A Shift in the San Diego Landscape

Thirty days ago NIS announced a restructuring plan to our staff interpreters in San Diego. Word of this quickly spread to the Deaf and interpreting community, leading to some rumors and speculation. Well, today is that day of transition, and I would like to speak about these changes.

First of all, this was NOT an easy decision for me or the company. I prize our staff interpreters and have enjoyed, and hopefully will continue to enjoy, a heartfelt friendship and association with all of them. I like them no less than my own family. Some of those caught up in this restructuring have been with us for OVER 20 years! To not be considered their employer anymore, is, for me, the end of a dream, a dream that I could be, practically speaking, someone’s “lifetime” employer. (It is a good thing I am typing this because I would have to leave the room if I was trying to say this in front of a live audience right now) (The people here in Starbucks must think I’ve had the worst coffee ever!)

I’d like to also say that I’m not the boss of everything. Like the weather, there are some things that are out of my control. Business landscapes go through changes in the weather. Some weather is manageable, some weather requires restructuring afterwards. Usually, after restructuring, the building is stronger and more prepared for the next storm that might arise. I expect that to be the case here too. We’re not folding our tent. We plan to be around for years to come.

When it was announced that NIS planned to release ALL of their staff interpreters into the freelance marketplace in San Diego, some with an interest in this didn’t know what to make of it. They asked..”what does this mean?”. Well, in real terms, if you’re curious, this involved 8 interpreters. Some assume, because of name recognition, that it must mean far more interpreters than that. This is because MOST of the interpreters we work with are freelance interpreters. These 8 will now be joining, if they choose, the much larger group of freelance interpreters in the area. It is very likely that if you are a customer/client accustomed to receiving service from them, that you WILL see them again.  We value the many relationships we have in San Diego with you, our customers, clients, and contractors. That has not changed and will never change. We will continue to do our very best to be flexible and professional when meeting your scheduling needs.

I just returned from San Diego. I had been there for a week. I apologize to those I didn’t get to see or those friends and professional colleagues who did not know I was in town! In the weeks and months to come I will be in San Diego more frequently and hope to see and catch up with all of you. Next time I will announce my arrival through Facebook and Twitter and should have more time to visit.

Cliff Hanks
President
Network Interpreting Service Inc.