Thank you for calling....

"This is interpreter #------"
Phew!
First of all Sorenson is a great company to work for. They really are. I chose this kind of interpreting because it is different.

Normally I would go into a classroom at RIT or another college and interpret. If I had a class that was for 6-10 I would have another interpreter team with me. When I worked for RIT we were considered "professional staff" and had wonderful benefits. Then there was a law suit and all the benefits were taken and we were demoted to "hourly employees."

If I had a class from 4-5, I HAD to take a break from 5-6 ( but not get paid) and then work 6-10. There was a lot of competition and politics .

Lower level education interpreting( like in elementary or high school) is too much mothering and not enough interpreting. Government and legal....fun every once in a while, but very stressfull and not my cup either. Basically it is hard to stay neutral when they are just continuelly saying CRAP.

Freelance interpreting, is a hunt. I 'd have to constantly be looking ( there is plenty here in this area) go and do it, look and schedule more.... then figure out my own taxes blah blah blah.

Again, very cut throat and competitive because it IS A HUNT for a livelihood. Don't get me wrong these are all ok and I am blessed to have this talent. I can hold my own in any arena.

I am at a point in my life where I just want to go- do my job and leave.

With this; I go, clock in and take calls.

It is 70% voicing for Deaf people. Voicing is not my strength, but I am excited about the improvement already in this area.

During the interview process, the Director mentioned that IF any gossip or back biting went on- the persons involved would be fired. I was skeptical, but am no longer. They don't put up with it. Everyone is sooooooooooo nice.

The calls range from some one paying bills- talking with Grandma or 911 calls. You never know what you are going to get. A caller could be in NY using ASL sign or in Peurto Rico using English, but there are floaters (teamers) always there to help. You have a short time to figure it out, and usually by then the call is over...lol.
That is my job. it may not be glamorous, but it is good money and I am relieved to have it.

Why am I working?
Well it isn't because I want to. Yesterday I almost had a breakdown where I cried and just left. The call was VERY hard(even my manager was confused and he is a "Big Wig" in the Deaf community nation wide), I knew my baby was wanting to nurse and I had had it! Three days of 8 or 9 hours of interpreting turns your mind to mush!

I am working because I have to. When Scott was laid off a few years ago, we got behind. He now has a very nice job and makes solid money. Being laid off for 18 months doesn't go with out consequences. The stress of always being behind and not being able to get caught up has gotten to me. We have cut, sold things and tried our best.....7 Kids can be expensive.

SOOOoooooo I am working with a goal. To get caught up, to pay off ALL debt ( not that we are swimming it)- even the house, and get a food storage again. It should take 3 years or less with me part time. Because I know things happen or this or that pops up, I plan on working forever. With this company I can make a very felxible schedule. I make my own hours .
I can work up to 29 hous a week and can work as little a 0 hours a month, but if I don't work one month then I have to work the next at least some hours.

Soooooo just in case you were wondering.....