A day to relax? To celebrate? To think about anything but work?

No, today I encourage you to consider your professional achievements, your development, your goals and aspirations. To be grateful for the opportunities you’ve been given. But in these difficult economic times it’s also essential to find ways to advance your skills, because you never know what’s around the corner.

I started working as a translator about six years ago. Quite unexpectedly, actually, because at university I wasn’t too fond of translation lectures. I used to skive off all the time. I graduated in interpreting, but soon realised that in Malta my language combination wasn’t all that useful. Everyone speaks English here, most people also speak – or at least understand – Italian, and Dutch is totally useless on my tiny rock in the Mediterranean. Passive French can be an asset, but only in combination with active Maltese. And my Maltese is still quite basic. I knew I had to diversify to survive in this tough sector. So I let go of the whole idea of becoming an interpreter (more on that here) and tried to be the best translator I could possibly be.

I was lucky enough to be offered an opportunity to work with probably the best translation agency in the world, Blue Lines Translations. A young, dynamic team that allows me to make mistakes and learn from them, to explore different topics to find out what suits me and what doesn’t, to get a taste of project management and so much more. I’ve discovered that I’m not good at dry financial texts and that lifestyle, fashion and beauty are precisely my cup of tea. That managing translation projects is not challenging enough for me; I prefer working backstage, where the action is. And last but not least, that young people, right out of university, deserve a chance. I’m glad I was given that chance and I’m proud of myself for using it to the full. Of course, I still have tons to learn. I’m a perfectionist, yet sometimes I don’t deliver, particularly when I have to translate French health care texts into Dutch. I don’t mind sharing my weaknesses, because I think it’s important to identify them, to highlight them, otherwise you can’t move forward. No one is invincible. If you think you are, you’re not on the right track.

On this journey, I couldn’t have wished for better colleagues. So today, on Workers’ Day, my heartfelt thanks go out to them. Thank you for believing in me, thank you for your patience, your dedication, your friendship. Work is work, I’ve said that before. It’s not the main reason for being – let’s be honest, we all like weekends and holidays. But if you enjoy doing what you do, and if you’re surrounded by like-minded people, the in-betweens become more bearable, fun even. You maximise your potential and become a happier person. And if you’re lucky, you even make friends along the way!

Workers’ Day is not simply another day off. It’s a time to contemplate and be grateful. Keep that in mind today!

How to find professional happiness

First off, I’d like to point out that I don't believe any job can truly become a dream job. A job is a job. You need it to survive. Full stop. I have my doubts when people claim they managed to turn their hobby into their dream job. The moment your hobby becomes your work, you’re faced with the harrowing task of making a living out of what used to be your escape, a moment for yourself. A hobby is by definition something you can enjoy whenever you like, no strings attached. Even if it’s a sport that requires training, discipline and commitment, you’re still free to give up. Your mortgage doesn’t depend on it. The sooner you accept this, the better. 

I think I’ve found the job for me. That doesn’t mean it’s perfect, but it suits me. I manage to get through the day without counting down the minutes. I see challenges and opportunities. And more importantly, I’m good at my job. I’m a very humble person, but in my opinion there’s no harm in saying that you’re good at what you do. Otherwise what’s the point of doing it?

How to pursue professional happiness:

1)   Set high standards for your work. Don’t accept so-so. Make an effort to give it all you’ve got.

2)   Don’t let ambition blind you. There’s no point in working solely towards future goals. Focus on what you’ve got on your plate right now and give it your all. Remember that future successes depend on current performance.

3)   Don’t compare your work with that of others. Maybe your colleagues are better at project management than you are… See it as an opportunity. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can learn from them and they can learn from you.

4)   Work is work. No need to take it home with you. Easier said than done, but do try to make a clear distinction between your professional and your private life. Clear your head after hours. Taking a step back will take you two steps forward!

5)   Happiness at home comes first. If you’re unhappy privately, you’re bound to be counterproductive professionally.

6)   Be realistic. There are going to be bad days. You will make mistakes. You will be judged and criticised. And when that happens, just take a deep breath, shrug it off and start over. Slamming doors gets you nowhere.

7)   Friendship between colleagues is optional. Your job calls for teamwork, but you can’t stand the sight of them? Clench your teeth, have a double espresso and just get the work done. Forget friendly chats. Have your after-work drinks with a different crowd.

8)   Set clear boundaries. If there’s something you refuse to do, make it clear from the start. That way, you’ll avoid confrontations at a later stage. It takes guts to do this, but it shows you’re determined to play by your rules in order to succeed.

9)   Accept recognition. Don’t be one of those people who respond to a compliment by returning the compliment. If you excel at something, you’re allowed to feel good about it. No need to become arrogant, but a little pat on the back can go a long way.

10) Finally, a reminder: the perfect job doesn’t exist. Don’t waste your life looking for it. Just try to bag a job you enjoy (not easy in these hard times, I’m aware of that) and remember frustrations are part of it. Whenever there is money involved, you can expect some pain and suffering. But that only makes you stronger.

And last but not least: as contradictory as it may sound, tell yourself work is not everything. It’s important, essential even, but work doesn’t define who you are. It merely keeps you busy while trying to figure it out!