, and makes me want to do business elsewhere. Second, trying to dupe the customer is not a good introduction to your company. I have no problem teaching “Josh” the spelling of anglicized coastal American Indian nouns, just as I’m sure he could patiently teach me the anglicized spelling of his own Indian name. (After all, the phone can be a marvelous tool for international relations, not to mention Spelling Bees.) But with customers feeling beaten down and overcharged left and right, do we really want anything less than honesty on our customer service calls? RAT RACE UPDATES OF POPULAR PROVERBS As the Rat Race continues to redefine the values and truths of our day-to-day lives, Chris and I thought it time to update some old proverbs and maxims, so we can use them again. Then: One day at a time. Now: One day I'll have time. --- Then: It takes a village to raise a child. Now: It takes a paid third-party caregiver to raise a child. --- Then: A penny saved is a penny earned. Now: A penny charged is five dollars owed. --- Then: The grass is greener on the other side. Now: The grass is greener on the North Pole. --- Then: Treat other people as you yourself would like to be treated. Now: Treat other people who might have a treat for you. --- Then: If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Now: If you can't say something nice, share it with the media. --- Then: Spare the rod, spoil the child. Now: No spare time, so spoil the child. --- Then: Patience is a virtue. Now: Patience is a DMV. --- Then: If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Now: If at first you don't succeed, blame someone else. --- Then: This too shall pass. Now: Nobody can pass. Use the shoulder. --- Then: Look before you leap. Now: Before leaping, you must wear goggles, a helmet, and a safety rope. --- Then: Enough is enough. Now: Enough is enough if it's more than the neighbor’s got. --- Then: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Now: All work and no play gets Jack into Harvard for a year, then into a clinic. --- Then: Finders keepers, losers weepers. Now: Finders must complete and return forms F734, F908, T256, and R978 and pay local, state, and federal taxes upon acceptance. --- Then: He who hesitates is lost. Now: He who hesitates is met with angry honking. --- Then: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Now: If you can't join 'em, sue 'em. --- Then: Home is where the heart is. Now: Home is where the clothes are. DEAR R3: What are some of the resources to find out if a company that’s hiring home-based workers is legitimate or not, besides the Better Business Bureau? R3: Some of the resources we rely on when checking into the legitimacy of online telework job leads are: -- Rip-Off Report (http://www.ripoffreport.com/) -- Scam Busters (www.scambusters.com) -- Web Assured (www.webassured.com) We also check to see who the domain belongs to, using the tool at http://www.whois.sc/ , and generally stay away from jobs posted by site owners who are "cloaked" or hidden from the public. FRUGAL AND SIMPLE LIVING Herewith this week’s freebies. If you see something you like, be sure to grab it fast, as free stuff goes quickly on the Net. (I’m afraid we have no control over supplies. US-only unless otherwise indicated.) Enjoy! Free sample Pedigree Good Bites Snacks for dogs: http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid57588.aspx Free sample UnderJams Night Wear (bedwetting protection; US and CAN): http://www.underjams.com/bedwetting-children/free_sample.php Free sample GLAD Food Storage and Freezer Bags: http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid56046.aspx Free KickButt Amped Energy Ballz (US and CAN): http://funenergyfoods.com/html/request_a_sample.html Free Progresso Soup with mail-in rebate (“Void in NY”): http://progressotastechallenge.com/Progresso_Rebate_Form.pdf RAT RACE QUOTE OF THE WEEK “It’s not the size of the human in the commute that counts, it’s the size of the commute in the human.” -- Dog Rebelliously Yours, Michael Michael D. Haaren, Editor-in-Chief The Rat Race Rebellion =>=> New Leads for Home-Based Jobs and Projects <=<= *Editor’s Note: All positions are screened, but we can’t of course “guarantee” the legitimacy of any hirer or lead, so please do your own ‘due diligence’ as well! All positions are paid unless otherwise noted. The amount of compensation is included in the summary when given in the underlying lead. Also, please note that on occasion the hirer will decide to change the description or the availability of the job or project shortly AFTER the summary is published here. (Unfortunately, we have no control over this.) Therefore, be sure to read the underlying ad carefully, and apply promptly for any job that interests you. ||||| 1. “Ticket Pullers” ||||| TicketPuller.com, a fee-based service that helps people get tickets to high-demand events, continues to advertise for Ticket Pullers. Ticket Pullers purchase tickets online for TicketPuller.com’s clients with credit card accounts furnished by TicketPuller.com (Pullers never use their own cards or funds), and are compensated by a percentage of the price of the ticket. Requirements include AOL Instant Messenger and Skype (both are free). For more detail, see the discussions at http://www.wahm.