Time is an invaluable resource; once it’s gone, it can never be reclaimed. In our fast-paced world, it often feels like we are constantly racing against the clock, struggling to accomplish all the tasks on our never-ending to-do lists.
In community interpreting, we often race between jobs, navigating traffic conditions and searching for available parking. Interpreters spend time preparing for upcoming jobs and completing administration tasks such as updating diaries, invoicing, and contacting co-interpreters.
Additionally, Interpreters are obligated to complete professional development to maintain their NAATI credentials in three key areas:
- Skills development and knowledge
- Industry Engagement
- Maintenance of Language
NAATI Professional Development catalogue: https://www.naati.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Professional-Development-Catalogue.pdf
However, there are ways to reclaim control over our time and make the most of each day. In this blog post, we’ll explore some effective strategies to save time through your workday.
1. Prioritise Your Jobs
One of the first steps in saving time is prioritising jobs. Begin by reviewing your jobs for the week and identify:
- Location – where are you travelling to first and last? Make note of the main roads and the times you travel to determine if peak hour traffic or potential for roadworks will occur. This will assist you in making last-minute adjustments to your routes and maintaining good timing for each booked interpreting job.
- Parking – do you know if parking is available at the location of the job? Sometimes, the booking organisation will provide limited information on available parking. Often, you are unsure of the location and availability to park nearby. Doing a quick check of unfamiliar areas and perhaps a google maps visual gives you a heads-up of what to expect.
By doing a quick scout of the jobs for the week or the day, you can avoid wasting time and less stressed.
2. Time Management Techniques
Effective time management techniques can significantly boost productivity and help you save valuable time. Techniques such as time blocking and use of applications on your devices, could save you stress!
Time Blocking
Assign time to prepare for jobs, professional development, and administration tasks effectively. Use your phone calendar or diary to block out time that you intend to undertake a task.
Use of Phone Applications
There are many apps interpreters can take advantage of to save time during the day:
Parking Apps: Become familiar with the various parking apps in your area. In Perth, parking apps such as Wilson, EasyPark and PayStay can save a considerable amount of time! If you are running late, being able to walk away from your car and pay for walking on the go, is a much better option than arguing with a pay machine.
Travel Apps: Using apps that can guide you to jobs and provide updates on travel issues you may encounter, or quicker routes will save you the risk of arriving to interpreting jobs late. Apps such as Google Maps, Waze and your local Public Transport app can assist you through any situations that could make you late.
Lost on Campus: Do you attend interpreting jobs at a university and get flustered looking for a room? Lost on Campus by StudentVIP provides detailed, interactive campus maps for the largest 42 campuses around Australia.
3. Learn To Say No
Saying yes to every request can lead to overcommitment and time scarcity. It’s essential to set boundaries and learn to say no when necessary. Prioritise your existing commitments and avoid taking on new jobs and tasks before you are ready or that don’t align with your goals or values. Decline requests that would stretch you too thin across the day or week. Learn to focus on what truly matters to you by creating a quality work vs life balance.
4. Limit Distraction
Modern technology has brought countless distractions into our lives. To save time and stay focused, set boundaries with your devices that could suck up your time during the day. Silence unnecessary notifications that could be dealt with after you finish work, limit social media use and allocate specific times for responding to emails and messages. By reducing distractions, you can regain control over your time and maintain your energy across your working week.
Time is a finite resource, and how we use it defines the quality of our lives. By implementing these strategies to save time and energy, you can create space for personal growth, meaningful connections, and pursuing your passions. Remember that saving time isn’t about rushing through the work week; it’s about optimising how we use each moment to lead a more fulfilling and balanced life. Embrace these practices, and watch as you gain mastery over time and achieve your goals with greater efficiency and contentment.
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