Translator’s stamina 譯者持久力

Translation is a tough job. Some translators have to deal with a range of 1,500 to 2,000 words in one working day. During peak season or when you have too much on your plate, you might have to translate 3,000 to 5,000 words a day.

Working from morning until midnight is necessary, when you are dealing with a big volume. Some writers might think that working non-stop without rest is the best way to cope. I beg to differ though. The best way to cope with hectic work is to be physically active. I always make sure I swim several times a week to maintain my stamina.

When I feel not energetic enough for work, a swim for 60 to 90 minutes is the best way to become more productive the next day. A long walk, a jog at a park and doing chores at home are also very good choices to keep ourselves physically active.

翻譯是很辛苦的職業。有些譯者一個工作日之內必須翻譯1,500至2,000字。一旦遇上高峰期或者案子接得多，則可能一日翻譯3,000至5,000字。

若翻譯量龐大，我可能從早上工作到午夜。有些譯者或許認為長時間工作不需要休息就是最佳的應付方法。但我不是這麼看待工作。對我來說，持續運動就是應付工作量的最佳方法，而一週游泳數次就是維持體力的最佳辦法。

每當我覺得疲累的時候，只要游泳60至90分鐘，下一個工作日就可以精神奕奕。若說維持活躍的其他方法，行路、跑步、做家務都是不錯的選擇。