We’ve recently celebrated two years since the launch of FlexHub. This initiative was created to bring together linguists and digital specialists from around the world, offering not just projects but also support, collaboration, and a genuine sense of community - and we’ve all come a long way in this time.
To mark the anniversary of FlexHub, I caught up with one of our Chilean Spanish linguists, Billy Muñoz, who shared the lessons he’s learned during his translation career so far, his future goals and thoughts on the future of the industry, and how being part of FlexHub has shaped his freelancing experience.
Every interaction with our freelancers is an opportunity for mutual learning. Their industry expertise, insights, experiences, and feedback inspire improvements to our processes and help us make FlexHub better for everyone involved.
One of the most valuable takeaways has been the reminder that professional growth in translation is as much about mindset as it is about skill: the importance of trusting in their own knowledge and abilities, especially in the early stages of their careers, when self-doubt can easily take hold.
This is something Billy has been keen to emphasise -
The most valuable lessons I have learned are to trust in my own knowledge, never give up even when times are difficult, and to realize that not everything that glitters is gold.
In the beginning, I often doubted my abilities and found it hard to believe that I could deliver a good translation.
Over time, I discovered that believing in myself and my skills is essential for professional growth. I also learned the importance of perseverance, especially in a field as competitive—and sometimes as thankless—as translation, where translators are often kept in the background.
Finally, I realised that not every opportunity is as promising as it seems. Working online has taught me to identify dishonest “clients” who try to take advantage of translators’ honest work. These experiences have made me more resilient and have taught me the importance of self-confidence, perseverance, and caution in this profession.
“Believing in myself and my skills is essential for professional growth”
I would tell them never to stop learning. In translation, it’s essential to constantly update your knowledge, because language is alive and always evolving. Staying curious and open to new developments will make you a better translator.
I would also encourage them not to give up; the path can be challenging and full of obstacles, but with perseverance and dedication, those challenges can be overcome. Success in this field comes to those who are willing to keep learning and working hard, even when things get tough.
“Never stop learning… language is alive and always evolving”
FlexHub isn’t just a platform for work - it’s a community. Personally, I take pride in fostering connections, encouraging collaboration, and building relationships that make freelancers feel supported and part of something bigger.
For many of our freelancers, this sense of belonging is one of the most meaningful aspects of being part of FlexHub. Freelancers often work independently, so being part of a friendly community can make all the difference.
Unlike the often impersonal nature of freelancer-agency partnerships, we strive to build real relationships with our freelancers, recognising them not just as contributors, but as individuals with their own goals and ambitions.
I have felt truly supported and accompanied from the very beginning—from the selection and interview process to my ongoing work with FlexHub.
Whenever I’ve had questions or concerns, the team has always responded quickly and with a genuine willingness to solve any issues.
I’ve also had the opportunity to connect with other members of the community, all of whom have been incredibly kind and welcoming. Being part of FlexHub has made me feel like I’m not working alone, but rather as part of a collaborative and friendly network.
“Being part of FlexHub has made me feel like I’m not working alone”
One thing that truly stands out is the human touch in the way you approach collaboration.
Unlike other agencies, where communication can sometimes feel distant or purely transactional, with FlexHub I have always felt that I am valued as an individual, not just as another freelancer.
The team is approachable and genuinely interested in my well-being and professional growth. This human approach makes a big difference, especially when facing challenges or needing support, and it’s something I haven’t experienced to the same extent elsewhere.
“With FlexHub, I feel valued as an individual, not just as another freelancer”
As we look ahead, I love hearing how our freelancers envision their own growth, as well as the evolution of the industry around them. The translation landscape is constantly changing, shaped by technology, creativity, and cultural exchange.
As I look to the future, my main professional goal is to continue expanding my skills and knowledge—both by pursuing further studies, such as a Master’s degree, and by gaining experience in new areas of translation and localization.
I am passionate about using language to connect people and bridge cultures, both in my own country and internationally through online work. While freelancing has given me valuable flexibility and a variety of enriching projects, I would also welcome the opportunity to join a company in a more permanent role. I believe that having greater stability would allow me to contribute more consistently, deepen my expertise, and continue making a positive impact as a linguist.
I believe the translation industry is evolving rapidly, especially with the integration of new technologies like AI and machine translation.
While these tools are changing the way we work, I think there will always be a need for the human touch—creativity, cultural understanding, and nuance that only a skilled linguist can provide.
What excites me most is being at the intersection of language and technology, and having the chance to adapt, learn, and contribute to an industry that is becoming more dynamic and global every day.
Being part of this evolution means I can help shape the future of communication and play a role in connecting people across cultures.
“What excites me most is being at the intersection of language and technology”
Stories like this remind us why we launched FlexHub: to connect skilled linguists with meaningful opportunities while fostering a supportive, people-first community.
From practical advice for newcomers to reflections on the future of translation, our freelancers continue to inspire us with their passion, resilience, and commitment to bridging cultures.
If you’re a freelancer interested in joining FlexHub, we’d love to hear from you. Contact our fantastic Global Resourcing team at joinflexhub@ics-digital.com!