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=520705&KW=ticketpuller => Learn More: http://ticketpuller.com/application/rules <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 2. Director, Information Technology Outsourcing (“Location Virtual”) ||||| US-based “global advisory company” Alsbridge seeks a Director, Information Technology Outsourcing (full-time employment) with at least 15 years’ experience. “Key responsibilities will involve managing multiple information technology outsourcing advisory projects using engagement and project management skills, benchmarking, strategic project planning and mapping to business strategy, translating methodology and customer requirements into the work plan, leading pursuit teams for complex technology solutions and managed services, conducting functional assessments, facilitating meetings, managing multiple teams and ensuring timely completion of all engagements.” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/5f6t48 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 3. Editor / Writer (“Anywhere”) ||||| TargetedNews.com seeks a part-time Editor / Writer “experienced with editing and news writing” and fluent in American English. “We are looking for people in very specific time zones. U.S.-based applicants are *not* ideal for this position. The time zone you're in should be at least 5-12 hours *ahead* of the Eastern time zone. Qualified applicants in these zones will be given preference as it will better fit our needs for this position.” => Learn More: http://journalism.berkeley.edu/jobs/details.php?cat=free&ID=7097 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 4. Medical Transcriptionists (US) ||||| US-based Acusis seeks full-time employee MTs with at least 3 years’ multispecialty or acute-care experience. “We offer a great benefits package which includes Blue Shield health plan/prescriptions; dental; vision; EAP (employee assistance plan); 401(k) with up to 3% company match; direct deposit; bonus referral program; CMT tuition assistance and PTO.” => Learn More: http://www.mtjobs.com/job_detail.cfm?RowID=16731 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 5. Website Design Project (“Anywhere”) ||||| US / India-based Kush Infosystems seeks a Web Designer for a site redesign. “Site is currently working on our customized CMS but it is easy to integrate and my programmer will work with designer to help in integration too.” => Learn More: http://jobs.webdesignerwall.com/job.php?id=176 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 6. Expert on Business Security (“Work from anywhere”) ||||| Information supersite About.com, owned by the NY Times, seeks a part-time Expert (“Guide”) on Business Security. “The ideal Guide for this topic is someone who has hands-on experience with one or more aspects of securing businesses against property theft, network intrusion, disgruntled employees, etc. They should understand security policies, systems, etc., as well as background checks, NDAs, continuity planning and so on.” Pays $725 per month during the first two years, with potential additional revenues based upon the popularity of the Guide’s pages. “[I]n some cases we have Guides who earn in excess of $100,000 per year.” => Learn More: http://beaguide.about.com/applynow.htm <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 7. Writer on Nautical Subjects ||||| Nautical-gifts.us seeks a Writer to contribute online articles on nautical subjects, “pay negotiable.” => Learn More: http://journalism.berkeley.edu/jobs/details.php?cat=misc&ID=7104 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~Advertisement~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Chris and Mike here -- Do you need writing experience to qualify for freelance writing, blogging, proofreading or editorial jobs? Want to demonstrate your expertise for hiring managers or prospective clients? We recommend Helium (it’s free). You can get writing experience with an easy-to-start blog, and be eligible for compensation while you learn. You can also choose among many popular topics, and build your credentials while you write about what interests you. For more, click here http://www.helium.com/?ad=680&placement=HAP002. