I’ve been navigating the world of remote work for over three decades now – a journey that began long before the internet became the norm. With a degree in literature and languages, I first stepped into the professional world teaching German.
However, my career took an unexpected turn when my linguistic skills were noticed, leading me into the fascinating field of translation. I like to say that I bumped into translation and I embraced it. This turned out to be a key moment in my career, showing my ability to adapt and seize new opportunities that came my way.
In addition to my role as a freelance translator, I’ve also found fulfilment as a part-time English teacher, particularly within the hospitality industry. I play a crucial role in delivering professional courses for the Portuguese Tourism Organisation by contributing to the organisation’s on-the-job English training programs.
Beyond language instruction, I actively contribute to the organisation’s on-the-job training programs for industry professionals. Working from home is a lonely activity, so this was a way of dealing with this challenge when there were no coworking spaces or any awareness of these issues.
In 1998, sensing the winds of change in technology, I decided to further develop my career as a freelance translator by returning to university. There, I pursued and successfully earned my Masters in translation and terminology. The focus of my studies extended beyond traditional language skills, delving into the realm of translation software.
This wasn’t about automatic translation but involved leveraging databases to record both the original text and the translated version. The knowledge and expertise gained during this academic pursuit provided a significant boost to my career. Armed with this new skill set, I immediately integrated translation software into my workflow. In fact, my dissertation centred around the intricacies and applications of terminology databases, showcasing my passion for learning and staying at the forefront of my field. In 2018 I finished my PhD with a dissertation in legal terminology.
Presently, my professional aspirations extend beyond the confines of language and technology. Driven by a desire to lead a more sustainable lifestyle, I am exploring opportunities to reshape not just where I live but how I live. The vision is to establish roots in a rural area where I can grow my own vegetables and adopt more sustainable habits.
This personal commitment to sustainability goes beyond my immediate surroundings; it’s intricately tied to a broader project close to my heart – rural coworking and coliving. Through this endeavour, I aim to create a harmonious balance between a fulfilling professional life and a sustainable, eco-conscious existence that not only transforms my world but contributes to the health of the planet.
In collaboration with my youngest son, I’ve embarked on a transformative project focused on rural coworking and coliving. What initially began with the purchase of a plot of land for construction faced unexpected challenges as the world underwent rapid changes within a mere two years.
Undeterred, I navigated the twists of fate and stumbled upon a house that I could renovate to bring our vision to life. Luck, as they say, often follows hard work and perseverance, and it’s these qualities that allowed me to adapt and continue this meaningful project.
The core of our initiative lies in reestablishing the profound connections people once had with both community and nature. In the midst of this venture, I’ve been involved in extensive networking and research on rural coworking and coliving and establishing connections with the local municipality. Recognising the unique challenges that remote work in rural areas faces, I’m driven by a conviction that these areas hold immeasurable value in terms of enhancing quality of life.
The project serves as a testament to my commitment to not only adapt to change but also to contribute to the revival of community ties and a harmonious coexistence with nature in the ever-evolving landscape of remote work.
I believe that in the serene landscapes of rural Minho, in the North of Portugal, there is a lifestyle that eludes the hustle and bustle of city living. Cities offer entertainment, but it is in the rural areas that one discovers a unique type of beauty and tranquillity.
My current project with my son is a testament to my belief in not only preserving but redeveloping these regions. Beyond addressing population ageing, and depopulation challenges, our endeavour aims to showcase the intrinsic value of rural coworking and coliving. With this effort, our goal is to revive a deep connection that has faded over time – a reconnection with our communities and the natural world. It is my conviction that this project will not only serve as proof of concept but also stand as a testament to rural living. I’ll keep you posted!