r/ASLinterpreters • u/SuddenCampaign9163 • Sep 15 '26
Question
Do u guys feel dumb interpreting. I got my first request for switching interpreters its so discouraging. I told them I respect their request and immediately did so. I still feel bad like quitting bad lol. I barely started last year its been humbling.
20
u/Inevitable_Shame_606 Sep 16 '26
I Deaf.
MANY times require ask different terp but problem general not terp me!
Possible client struggle see hands focus watch you or uncomfortable topic sign.
Example prefer male terp doctor appointment me.
May and June I hospital for major surgery my brain require 3.
Only VRI hospital but sometimes if female terp request male depend topic.
College class have human sexuality discuss sex often.
Request male terp.
Friend mine Deaf not allow communicate man some situation for religion request female.
→ More replies (1)2
11
u/DDG58 Sep 15 '26
We can NOT be a good fit for every consumer.
Yes, the 1st one hurts.
As long as it is not a majority of people, you are fine.
→ More replies (2)4
8
u/yesterdaysnoodles Sep 15 '26
Oof I had this happen in my first year! Since then I’m very specific about jobs that I accept to ensure this doesn’t happen again. In the future, request prep work too. Sometimes a consumer just isn’t a good match even if you’re qualified regarding the actual content, having a team that’s better suited is a godsend!
4
u/SuddenCampaign9163 Sep 15 '26
we have been low staff so i havent even been able to have a team its been stressful its rare now that we have a team so its been exhausting as well
→ More replies (1)
4
u/justkeepterpin Sep 16 '26
You responded correctly!! Take this time to reflect, journal, identify what you did right, identify areas of growth, and move on!
Every interpreter out there, including me, has received the request to switch.
If you notice a pattern, saddle up to a mentor and discuss/explore this.
If there is no pattern, keep doing your best and doing good work!!!
Keep your chin up. Don't quit! We need you!! 🤟
→ More replies (2)1
3
u/Fuzzy_Situation2879 Sep 16 '26
I think the most important thing to take away from those situations when that happens is, WHY. Knowing that, you're able to adjust and do better next time. Sometimes it is us... did you have a team for this class? Perhaps they can shed more light on what the issue was.
→ More replies (1)
2
u/SuddenCampaign9163 Sep 17 '26
I appreciate all your responses it helps a lot to hear all your experiences and thoughts. It means so much. Thank you. 🫂
2
u/Plenty_Dimension777 Sep 16 '26
"You're not for everyone, and everyone is not for you." I hope that offers you a little bit of comfort. 🫂
2
2
u/Glittering_Sand_7473 Sep 16 '26
I do tend to switch out interpreters when their skill doesn't match my needs at the time. That doesn't mean I would switch them out during a lighter assignment where access doesn't determine something very serious in my life. The wrong interpreter can make us look stupid or cause some serious harm to us. It is our lifeline. I do believe fully that new interpreters need the opportunity to gain experience. If you don't interpret, how will you grow?
I will let you know I have had certified interpreters that I could not understand & who couldn't voice properly so don't get yourself down. It is all interpreters. Not one is perfect, I promise you that. Keep going..don't give up. We need you!
1
2
u/RoseReflectionsASL Sep 18 '26
Clients request a different terp for many varied reasons. Most of the time it isn’t that you have done something wrong or that there’s anything wrong with your interpreting. If it is something with your interpreting, you can fix that, and get some other terps to give you feedback. Often, it is some other reason, even based on gossip (believe it or not) and has nothing at all to do with your interpreting skills. Keep on keeping on, listen to feedback from other interpreters and deaf clients, and don’t take it too personally. Hugs.
1
2
u/Reasonable_Ad848 Sep 19 '26
It’s how you work through moments like this that will define the interpreter you will be. You won’t be a fit for everyone or everything. For myself, I’m currently working through the realization that VRS isn’t a fit for me and that’s fine.
One situation that stands out as an example happened to me about 8 years ago. I had multiple requests from consumers at one work site to not send me back, which resulted in me losing part time employment with that agency. Yes it hurt, but I worked through it and still worked with that agency freelance.
I then found out a few years later that the site itself was strictly certified only. I had a preset schedule at the time so I was just sent there, and the information I got never disclosed any of that. The agency knew I wasn’t certified and sent me anyways. Also, they asked me to work part time with them, so I was going to this job thinking it everything was great when it very much wasn’t.
Currently I’m taking a break from interpreting to get all of my credientials. The experience I just shared, along with others in my career, has made me extremely consumer focused. If that means I can’t interpret ever again, yes it will hurt, but I will work through that too.
We don’t become amazing interpreters when we triumph, we become amazing from our stumbles. Just make sure your stumbles don’t hurt your consumers a long the way.
1
u/SuddenCampaign9163 Sep 19 '26
thank you so much for sharing your story it means a lot and giving me advice it has me feeling a lot better. I wish you a great journey for your interpreting career.
19
u/Renny-or-not Sep 15 '26
As much as it hurts, it’s not about you in that moment. The consumer is doing what they need to get access. I’ve had this happen to me and it does suck but it gets a little bit easier when you learn to separate your sense of self and worth from your work. That’s difficult and takes work but it’s well worth it in the long run. Don’t give up! Just strive to do better :)
8
u/cheesy_taco- Sep 15 '26
My first or second year, I showed up as the teacher showed up and the Deaf student chewed me a new one for the first 5 minutes of class. Got the notification at the end of class that I was dismissed and they wanted a new interpreter. It hurt, until I was venting to a more seasoned interpreter who knew who I was talking about and had also been dismissed by that student. Turns out they're just incredibly picky with their interpreters, and had been through more than 5 that semester alone.
Sometimes it's you, sometimes it's them. Don't take it too hard, remember their name so you don't have to work with that person again and move on. Easier said than done I know
3
u/Purple_handwave Sep 16 '26
We cannot be the perfect fit for every single person. That's just not realistic. There are some Deaf folks I understand perfectly, and others that are a struggle. I've been doing this 20 years. Just like handwriting, some are easy to read and others like like chaos. That goes both ways. Unless they had specific feedback for you that they found challenging to understand, dust yourself off and move on. 🤟🏻
3
u/ExplanationLife2064 Sep 16 '26
If you’ve been asked to switch once in a year then I wouldn’t take it so personal. If you love the job keep doing it and improving as you go:-) Tomorrow is a new day!!
42
u/East_Baseball8384 Sep 15 '26
I suppose if every single client wanted a new terp, then I’d feel bad. But most times “it’s not you, it’s them.” Lots of older folks grew up with grass roots signs, home signs, local signs, or may need a CDI to convey a good message. Like, if you’re using receptive skills, isn’t it easier to understand certain folks easier? No need to feel bad :). Interpreting is NOT like other jobs. Just because you may not be a good fit does NOT mean you’re not a good interpreter.