Teaching, tutoring, translating and interpreting are all widely different occupations, that have certain commonalities, and that people often do as freelancers.
There are endless options for those who can see themselves teaching or tutoring. This website provides the beginner teacher with some helpful hints. It explores several opportunities for teaching abroad as well, which is obviously a more serious engagement, but one recent college grads often pursue.
Otherwise, people offer their services to teach and tutor people of all ages in specific subjects. One way to get noticed by clients is to place your information and credentials on a site like Craigslist, where you can get picked up for jobs based on your credentials. Craigslist is, unfortunately, full of detractors. As I mentioned earlier, this will not happen for you overnight. You will have to keep posting and be persistent. You can also post your information on fliers around colleges and universities. Something to consider is, with no other cheap venue, you may have to teach in your own home or at odd hours.
Start teaching beginners or learners with little concept of what you teach, especially if you're a first-time teacher. Being a teacher is vastly different from observing one and it's not for everyone. I love to write and speak to large groups and share my skills, but teaching is definitely not for me. Maybe even take a course in teaching rather than jumping right in (often found at local colleges, universities and community centers-who knows, someday it may be you teaching!).
As the above website notes, remember to add all your teaching experience to your resume, as people tend to view seasoned teachers as reliable and ethical.
Teachers may offer consultations, online courses, lectures, coaching, conference presentations and a variety of other workshops. You could eventually develop a curriculum for your own class based on a particular expertise.
Tutors can offer test prep, help kids who are struggling with a particular subject and even help adults or people who are new to the country and want to grasp a particular skill.
In gaining publicity, it's wise to speak at large, public events or offer your services there. This draws a much bigger crowd than one-on-one teaching or tutoring. You should also start an email subscription list so you can keep track of anyone interested in your services and continue to reach out to them.
You can even put your courses online and choose to charge for them:
At Teflpedia, the authors break down the differences, and pros and cons between traditional teaching and freelancing. Elsewhere, the website also offers many more comparisons and ways to get off the ground. Be forewarned, becoming a successful freelance teacher does NOT happen overnight. As with other gigs, you might have to start off with complimentary services.
As most translators or interpreters are quick to note, translation and interpretation are NOT the same thing. Interpretation generally falls into the field of "communications." Interpreters work with spoken words to communicate a message between parties. This tends to happen very quickly. Frequently, interpreters work for a number of organizations but are able to maintain mobility and freedom. Specific interpreters gain demand based on their reputation as it builds up over time.
You should become a member of the American Translators Association which, despite its name, is a useful tool for interpreters as well. You can then become professionally certified which allows for greater opportunities and better resume credentials. Apply for jobs directly on the ATA site and then market and publicize your work (even something as simple as a business card).
Never stop searching for clients and agencies.
* * *
Translators will be called on to convert texts between languages, as translators deal with the written word. A translator might be asked to look over legal documentation, for example
When you find a potential translating job, make sure you also understand the content of the text as translation is not merely changing word-for-word but knowing what exactly you are saying. Turn down jobs if the jargon is far over your head. Instead, specialize in subjects you know well (here it's helpful to have a few niches going into the translating business). After you have the proper practice (lots and lots of translating), join an association to help you find work. There are many translation agencies out there. Some organizations may require that you be accredited or take an exam before joining with them.
TranslatorsCafe is one example of an organization with high demand for translators.
For both of these professions, a solid knowledge of a few languages is key. The MaryGrove college blog describes a few key steps to becoming a freelance translator (the first being to not immediately quit your day job). The site recommends finding an accountant to help you organize your small business, looking for what kinds of gigs are in demand and under-supplied and then undercharging your new clients (at first). Once you have a following, you can start to slowly raise your fees.