Scrutinizing job satisfaction during COVID-19 through Facebook

Abstract

Due to the advent of social media, translators have started communicating about their work- and non-work-related experiences and associated attitudes on these platforms. COVID-19 accelerated a shift toward a greater reliance upon digital media (Tsao et al. 2021; Wong et al. 2021). This paper uses social media data to examine how Chinese translators and/ or interpreters used their Facebook pages as a channel to express their job dis/satisfaction between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2022. Conclusions regarding practitioner job satisfaction are based on an analysis of information gathered concerning expressed attitudes on access to expanded networking opportunities, client appreciation, and the acquisition of new knowledge. Practitioners value their role as cultural mediators. COVID-19 introduced unprecedented changes, requiring practitioners to adapt to remote work settings and an increased reliance upon digital tools. Despite income and job security concerns due to the pandemic, practitioners remain committed to delivering quality work.