Abstract:
This study explores the job satisfaction of professional translators and interpreters in
Kazakhstan, a topic that has received limited empirical attention in the post-Soviet context.
Anchored in qualitative methodology, the research investigates how (dis)satisfaction is
experienced over time, how it relates to working conditions and institutional practices, and
how it influences career trajectories. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 10
practicing language professionals—including both in-house and freelance translators and
interpreters—the study adopts a thematic analysis approach guided by Herzberg’s TwoFactor
Theory, the Job Demands-Resources model, and Bourdieu’s Theory of Capital. The findings
indicate that job satisfaction is shaped by emotional dynamics, perceived fulfillment, and
moments of frustration. Freelancers appreciated flexibility and autonomy but struggled with
instability, market saturation, and weak institutional support. In-house professionals often
faced limited career progression and bureaucratic constraints but reported more stable
incomes. Recognition, fair pay, and belonging emerged as significant drivers of satisfaction,
while the lack of protective structures, trade union support, and social recognition
undermined long-term professional commitment. Notably, job dissatisfaction did not always
lead to immediate career change. Many participants remained attached to the profession due
to intrinsic motivation or structural barriers, while others explored adjacent fields such as
teaching, content writing, or further academic study. Concerns about artificial intelligence
displacing translators — particularly in written domains — also surfaced as a source of
anxiety, prompting some to diversify their skills. The study contributes to the understanding
of translator/interpreter well-being in non-Western contexts, where market irregularities and
institutional neglect pose unique challenges. It also offers practical implications for
policymakers, translation agencies, and academic institutions seeking to retain language
professionals and improve their work conditions. By giving voice to underrepresented
professionals, the research calls for systemic reforms and targeted support to strengthen the sustainability of the translation and interpreting sector in Kazakhstan.
