Tips – Freelance programmers have the advantage of working hours that they like, working places that they like, and workflows that they like. So it is not surprising that many freelancers can travel abroad and still be able to continue the projects they are working on. In addition, freelancers can also choose what kind of projects they will accept. This is rarely possible for office programmers because they have no choice but to follow the workflow that has been set by the company.
However, being a freelance programmer has a big risk, which is not getting any clients at all. There are even some office programmers who decide to become freelancers but eventually decide to go back to work as office programmers. Just like an entrepreneur, if you want to be a freelance programmer, you don’t just have to think about the code you write, but you are also required to think about how to market and manage yourself.
- Becoming a Specialist
As previously discussed, if we work in a large digitally literate company or tech startup, we are expected to become a specialist. A specialist is someone who truly masters a particular programming language or framework. Most freelance recruiters need freelance programmers to help them complete projects. Therefore, these recruiters deliberately look for freelancers with skills that are not possessed by the existing team.
- Increase Portfolio
It is very rare or even possible that there are no recruiters who conduct a selection process by conducting tests on freelance programmers they want to recruit. In addition to wasting time, freelancers are also usually reluctant to take tests, perhaps because of their geographical distance. These recruiters conduct selection by looking at the freelancers’ portfolios first.
- Determine Work Rates
Personal projects and “community service” projects have been completed. Now is the time to assess and appreciate (the real meaning is to set a price, Ed.) ourselves. We can compare with market prices on crowdsourcing sites such as Upwork or Freelancer. Visit the profiles of other freelancers. Open their portfolios. Find out their skills and then compare everything with what we have. This is where your objectivity and self-confidence will be tested through the question ‘do I deserve to have the same rate as that person or even higher’ and don’t forget to adjust it to the standards in your place of residence.