In this video, learn the truth about being a freelance software developer and the challenges that come with this career path.
The allure of freelance programming is undeniable: the freedom to work from anywhere, the ability to choose your projects, and the potential for lucrative pay. However, beneath this glossy surface lies a harsh reality that aspiring freelancers often overlook. The life of a freelance programmer is riddled with challenges that can be both mentally and financially taxing.
One of the most significant issues is the inconsistency of work. Unlike a salaried job, freelancing does not guarantee a steady income. Projects can be sporadic, and there are times when the influx of work can be overwhelming, while other periods can be hauntingly quiet, leaving freelancers scrambling to make ends meet. Managing finances becomes a juggling act, especially when factoring in expenses like health insurance, retirement savings, and taxes, which are usually covered by an employer in a traditional job.
Client relationships can also be fraught with tension. Dealing with late payments, scope creep, and unrealistic deadlines can take a toll on mental well-being. Moreover, the constant need to market oneself and keep up with evolving technologies adds an additional layer of stress. Freelancers must continually prove their competency and stay relevant amidst a highly competitive landscape.
For those undeterred by these challenges, platforms like eFrelance can offer some respite. eFrelance provides a reliable marketplace where freelancers can find consistent, well-paying jobs. The platform ensures fair treatment and timely payments, mitigating some of the financial instability inherent in freelancing. While freelancing offers considerable freedom, it’s essential to approach it with a clear understanding of its daunting realities.
47 Comments
@ripplesr5655
Dude, blink ffs!
Reply@ivanmeno
if you love programming, freelancing is not for you, the bro is right, get a job instead 😀
Reply@uzumakiuchiha9184
When you found a client, do you video call with them or you are just chat?
Reply@rajushah8748
thank you very much brother
Reply@user-yg1dg6xm2g
Ask ChatGPT 4 for an estimate of how long the project will take.
Reply@Reza1997rs
How many hours per day should a freelancer work to finish one project in average? Is it possible to be a nurse and a freelancer programmer at the same time?
Reply@ashu_stream
freak you maaaaaaaaaan
Reply@user-fc9ui3dl3i
I’ve just finished my computer science degree and gotten an offer as a software engineer starting in October. However, I like the idea of the freelance route. Would you recommend getting some experience first (in the software engineer job) before I start the freelance route? This is the first time coming across this channel and I’ve subscribed 🙂
Reply@muhammaddanial212k
Amazing background and scene.
Reply@deffcousticsp7094
Good explainer..
Reply@30pxrks
New sub im 19 years old and im going on about the same path as you I started looking into this stuff around when I was 16-17 I started writing programs
Reply@valhalla_dev
Making this note not because Tom doesn't know, but for the new programmers who watch this video:
I've done freelancing and full-time employment for several years. I'm currently doing both at the same time. If you want to program 24/7 and that's all you want to do, full time employment is also going to disappoint you. No, you won't have to market yourself, but you will have to sit in on endless meetings, work with team members on high level solutions to problems, etc. We could go back and forth on which one (freelancing versus employment) involves more programming, but frankly if you're getting into software development, you're going to have to get good at non-technical soft skills as well.
Reply@jamest4027
what about having a portfolio to prove you can do the job?
Reply@ralphguichette1
I came here to get shattered, and now I'm leaving feeling inspired.
Reply@dekumutant
"they dont care about qualifications, its about whether they think you can deliver the work" now say that slowly while thinking about what the optics of qualifications do
Reply@user-kw4ph2cz8q
Hi..i know basic to advanced python,html,js,css,bootstrap tkinter i am …i have a full time job in south Africa …i want to do freelance as a side hustle…any advices …??? 😢❤
Reply@mcop1
I love programming and I can tell you working for a company like I have for the last 25 years is not the way to program more either….meetings, planning, corporate BS take away HOURS of programming time PLUS the better you are at software engineering the more you are required to lead, mentor, interview & onboard and less the programming you do.
Reply@Cloudjiek
It's only increasing my desire to face it
Reply@BrettOssman
Make sure you get all the details of the requirements and expectations in a contract. Also, be ready for changes to either. Except for maybe the smallest tasks, like one user story for you Agile folks, the target will change. If they change, the contract changes.
Reply@user-pl3si1cx7p
ha
Reply@nelsonmutane1372
Hi @Tom Shaw, i love de video, very sincere and direct.
Replyhow can i sell my self better, and how to find clients.
My reality is on country and region that technology is not big deal, but i want to be one the pioneer on that, and jump from simple freelance to really entrepreneur.
