The US workforce comprises mostly those from the millennial (Gen Y) age group. This demographic group is more multicultural and multilingual than the others. One reason for this is that, according to the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) report, around 64 million Americans speak another language rather than English. It's not shocking as the US is home to over 45 million immigrants (as of 2020)—about five out of six immigrants are bilingual or can speak several languages.

It's not just in the US. Being multilingual in the workforce can give you an edge in the global talent pool. It all depends on how you set out your work-from-home career and lifestyle. This article will discuss why many companies seek diversity in their workplace and how you can begin your freelance career through the advice of a remote translation company. Let's get started!

Why is multilingualism important to businesses in the US?

There is a demand for multilingual workers in the US. Despite millions of multilingual individuals, there is still a shortage of skilled bilinguals.
Some HR experts report businesses are losing opportunities due to the shortage. Currently, more American companies are conducting operations abroad, causing a spike in demand. For this very reason, multilingual workers have a significant advantage in the workforce, especially in industries dealing with international communications. 

3 Tips to Becoming Part of the Global Talent Pool

In our research for a remote-first company, we came across Ofer Tirosh, the CEO of Tomedes, who has remote-based teams worldwide. From our interview with Tirosh, we gathered some practical tips and advice for anyone planning to work full-time freelance jobs. Regardless of whether they want to work for professional translation companies or not.

 1. Identify Your Skills and Hone Them for your Full-Time Freelance Jobs

Tirosh explained that he wanted to have a remote-first translation company because of the opportunities and skills brought by those in the global talent pool.
"No one starts off knowing everything. When I began my path to entrepreneurship, I failed several times until I finally found a niche that I'm passionate about and could thrive. I learned to hone my entrepreneurial skills over the years," Tirosh said.
His advice is to have a professional development plan. By having one, you can reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and choices in working full-time freelance jobs. 
When you start your freelance career, you will make mistakes along the way. That's good. 
You can learn from your mistakes, which can help you develop your skills and character as a freelancer. You will need to develop the skills to help you become disciplined in accomplishing tasks with minimal supervision. 
Once you find out what skills you're interested in, mold them. It will be easier for you to find work in full-time freelance jobs through this way. 

2. Work From Home Demands Time Management and Productivity

In the first years of managing a remote-based translation company, Tirosh struggled to implement this flexible model. After he established a transparent work culture, communication and productivity drastically improved. Tirosh explains that anyone working from home can get distracted. Sometimes, you might also feel like an imposter, even if you have been doing well at your job. Despite receiving great feedback from your employer, you can still have self-doubt about your career.Some individuals dealing with imposter syndrome may self-sabotage their progress. To overcome this, you will need to remind yourself of your accomplishments. Talking about your insecurities with someone who sees through them will also help. 
If you're having issues with procrastination, you can work with people who can make you more accountable—for example, your boss or your remote workmate. 
For companies working under the remote work model, tardiness is unacceptable. From Tirosh's experience, many international clients expect immediate output. It was crucial for Tomedes to develop ways to increase accountability and productivity for all employees.
Tirosh recommends installing freelance management software and time trackers. In doing so, you can identify how productive you are in a day. It will help you develop a strategy for becoming more productive.

3. Professional Translation Companies Aren't the Only Ones Looking for Individuals Fluent in Several Languages 

Now, we know what you're thinking. Professional translation companies aren't the only businesses interested in your language skills. 
If you're fluent in different languages, you can communicate to foreign markets. Other than a translation company, many businesses will see the value of your language skillset right away.  Because of the shortage in the US, the government has implemented the "Seal of Biliteracy" law. When high school students graduate, their diploma will indicate their language skills. This program aims to equip the new generation to succeed in the globalized market.

Thus working in full-time freelance jobs requires you to accept that it also brings uncertainties with the freedom it gives. You will need to accept that sometimes you won't have projects, or you will have to keep on moving from one company to another.
So it's vital to see that each project you work on is an investment in your skills and experience in your field. Hopefully, our interview with a remote-first translation company will help you on the right track.