METM25 presentation

A sure-fire guide to burnout (and how to avoid it)

Aída Ramos, Madrid, Spain

As freelancers, we face constant uncertainty (both financial and otherwise). This can lead us to accept terms that are far from ideal, deadlines that are unrealistic, working hours that are not sustainable, or rates that do not cover our basic needs. The result? The perfect breeding ground for burnout to rear its ugly head. Once we reach the burnout stage, it is not always easy to shake off, so this is an outcome that should be avoided at all costs.

To make matters worse, we now have to deal with the doom and gloom surrounding the rise of the ever-present, all-pervading artificial intelligence, and this seems to be taking a collective toll on the mental well-being of our industry.

Although I am not an expert in mental health, I have been interested in the topic of burnout for many years. As a freelance translator, I am very familiar with the challenges that come with it and the effects it can have on our daily lives. In the presentation, I will be sharing a brief overview of the conclusions I have drawn from different articles on the topic as well as my own experience. My goal is for my peers to be better equipped than I was to avoid some pitfalls I have not always been able to avoid myself.

During the session, I will share practical strategies for setting boundaries, protecting our time and energy, and prioritising self-care. While some of these ideas may not apply directly to in-house professionals, I believe they will strongly resonate with anyone who is self-employed and has ever faced the challenge of maintaining a healthy work–life balance in the freelance world.
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About the presenter

Apart from being a sworn translator, Aída Ramos specialises in marketing and works with very diverse international brands. She works mainly from English into Spanish and is based in Madrid.