Motivation

Is Being A Freelance Coder in 2022 Worth It?

The answer is yes.

If you enjoy coding and creating applications.

Is Being A Freelance Coder in 2022 Worth It?

As a freelance software developer, your job requires you to create, test, debug, or update an existing application.

Keep in mind, it takes dedication and hard work, and they’re few factors about being a freelance coder.

Depending on how you run your business.

You need to find your niche (which are your interests/skills you want to learn more).

Still interested? Keep reading.

Code from Home Jobs

If you think remote coding doesn’t exist in the 21st century.

Think again.

Everybody needs a coder!

Just like they need writers, solopreneurs, small businesses, or big and small companies may not have time to sit down and create, so, they need someone to meet their needs. That’s where freelance coders come in.

They need someone who can help them build websites, update, create apps, and more.

Judging by how the job market is today. Clients are looking for freelancers with experience rather than those with a degree.

Yes, a degree is good, but they don’t care about what you’ve learned in school. They care about what you can do for them.

If you want to become a freelance coder, you should know it’ll give you flexibility and freedom.

You can work around your schedule, that means you can work whenever, wherever you want, as long as you get the job done. You would get paid more than your hourly wage day job.

Freelance Software Developer

As a freelance software developer, your job requires you to create, test, debug, or update an existing application.

They’re programming languages you have to learn.

Building your portfolio is a must if you don’t already have one.

You can learn HTML, CSS, Python, JavaScript or Java on computer and mobile use, and Date SQL. You will collaborate with other developers even if it’s on a short-or-long term contract.

Freelance Coder Salary

According to ZipRecruiter, the average for software developers is $72,150 a year.

But there isn’t enough data on freelance work, mainly on becoming a coder or a programmer.

They predicted that 22% programmers will increase more between 2020 to 2029.

But, you set your rates, depending on what services you’ll offer for the clients. The income may increase and decrease, based on the location, mostly.

What can you do to become a freelance coder?

Here are the factors you must keep in mind.

If you want to become a freelance coder, there will be trials and draught moments you will face.

Here are eight factors you should do and keep in mind when you go through good and bad times.

1. Build Your Portfolio and Market Yourself

You need a portfolio to show off your potential clients.

It doesn’t matter how many projects or samples you’ve created. Most clients care mostly about what you can do for them, based on their needs.

You could build a mock website or if you know someone who is running a business.

It can be any project, like building apps or applications. But it had to be something on what you think the consumers use daily.

The most important thing you have to do is go beyond marketing. Research and come up with an idea.

A key to remember is the more you pitch, the more you earn an income, and when someone tells somebody about you. They’ll know you’re the right person to work with.

The best way to market yourself is craft your pitch before sending out pitches daily.

You can challenge yourself by sending out your pitch ten days a week, day or night, daily.

Don’t forget to get on Twitter and LinkedIn.

They’re the best platform you can use to connect with other freelancers in your niche. Market yourself and you never know, your future client may be interested in your service.

2. Build and Expand Your Online Business

Let’s assume you wanted to get more income.

You want more leads and more clients. Which is good!

But think about this, are your goals realistic? Do you have time to sit down and learn how to code or manage your business as a freelance coder while trying to get out of your mundane 9-5 job?

Stop, and ponder this question.

If you don’t have experience as a coder. There are sites that offer certifications to boost your credentials. Although, companies don’t care about how much you know; they care about what you can do for them.

Come up with a plan on what service you can offer.

Find your niche (topics you know or want to learn), get a website (super important), and use your time wisely.

It’s better to get started rather than waiting for the ‘right’ moment because you’ll end up dragging yourself and finding many excuses that will keep you from reaching your goal.

3. Set Your Boundaries

Have you wondered what it’s like to be a team player in a freelancing world?

If a client hired you to do one or two tasks based on your service.

You’re going to have a burnout moment. But, your experience in your day job has taught you perseverance.

Hopefully, if you didn’t walk out because of stressful times because freelancing is the same as your day job. It’s tough.

You’re hired for a reason because your client needed your help.

But, there are boundaries which you should set yourself up and don’t sell yourself short. This is your business. Your client has expectations and so do you.

4. Coding is Hard But It’ll Be Easy

Coding is hard. Period.

There are so many codes you have to know or understand what you’re telling a computer what to do, but don’t worry!

There are cheat sheets and books you can rely on if you want to refresh your mind or use this as a guide. Remember, you’re always learning. Regardless of what languages you’ve chosen to gain skills.

There are many routes you can choose if you want to become a web developer, full stack engineer (front and end stack), or game programmer.

The more you understand and gain skills, the more you’ll achieve in the long run.

5. Never Stop Learning

We learn new things every day.

It doesn’t matter what you’re doing in your business.

Being a freelance coder, you have to be aware of changes, like the job market.

You need the right tools and resources to upgrade your business. It’s better to keep your skills sharp and be useful than to stop learning.

6. Freelancing is Hard but with the Right Tools and Mindset

Look, you despise your day job and you want to get out of the traditional root of 9-5 right away.

You better have a plan, have the right mindset, and expect the unexpected.

This field is competitive.

There are a lot of freelancers who are doing a similar niche that may be marketable. There are a lot of them relying on Fiverr and Upwork, which these services are part-time or hobby-like, don’t do it.

If you want to set yourself apart from others, you need to go beyond by pitching more and do over one niche.

Think about it. If you code and write, you can become a technical writer!

The more skills you have, the more you’ll get paid.

It may sound overwhelming but it’s best to keep in mind that it doesn’t take overnight to learn everything all in once. You need to have time to sit down and learn.

Now, remember.

This is not to discourage you or let down your dreams, but be realistic. Be willing to preserve. Think of freelancing as your day job. You do things you don’t enjoy, but you get paid every week or bi-weekly.

7. Freelancing Can Be a Part-time or Full-time

Let’s assume you’ve saved enough money before leaving your job.

You have built your website (portfolio or a freelancer’s resume) with a blog.

It’s time to decide whether freelancing is for you or you can treat this as a side-hustle.

You can ‘moonlight’ like someone has called it.

If you are working full time, you need to balance your schedule. Get enough resources before becoming a full-time freelance coder. If you’re a parent, student, or a lawyer or whatever you are. You have time to sit down, learn, and pitch.

8. Few Certifications Are Best to Get Noticed

Now, for certifications, everyone has different opinions about gaining proof for clients. Check out three exceptional certifications you can spend time on learning:

These are the recommendations you should invest into, plus, they do offer lessons you could to build samples.

Becoming A Coder is Not Bad!

The more you gain your income and more clients.

Others will recommend you.

And remember, there are days you’ll experience burnout or no motivation.

But, if you have the end goal.

You’ll prove others on what it takes to become a freelance coder! Expect the unexpected and stay up to date. Have passion and enjoy what you’re doing.

If you’re a coder, what do you do?

Let me know in the comments below!

AJ is a writer, editor, and a full-time geek. She specializes in Fiction and Content Writing. Check out her creative blog ajqauthor.com to learn more about her journey as an author and her books. When she’s not writing, AJ would spend time at the coffee shop, reading or daydreaming about her next novel.

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