Thanks
@senorfavorita7457
I'm just starting out as a freelancer, How to do it? I couldnt land a single project………
Reply@aaronmori1764
0:27 And what if im okay doing those things? actually i would love to do those things you mentioned
Reply@kozas0
Nice, another option down the toilet, thanks for clearing up that for me.
Reply@michaelmarian9987
damn bruv that alot of work
Reply@G311X
So honest
Reply@matthewcaldwell8100
Yeah, most people saw through the supposed glamour of the gig economy real fucking quick. Those who didn’t were either bamboozled by propaganda or in a comfortable enough position that they could Weather the volatility
Reply@rendivs925
I love coding
Reply@reukiz6434
I worked as a full time web developer and during my freetime, I do freelance as well (I avoid doing big project but project which I'm able to handle and maintain)
What did I learn from my experience?
1. Don't always say yes to a project which involves taking some time from your working hours.
2. Always ask for a non refundable deposit, just in case the client decided to discontinue which at least you can still earn. For me I do a time frame of what is what to be done during that month and how much the client should pay at the end of month, also I stated in the contract, if the client stops paying then it will be marked as discontinue and payment is non refundable.
I usually screen record the application instead of giving the actual files.
3. Don't do more of what was discussed between the client and you or when the contract has been signed. Or else, you can state for any additional request for the project, the client has to pay an x amount.
4. Don't rate yourself cheaply just to get the project. Trust me, ain't worth it.
How do I get clients?
1. Observe local businesses, suggest how you can help them with your skills instead of waiting for people to find you.
2. Learn PHP, most businesses don't want to change what has already been built for them so what you can do is improve it (Most of my clients systems still use PHP and this is where I got most of my side income)
3. Always update your portfolio.
Reply@plutomessi21
as a dreamer I can confirm this video crushed my dream.
Reply@ian-tumulak
The harsh reality as a freelance programmer. You need to be the marketer, job manager, auditer, budgeter, and employee.
Reply@i_zoru
so in conclusion made by myself
1. Freelance programming is good when you code because you love it, if you only do it for the money, you are recommended to land a job in some companies
2. try to predict and give a margin of time for the project itself, e.g: if you can finish it in 70 hours, then set it to 100 hours just in case you're stuck a little bit.
3. learn how to market yourself, be a good communicator.
4. do what you paid for.
about the no. 4….
most of my friends are freelancer. and if the client's want to start the project, they at least has to pay at least around 20-50% of down payment from the total budget (depends on the budget) to start the project. and be careful for the clients you trusted, sometimes they just want free things, there are several cases where the client try to scam the freelancer. the dark secret that some dev do is they always put a backdoor for the client that has a potential to scam them. it's either CLI that hit / send "something" to the server via ssh, or simpler such as API gateway.
Reply@BlaQsheeeP
The secret sauce to freelancing are retainers. Market yourself as a contractor (i.e. a independent developer, who works similar hours as employee), and work on projects taking 3-6-12 months. After the projects end, move on with a retainer contract (again 3-6-12 months), and keep yourself networked with the company. This way, after 6-8 years, I am hardly doing any marketing or looking for clients anymore. I am just riding out my retainers, and networking within my established pool of past clients.
Reply@sundown456brick
really good video, makes a lot of sense
Replygot me scared from the title but made me realize i DO want to deal with alk that, thank you for sharing that❤
@ntn888
Nice succinct talk. The points made were very clear and makes sense too.
Reply@aftalavera
Why is so difficult for people to realize that we are done! The programming as a job is done. It was good while it lasted. Get a life people! The machines will be turned off anyway!
Reply@builder481
I personaly regreted learning to code because i wanted to make money and reality is You have better chances becoming a famous youtuber than making money with Python
Reply@outermess
This is exactly what I wanted to know about the world of freelancing. Thanks bro.
Reply@ZawmyoHtet-lg7jn
Thank you very much, Bro.
Reply@tostibrand1273
Great advice! What are your thoughts on freelancing as a newbie? Currently doing The Odin project
Reply@johnnyrocket1181
Yo lad well said my man
Reply@gurpreetkait
I just left the job and decided to go full-time freelancer, I'm 19 I think I can take the risk.
Reply@dr.sminty7781
And that is why I hired ChatGPT for $20 a month. It turned a week's worth of work into a couple of hours.
Reply@eg4933
the best video on reality of freelancing programming. PERIOD. Pass this around please.
Reply@MarcosDemian
One of the best videos on youtube without any filler and without flashy editing. Loved it
Reply@NoirMorter
Good points, my family has businesses as well and they've said their annoying to run. One of them actually sold it with the caveat they'll keep him on doing the thing that he loves. Now he's much better well off and happier since he doesn't have a good business sense or salesmanship.
Reply@praveenkpk3377
+1 Subs from a fellow developer.!
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