I often wished I would have practiced law. That would have made explaining what I do so simple.

Those of you that are engineers, physicists, doctors–what you do needs no explanation. If you are a translator, project manager, or any other localization professional, let’s be honest, “we get no respect.”

I have been in the industry for 33 years, and my parents still think I teach languages. My siblings simply say my work has something to do with computers that talk to each other. Is my name Bill Gates?

Even after I explain what I do, many people still have a “deer in the headlights” look. Once, just when I thought I had made myself clear, someone asked, “So you sell bibles door to door?”. Another one looked at me sympathetically and said, “I hope you have a second job.” But the question I love the most is: “Which companies translate and why?”

The lack of understanding regarding localization says something about the corporate world’s view on its importance. Perhaps, that’s why translators are paid like a commodity (per word), and some think Google Translate can replace human intervention altogether. We need to change that.

My advice: be a champion for our industry by continuing to share what it is you do. Start in the comments below, but don’t stop there! Share at work, at the bus stop, and post it in the bathroom wall (just don’t include your contact info). Either that or change professions just so it’s easier to explain to others.