As a translator, would you rather do freelance translation or have a desk job?

A professional translator would not mind doing them both. Time management and accuracy are required for each. I don't mind working as freelancer or desk translation job. Zainab 

 My point of view a desk translation is better than freelance one, for me i prefer to work in a limited time for example from 08 to 17 and to stop, change mind by  going back home and do other thing than that , as am concerned if i do freelance translation for me is a non stop work and i should comply with deadline .it would be my only concern and i would neglect other home and family duties

Regularly i work desk job translations.

I believe if you are planning  to start a new business in the future, a freelance translator is much better. 

a desk job is often better if work environment is cool

I think it depends on the individual's liking. Some wants to be oral translators while others prefer written ones.

Actually, working as a freelancer is a nightmare routine that keeps you at home and it is not a daily work unless you conclude a contract mentioning that there will be a daily work. However, if the contract mentioned that the salary will match every single work that you will be awaiting for, it will be a disastrous contract. I prefer the work on a desk because it gives me the chance to know my comrades and the company where I am working, and to work as a team, and it ensures that I will get an honorable salary.

Being a translator means often freelancing, so the answer is desk job. 

I agree with Souad, I prefer a desk translation job since it is a more stable one and you know exactly how much will you be earning at the end of the month and in this way you can plan a head for the kind of responsibilities and obligations that you have. But it is fair to say I also enjoy freelancing especially if someone is able to have a sustained group of clients so it becomes more of a steady job that you can rely on. In addition, it gives you the freedom of choosing your own working hours.

Basically, I don't work  as legal translator, but actually i do translate the legal instruments which relating to my client suits, contracts, agreements and regulations, in order to complete my  task  properly.