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 8. Application Developer (US; “Must reside in Tampa Bay, FL or NYC Tristate area”) ||||| US-based Synergy One is advertising for a full-time Application Developer with at least “4 years software development experience with Microsoft web-based application development technology.” “…Application Developer will practice Design For Testability (DFT), Design for Operability (DFO), and Test-Driven Development as part of a Scrum team chartered with production of key products for the business.” “Residents in either the Tampa Bay or Tri-State NYC area will only be considered.” => Learn More: http://www.activehire.com/view.php?job_id=54366&type=search&kwd_search[ <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 9. Director, Military Relationship Management (“Location: Virtual”) ||||| US-based Ceridian seeks a Director, Military Relationship Management with a Master’s and at least 7 years of management experience. Duties include (quoted from lead): -- Provides leadership and direction to Relationship Management to effectively translate the needs of the client into the delivery model. -- Oversees Relationship Management and Outreach team program guidelines and recommends changes and adjustments, and conducts program analysis. -- Manages a virtual team of Relationship Managers and JFSAP MOS Consultants. => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/659fq6 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 10. Expert on Parenting School-Age Children (“Work from anywhere”) ||||| Information supersite About.com, owned by the NY Times, seeks a part-time Expert (“Guide”) on Parenting School-Age Children. “The guide to parenting school-age children will be someone with both practical experience raising young kids and professional experience working with children in K-5th grade.” Pays $725 per month during the first two years, with potential additional revenues based upon the popularity of the Guide’s pages. “[I]n some cases we have Guides who earn in excess of $100,000 per year.” => Learn More: http://beaguide.about.com/applynow.htm <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 11. Medical Transcription Editors (US) ||||| US-based SoftScript seeks Editors with at least 5 years’ experience. “We offer CMT classes, performance bonus/raises, annual reviews, 401K, paid time off , Outstanding medical/dental/vision/life benefits available, discounted Dell computers, On-line (paid) training, Employee referral bonus program, Minimum line requirements lower than industry average, MT Mentoring, Production incentives; Account variety; Direct deposit, and overtime when needed!” => Learn More: http://www.mtjobs.com/job_detail.cfm?RowID=16733 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 12. International Blogger Correspondents on Consumer Electronics Issues (Cities Internationally) ||||| Online media group Biz-News.com is looking for International Blogger Correspondents to cover consumer electronics issues. Must have an active consumer-electronics blog and live in one of the following cities: NewYork SanFrancisco Las Vegas London Hong Kong Cape Town Munich Dubai => Learn More: http://bloggerjobs.biz/blogger-jobs/wanted-international-blogger-correspondent/ <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 13. Telesales Manager (US) ||||| US-based Cox eLearning Consultants is looking for a full-time Telesales Manager who can work 8:30AM-5:30PM EST “[r]egardless of where you live in the US.” “As a ‘working manager’, you will be expected to conduct telesales calls and related activities, in addition to your management responsibilities. If you have a proven track record in telesales with experience in management and have star potential, we invite you to apply.” “PREMIUM PAY: $50,000-60,000 first year, entirely from bonuses and commissions. More the second year.” => Learn More: http://www.activehire.com/view.php?job_id=54239&type=search&kwd_search[ <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 14. Curriculum Writers for AP Chemistry and AP Biology (US-oriented) ||||| US-based KC Distance Learning, which specializes in 6-12 distance learning, seeks part-time Curriculum Writers for AP Chemistry and AP Biology courses. Pays $18 per hour. Classroom experience (online or conventional) is required. => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/5hftgh <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 15. Expert on Crochet (“Work from anywhere”) ||||| Information supersite About.com, owned by the NY Times, continues to seek a part-time Expert (“Guide”) on Crochet. “We're looking for an experienced crocheter who is capable of communicating that knowledge to a less experienced audience in terms that are easy to understand.” Pays $725 per month during the first two years, with potential additional revenues based upon the popularity of the Guide’s pages. “[I]n some cases we have Guides who earn in excess of $100,000 per year.” => Learn More: http://beaguide.about.com/applynow.htm <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 16. Instructional Designer & Trainer / Clinical for UnitedHealth Group (US) ||||| US-based UnitedHealth Group is looking for an Instructional Designer & Trainer – Clinical Engagement Solutions Team, with a Bachelor’s and at least 5 years’ experience. “This position is responsible for conducting training needs analysis for the business and designing, developing and delivering all training materials, communications and activities to meet the organization's requirements.” *“Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%.” *(Editor’s Note: While we prefer to feature telework jobs that require minimal or no travel, rising unemployment argues against a strict approach. In other words, a job with some travel is better than no job at all.) => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/5ojbsc <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 17. Tech Support Specialist II for Aetna (US) ||||| Aetna continues to advertise for a Tech Support Specialist II with a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Math or Engineering, and at least 5 year’s experience. Position is based in Orlando, Fla. “Performs Application Administration and Project Leader/Team Leader activities/tasks required to provide maximum service for AIS partners and business customers. Supports moderate to complex midrange business applications, throughout project life cycle, to increase Aetna s competitiveness and efficiency, while ensuring availability and integrity of data and systems. Utilize knowledge of advance HP PPM and Rational ClearCase. Create technology partnerships and collaborate for results.” Pays $71,190.00 - $100,000.00. => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/6prlmu <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 18. UI Graphic Designer (“Anywhere”) ||||| US-based Brainbox Enterprises and Factory 515 are looking for an RIA / Web UI Designer with at least 2 years’ experience in interactive media design. “Day-to-day duties include creating multiple design directions for UIs in Photoshop and/or Illustrator, meeting with the development and design teams, and occasionally attending client meetings to gather requirements. UI designs would be implemented in Flash, Flex, and/or HTML. The ability to actually develop UIs using these technologies is not required but any knowledge of them can be a plus.” (Editor’s Note: As we go to press, the link to the hirer in the job lead was inoperative. To visit Brainbox Enterprises, go to http://www.brainbox.tv/.) => Learn More: http://www.krop.com/jobs/y5kzg/ <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 19. Medical Transcriptionists (US) ||||| US-based SoftScript seeks MTs with at least 3 years’ acute-care experience. “CMT preferred but not required.” “We offer CMT classes, performance bonus/raises, annual reviews, 401K, paid time off , Outstanding medical/dental/vision/life benefits available, discounted Dell computers, On-line (paid) training, Employee referral bonus program, Minimum line requirements lower than industry average, MT Mentoring, Production incentives; Account variety; Direct deposit, and overtime when needed!” => Learn More: http://www.mtjobs.com/job_detail.cfm?RowID=16733 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 20. Quality Rater - French Language - Belgium - Temporary (US or CAN work authorization) ||||| Google continues to seek part-time, temporary Quality Raters to evaluate Web pages. Requirements include French and English fluency and “[e]xtensive familiarity with the culture and media of French-speaking Belgium.” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/5joa45 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ******************************* That’s this week’s issue, Dear Reader. Until next week’s issue, don’t forget to visit us for fresh job leads at http://www.ratracerebellion.com/job_postings.htm ! Rebelliously Yours, Michael -- Michael D. Haaren, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief Staffcentrix, LLC Email: mhaaren@staffcentrix.com Co-author of the bestseller on working from home as a Virtual Assistant, THE 2-SECOND COMMUTE, now available at Amazon.com or http://www.2secondcommute.com. See what else we’re up to on the Web, at http://www.WAHBoom.com (our new work-at-home site for Boomers), http://www.msvas.com (our Military Spouse Virtual Assistant community), and http://www.fse-entrepreneur.com (our Foreign Service spouse e-Entrepreneur community). ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ All contents copyright 2008 Staffcentrix, LLC, "The most trusted name in home-based careers."(TM, SM) All rights reserved.