Computers have definitely changed my world, and you don't need a new one. An Indian email pal, who shared a room without plumbing with five friends, was surprised that I could not receive his photo by email. Or related to so many other parts of my life. I doubt there is such a thing as a typical translator, at least in this country. I never feel that other translators are rivals.
Clients turn into friends, friends into translators.
This is a profession in which life and work are not always separable. The accounting end of the business is not fun.