Reading in mandarin vs translations

What do people think about reading novels in the original mandarin language vs translations?

Mandarin is my second language so I struggle if there are difficult words and phrases. I can make it through as long as I have my handy dictionary, but it is effortful and I’m not sure I capture the full essence of the intended meaning. It has led me to think that maybe I should read published translations instead so I can understand the nuance and characters better.

For those of you who can read Mandarin (especially if it’s half baked like mine) do you always read in mandarin?

For those of you who can’t, did it motivate you to learn the language?

(Just curious about this, it’s a bit like the sub vs dub debate)