T cells are central players of the adaptive immune system by protecting us from recurring infections and by killing malignant cells. Protective T cell responses rely on the concerted production of effector molecules such as cytolytic mediators, granzymes, and perforins, as well as pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Once activated, T cells drastically change their gene expression and rapidly respond to insults by producing ample amounts of effector molecules. In the absence of antigen, T cells remain in a quiescent state and survey our body for possible pathogenic insults. Resting T cells are, however, not inert, but continuously regulate their protein production to survive and to be prepared for possible re‐infections. Here, we review our current knowledge on the regulation of gene expression in activated and quiescent T cells. We specifically focus on post‐transcriptional mechanisms that define the protein output and that allow dormant cells to undergo active signaling and selective translation, keeping them poised for activation. Finally, we discuss which signals drive T cell survival and their preparedness to respond to insults and which mechanisms are involved in these processes. T cells continuously receive signals for protein production. Although quiescent T cells produce selected proteins needed for homeostasis, activated T cells undergo substantial proteome remodeling when activated through the TCR. Here, we describe how post‐transcriptional mechanisms define the protein production in T cells, with a focus on RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs).