We at Speaking of Translation were saddened to learn that our colleague Andy Bell died suddenly on August 24. Although most of us in the US knew Andy only from afar (we kept trying to get him to attend an ATA conference, but it’s a long haul from Australia!), he quickly made an impression as a smart, hardworking, big-hearted and generous colleague. Andy founded Watercooler, one of the first social media forums for freelance translators, and was always quick to offer help to colleagues who needed advice or motivation.
We interviewed Andy for a Speaking of Translation panel on work/life balance back in 2013, and his affection for his family was obvious to everyone who listened to the episode. We are rerunning this episode in Andy’s memory, with the original introduction below.
In this episode, we discuss how to maintain your sanity while running a thriving business, raising a family, pursuing non-work interests and contributing to the profession. Our panelists for the discussion are Scandinavian to English translator Andy Bell, English to French translator Marianne Reiner and French to English translator Karen Tkaczyk, with Speaking of Translation hosts Eve Bodeux and Corinne McKay moderating. All of our panelists run full-time freelance businesses while raising families and remaining active in translation industry activities. All of them have significant non-work interests as well (sports, sideline businesses, church, community volunteering); we invited them because they strike us as people who do it all, but don’t seem stressed out or frazzled. Wondering how they do it? We’ll get their tips on how to find a work/life balance that keeps you happy, keeps money in the bank and lets you live the kind of life that you want.
Link to The Orange Line, mentioned by Eve during the discussion.
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Work/Life Balance
Speaking of Translation 
I’d just like to say thank you so much for posting this it, I’m one of Andy’s kids and it’s really nice to hear his voice again
Thanks, Erin! How sweet of you to comment! When we posted this episode again, one of our thoughts was that at some point in the future, Andy’s family might enjoy listening to it. It’s obvious how much your dad loved being a dad, and that his kids were a huge part of his life. I’m sure that his passing left an empty place in many hearts, and I’m glad that you found this episode!
Erin! We are so happy we could share that with you. Your father was a wonderful person and colleague. We still feel his loss as well and feel for you all. Much love to you all!