I did OPI for one year, and it is brutal.
The number of calls was non-stop, so I transferred to the weekend shift. Fewer calls, but mostly 911 calls with killings, fights, and border patrol agents requesting interpretation for border crossers. I worked in a right-to-work state, so it was like working for peanuts. The shift supervisor is constantly watching and listening. Very few recognition awards for the hard work rendered.
Thanks, but no thanks

yes i am one of those, yesterday i took calls for the first time... I cried at the end of my shift:(

The real ultimate guide to OPI
I'm a medical interpreter working as an OPI most of the time, and I approve the message

I’m doing that eight hours constantly every day it’s really tough but sometimes it’s fun sometimes it’s so horrible and sad and you just need to be aware that their emotion is not your emotion as much as you are sympathy with them. It doesn’t mean this is your problem and you need to protect yourself and do your best to transfer their meaning and talk to the others.

Have done this job for years, still learning but I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

I am currently taking legal and court interpreting online classes now and I am finding it extremely hard, I thought I knew Spanish until I started these classes

0.30 to 0.35 per minute???!! No way, in America Latina they are treating us like garbage because they only pay 0.10 to 0.15 per minute of interpretation in 2026, with no rights or benefits, just as freelancers.

I just love Maritza's personality and the way she reaches out to the world!!! Besides all the professional tips that she is bringing. Thank you so much!!!

Hello Maritza, it was really eye opening watching your video. I´ve been working as a French medical interpreter as an OPI for LLS on a 8 hour shift per day for five years now. I must say that all the reasoning and insight you provided on  complying with the code of ethics and the effect it has in real time situations is amazing. But alas it is not my reality because we are not allowed to antagonize the customer or LEP no matter how bad the situation is. Customers are so used to OPI that they lost the respect that should be given to a professional that is there to help. I´m not authorized to refuse a call so those triggers do happen and some calls are so raw that I get shaken to the core. Personally, I´ve been living with PTSD and depression for decades now and I´m also a Peer Support agent so some days are just mentally draining. Having a break when needed is not easy either and the calls are B2B. Having said all this I love my job, the purpose and making a difference is what keeps me going. I´ve never stopped feeling that impostor syndrome you talk about but I just take a deep breath every day and go for it.

I am an English-Chinese OPI interpreter, I was trained that when I am not needed in a conversation, I should keep silent, but jump in when they have difficulties.

I currently work with an agency providing in-person outpatient interpreting. I completed one Child Protection Services (CPS) appointment over the phone, but it was quite challenging to understand the speakers. I strongly prefer in-person or video telehealth sessions.

Thank you so much for this video! Tomorrow I start my first ever job as an over the phone medical interpreter and Im soooo nervous, but your video has managed to calm some of my nerves so again, thank you very much 🙏

Excellent video. Informative and absolutely accurate on all  issues. Thank you for sharing!

I loved the way you actually covered all of my questions regarding this line of work. After watching you, i really want to do this type of work. Please keep posting these videos, i really enjoyed it !!

This coming 5th, I will be completing my first year as a contractor (before that, I would interpret sparsely to direct clients or acquaintances). This video has helped me to remind myself of the importance of our role and the fulfilment this kind of work brings to me. Quite informative (and informed) comments. Nice video!

Thank you for this video. As a veteran Spanish OPI/VRI medical 911 interpreter, this was helpful.

Really enjoyed your video ❤
Learned a lot😊

This video is really useful! Thank you so much
Keep up doing the clip for us please

I loved your video, Maritza! I am currently working as an OPI and YES, the scariest thing is never knowing what the call is going to be about. I think am struggling to do more calls during the day because of the "uncertainty" factor and also because of the bad acoustics in calls....it is extenuating to try to understand through the noise. Do you have any relaxation tips to deal with mental fatigue? Again thank you so much for sharing your precious expertise with the young ones.

You are awesome. The video is very informative thank you so much.