We had the good fortune of connecting with Dina Shimek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dina, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My perspective of work life balance has changed significantly since I first started in this field. I would accept just about every opportunity there was to interpret, especially in new settings. I am thankful for that period of experience and growth, but now see how out of balance it really was. I felt a tremendous amount of guilt when I would have to turn down a job for personal reasons, which made it difficult to say, “No.”. I now allow myself the time and space I need for myself. I do not allow my work to overflow into my personal life, and I’m more at peace knowing I can do so much more good when I’m in balance.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Part of the passion I have for interpreting comes from the continuous challenges that present themselves. I am not one for the mundane and would prefer learning through unfamiliar or challenging situations. In any given day I could be in 5 different settings, interpreting completely different content. This has taught me how to be spontaneous, flexible, and open to whatever may occur.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many gems in South Florida. If I had a friend visiting the area I would take them to one of our many beautiful parks, like Treetop Park in Davie. We would also have to go to the beach, possibly Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. There is always live music throughout that area and great food as well. We would also have to take a trip to the Yellow Green Farmer’s Market in Hollywood. There is such a variety of things to see, experience, and eat there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz

Website: www.hearthandsllc.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dina-shimek-4a147758

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