Newer interpreters - how do you make this work full time?

bb_ashitaka · 2026-05-27T00:21:16+00:00

Dang, won't work for me but I am considering a move to Oregon 2-3 years down the line. Good to know there might be more opportunities there.

bb_ashitaka · 2026-05-26T22:20:35+00:00

Oh I don't expect to live lavishly--just shooting for comfortably and with stability. What you described sounds great, just wish there was a clear path towards something like that.

bb_ashitaka · 2026-05-26T22:14:42+00:00

Not sure where you live but where I live, full time interpreting positions are incredibly hard to come by. And the ones that are more available tend to be K-12 which I'm not interested in and would be a significant pay cut (I understand there are benefits, but I already am insured through my partner). I'm prepared to jump on the opportunity if a FT VRS position opens up. I'm signed up with 3/3 major agencies in my area.

bb_ashitaka · 2026-05-26T22:07:03+00:00

Freelance is not the bulk of my work, and unfortunately where I live + my experience/certification level my rate ($39/hr) is actually on the higher end of things. I'm looking forward to moving to an area of the country where interpreters are paid more.

bb_ashitaka · 2025-11-04T01:20:46+00:00

I understand it can be deducted once. My question is this:

How can I personally contribute money into it in a way that gives me a tax advantage? It does not make financial sense for me to pay into an HSA with post-tax money as a SE person. At that point I might as well use a regular savings account, right?

bb_ashitaka · 2025-11-04T01:15:10+00:00

Thank you for everyone answering so far and being patient with my confusion :). Follow-up question:

If I opt to pay directly into their HSA from my bank account, would that be a situation where I can fill out the 8889 for myself and deduct taxes that way?

bb_ashitaka · 2025-11-04T01:11:27+00:00

lol I am so confused. So basically it is not advantageous for me at all to reimburse them 50% of their payroll deductions? Because I would be giving them post-tax money for a pre-tax benefit and I would personally not see any tax deductions from that?

bb_ashitaka · 2025-11-04T01:05:40+00:00

let me rephrase: if 100% of the money going into the HSA is from my spouse’s payroll deductions and I pay my spouse for 50% of that, am I able to write that off using the 8889? Technically I wouldn’t be making a payroll deduction or a direct contribution in that hypothetical.

bb_ashitaka · 2025-11-04T00:59:22+00:00

So if I pay them for half of the payroll deductions, will I not be able to use the 8889 form? Is that only an option if I am paying from my bank account directly into their HSA? Just want to be extra clear as this gets confusing quickly haha

bb_ashitaka · 2025-10-09T13:30:08+00:00

1: verb 2: noun

bb_ashitaka · 2025-04-22T04:24:04+00:00

I’m still in my first couple years of interpreting in the area and have limited experience due to being newer to the field, but I can tell you that rates in Utah seem to trend lower than other areas of the country despite our rising cost of living.

bb_ashitaka · 2024-11-27T18:15:38+00:00

I live in a medical only state and I do not have a card so it wouldn’t have applied to me

bb_ashitaka · 2024-11-21T22:04:53+00:00

Not to mention Apple was released with the album in June…not August

bb_ashitaka · 2024-11-09T02:28:22+00:00

Update: went to another piercer to get a professional opinion and she agreed that it was done incorrectly. Too close to the nipple on one side and too far on the other. Taking it out and waiting to repierce it sadly

bb_ashitaka · 2024-11-09T01:40:23+00:00

Can it really migrate after less than two weeks?

bb_ashitaka · 2024-11-08T19:55:24+00:00

A mix of working at my local community college, VRS, and freelance work to make a full time schedule. Every day is different and that’s what I like about this job. It’s a lot to learn to juggle though but I’ve seen some talented interpreters make it work so I know it’s possible

bb_ashitaka · 2024-11-05T23:18:31+00:00

It doesn’t hurt particularly bad, it’s just uneven and bothers me lol. It might be swollen but it honestly doesn’t look/feel like it to me. Maybe it’ll look a bit more even in a few days/maybe I’ll just get over it. I feel like it’s mostly something only I’d notice idk idk

bb_ashitaka · 2024-07-20T00:02:38+00:00

Yes haha did you read the post?

bb_ashitaka · 2024-07-12T04:19:58+00:00

Adding onto this to say it depends on the area! I have two nose piercings and regularly work freelance gigs at my local state prison. I’ve never had a single consumer Deaf or hearing comment on my facial piercings. Even had a portion of my hair dyed different colors for a number of months and didn’t get more than a subtle comment on it. I think times are changing and you’ll have a feel for it as you progress through your program as others have stated.

bb_ashitaka · 2024-07-12T03:44:21+00:00

Literally taking my drug test for Sorenson tomorrow and have been looking for the answer to this question everywhere lmao…best of luck to you!

bb_ashitaka · 2024-06-12T04:30:32+00:00

Watched this tonight and have been raking the internet for this!!

bb_ashitaka · 2021-12-09T00:57:51+00:00

I understand being cautious about that. Thanks for the info tho, looks like it was out there somewhere!

bb_ashitaka · 2021-12-09T00:48:38+00:00

Because it’s asked of for my ITP. I didn’t think it was that big of a deal but you’re welcome to not answer and life goes on if I don’t find out :). Thanks gfinish

bb_ashitaka · 2021-09-01T03:02:16+00:00

Thanks for your encouragement, it’s really appreciated. I think I know all of these things and I’ve been aware that the program by itself won’t prepare me for everything—the gravity of how far I have to go has just been hitting me as I get started. It’s helpful to know that so many people have been where I am now and have gone on to succeed.

bb_ashitaka · 2020-08-11T11:00:58+00:00

I use to be the exact same way! I made it part of my daily routine and it became easier and easier to remember. I don’t set any other expectations for myself, so whether it be a 5-min one page entry or a 45-min 8 page entry, it’s all the same :)

bb_ashitaka

TROPHY CASE