Freelance Programming - Considerations For Getting Started

Many people starting out in computer programming are not aware that freelancing is an option that may be open to them right away. Computer programming is usually presented as a nine to five job creating code for a corporation or a small business. Are you considering a career as a freelance programmer? Perhaps you are tired of the daily grind of commuting to work, punching in the time clock, dealing with annoying co-workers and an unreasonable boss. Or maybe you just want to take the cap of your earnings by working on multiple projects at the same time. While some people enjoy working full time for a corporation or small business, many others have found fulfillment in running their own freelance programming business. Freelance programming is a very viable and perhaps even a better way to make a living as a computer programmer. Freelance programmers pretty much run their own business. They earn much higher wages than their full-time counterparts. However, a freelance programmer has more administrative costs such as purchasing health insurance and dealing with taxes. Other advantages of freelancing include the flexibility to set your own hours, working from home and working with different companies and different technologies at the same time.

Is there really a demand for freelance programmers? Yes, there is a demand for freelance programmers from both large and small companies. Companies are able to save money when they use freelance programmers because they only have to pay them for work performed and they can be let go from a project at any time. In addition, freelancers use their own computers, purchase software licenses and provide their own medical, dental and other benefits. Some companies are unable to shoulder the costs of maintaining an in-house programming team and prefer to use contractors intermittently. Companies also find that contract programmers are typically faster and more efficient at completing projects than full time employees. They also provide expert technical skill that a company's employees do not possess. The need for expert programming skills is by far the most compelling reason for the high demand for contract and freelance software developers.

So, what are the steps to becoming a freelance programmer? The first step and probably the most crucial step to freelance success is to develop your technical skills. You will need to create a solid portfolio of skills and knowledge along with experience. Unlike a direct employee, companies do not pay freelance programmers to learn on the job. You will be expected to deliver results from the moment you begin to bill the company. Because of this you need to dig deep and understand your programming languages in depth. It is good to be versed in a wide range of technologies as well as understand the tips and tricks that will make your work go faster. One way to build skills is to visit a coaching site like www.becomeacomputerprogrammer.com

Once you have your programming skills in place, begin to advertise and build your network of customers. This is the slow part and you need to have a lot of patience and persistence here. Read up on a couple of different ways of marketing yourself. You must market yourself. If you don't, you'll go hungry. Use online freelance sites and news print ads. Another strategy is to ask for referrals from former employers, friends and family. If you haven't quit your day job yet, you can begin to build your customer base even while you work full time. The reality of having to find work for yourself and having to continuously market and network is one of the disadvantages to working as a freelance programmer.

In the end, is it better to work as a freelance programmer? The answer is that it really depends on you. If you seek security (real or imagined), and don't like the idea of keeping your own books, paying for your own benefits, or working in an office, then a career as a freelance programmer probably isn't for you. But if you like flexibility, the potential for high compensation, and the opportunity to do your own thing and build your own business, then you should seriously consider working as a freelance programmer.