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Maxane R. |
October 01, 2024
A quiet environment with only the clicks and clacks of keyboards—this is how I would describe the workplace when I first set foot in Lexcode in 2018. As an apprentice competing against two other applicants for the English Editor position, I experienced the unique challenge of editing on paper, using the proofreading symbols I had only reviewed in preparation for this moment. Nothing, however, could have prepared me for the beautiful landscape that is the editing world.
As I slowly adjusted to being part of the team, I understood why only the keyboards were allowed to make noise. Editors require high levels of concentration when working on files, treating every word and letter as delicate pieces of glass that need polishing. Our output must be as clean and shiny as mirrors, reflecting each editor’s expertise and the company’s brand from every angle.
However, while making sure that we achieve that goal, team dynamics also proved to be significant. Oftentimes, we discuss work procedures or grammar practices, and when we feel too overwhelmed with work, we’ll take a break to buy coffee while talking about that day’s commute or justifying our lack of sleep. These little trips give us the boost of energy we need to power through each day, reminding us that while rewarding, the life of an editor can be challenging.
I can still recall the first file I had to edit—a cheesy, cringeworthy Tagalog love letter sent for translation and editing. While struggling to understand the words and contextual meanings at hand, I also remember fighting the urge to rewrite everything because the service required was only proofreading.
This was one of my first battles as an editor, but after that, I was exposed to other file types and projects, including a legal resolution file from the Korean government, which remains my favorite project even to this day. I was trained on how to carefully select the right words, revise and rewrite where necessary, and adhere to dynamic guidelines. But whether helping someone communicate their love through letters or pretending to be a lawyer presenting a case through well-constructed sentences, I find my job fulfilling, albeit often overwhelming.
When the pandemic struck and took the world by surprise, Lexcode’s transition was surprisingly smooth. Having gradually migrated to LEX-Cloud, our work processes have become more convenient and accessible. We even had a work-from-home arrangement prior to the lockdown, which made our adjustment easier.
My daily routine shifted from commuting four hours to the office to sitting at my humble workstation with limited interactions, mostly through email or Teams. Yet the world didn’t stop; the pandemic proved that many tasks could be effectively accomplished even from the comfort of our homes.
Surprisingly, editing requests continued to pour in; I’d say our workload even doubled during this time. It was during the pandemic that we received some of our biggest projects, such as a 500-page government research paper I had to work on with another editor and an editing/rewriting project for a government organization in Korea.
Like many employees facing “work crises” during the pandemic, our team also encountered obstacles while tackling these projects. However, we bonded through nightly Google Meet sessions, sharing our daily struggles and providing each other with invaluable support. This camaraderie became a highlight of my pandemic experience, as I realized I had the best team and support system anyone could wish for.
The company underwent multiple restructurings to maximize workforce efficiency and adapt to emerging technologies like AI. These changes brought new challenges, as there was a time when the team had to become part of different branches to support the company’s goals. However, the foundation we built was strong, allowing us to maintain effective collaboration. One recent challenge was incorporating AI, specifically ChatGPT, into our workflow.
While we learned to use it as a supplement for research and accuracy checks, there’s a lingering fear that such tools might replace us in our jobs. Nevertheless, we’ve shown that the human touch remains a crucial aspect of the editing process, affirming the value of our services.
In the blink of an eye, almost six years have passed since I joined the company. I was with Lexcode before the pandemic, during its peak, and after it subsided.
Despite the occasional frustrations over file influxes or miscommunications with project managers, I find fulfillment in my role as an editor. Change is not always easy or welcome, but I believe that it is often the unexpected that shapes our journeys. Without those moments, I wouldn’t be where I am today—part of a remarkable team and thriving in a job that continuously inspires me to grow.
