Freelance (web site?) programming?

[TheAppleCore]

Hey BL!

I'm a high school student, and I'm looking to be able to employ my skills in computer software-related technology over the summer. I'd like to be able to work as a freelance programmer from home, and this much I've decided - however, exactly what I'll be doing I'm not sure. I want to make the decision fairly soon, so I can begin to educate myself in the appropriate areas.

What's there a demand for lately? I thought maybe I'd learn to program web sites, but what about Java, Python, C, C++, etc.? I do know Python to a limited extent.

Peace & love!

 

[Lysis]

Apple, freelancing is great but to put it quite bluntly - it's fucking stressful. The difference between having a boss and working for customers is that a customer doesn't need to be politically correct and they don't have any problem complaining that you suck. No matter how good you are, someone will tell you that you suck. It's just how it goes.

Now, if I haven't scared you (LOL) here are some tips. First, you need a portfolio. What have you done? Why should I hire you over the next guy who has done a trillion websites? What is your price? Are you cheap? Does that mean you suck because you're cheaper? Do I get a deal if I hire you over the next guy?

Next, I'd say the highest demand for web programming is c# and php, so learn one of those. The others are pretty dated for web programming, and you won't find much. Also, you need to know databases, mainly, MySQL or MSSQL for website programming. Your most popular is probably PHP and MySQL, but I hate MySQL

You need history, little dude, and that is hard to come by. You also need a kickass proposal. You need to know what the client wants and cater your proposal that says "Hi, I have done x y z and I'm your man for the project." Freelancing takes some confidence and sales writing. There is a strong element of confidence needed in freelancing so that you can not only sell to the customer, but you can also move on to the next guy after tons of rejections.

Don't get me wrong. It's extremely satisfying. There are good weeks and bad weeks. I have had weeks where I'm told how great I am. I just sold my biggest job - $3k - so this week is good, but there are some weeks where I will get like 3 people in a row bitching at me.

 

[TheAppleCore]

Wow! Thanks, Lysis - that was a super helpful post. I'll start looking into PHP and MySQL. Luckily, I have a pretty nice opportunity to start a portfolio - it so happens that my dad is currently looking for a website programmer for his small business, and told me that he'd hire me if I learned the languages.

 

[Lysis]

Apple, go work for your dad and suck up everything he teaches you. As a high school student, I honestly think it's a better way to go. It's seriously tough right now freelancing because of the economy. Plus, it's your summer and the stress of freelancing is bullshit. LOL You need to relax and have fun. I'm not saying you shouldn't do it, but you'll get frustrated fast between not having references or a portfolio and trying to satisfy people who want everything for nothing because you're new and they feel they can take advantage.

Enjoy your summer, and dig into PHP and MySQL. That's a great place to start and it will definitely advance you in your goals.

 

[Coolio]

I recommend going to a site like rentacoder.com, finding some contracts you think you know how to do or that sound easy enough to learn how to do, and do what you have to do to complete them. There are plenty of low-skill jobs available. Don't worry about learning any one language or platform - find a client with a problem to solve first, and learn what's necessary to solve the problem.

 

[TheAppleCore]

^ That's pretty neat, Coolio - didn't know such a site existed. Thanks for the link.