How freelancing actually changed my life as a developer

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their journey as a software engineer and the importance of freelancing. After losing a job, they found freelance work through Upwork, which provided stability and allowed them to work on their own projects. They emphasize the benefits of freelancing, such as not having to find a new job after a project ends, competitive rates, and the flexibility to work on personal projects. The speaker recommends building a freelance profile on Upwork from the start of one's career for job security and professional growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker shares a personal story of their career in software programming and the challenges they faced, including job loss.
• 🔧 The speaker emphasizes the importance of freelancing for software developers, especially in times of job loss or uncertainty.
• 💼 They highlight the benefits of having a freelance profile on platforms like Upwork, which can provide a steady stream of work.
• 📈 The speaker suggests that freelancing allows for more control over one's career and the opportunity to work on a variety of projects.
• 💰 They mention that while freelance rates can be competitive, the flexibility and potential for long-term contracts make it worthwhile.
• 🛠️ The speaker recommends specializing in a niche within software development to stand out and attract more freelance work.
• ⏰ They discuss the advantage of freelancing in allowing time for personal projects alongside paid work.
• 🏆 The speaker encourages building a strong freelance profile from the early stages of one's career for a safety net.
• 🚀 The speaker shares their personal experience of upskilling and finding new opportunities through freelancing after job loss.
• 🌐 They conclude by urging programmers to consider freelancing as a way to diversify their work and ensure job security.

Q & A

What was the speaker's career trajectory in the software industry before losing their job?

The speaker had been working in software programming, software engineering, and web development with a focus on React programming. Over four years, they secured three jobs and were experiencing a booming career with recruiters frequently contacting them for new opportunities.

Why did the speaker's last job not work out?

The speaker does not go into specific details, but mentions that the project they were working on did not work out due to issues with the idea, the client, and management, which ultimately led to the project being cancelled and the loss of jobs for the team members.

How long ago did the speaker lose their job?

The speaker lost their job about three months prior to the recording of the video.

What is the speaker's opinion on the current job market for software developers?

The speaker expresses uncertainty about the current job market, questioning whether it's the market, their expectations, or their interview performance that's affecting their job search. They note that they still receive job inquiries but the offers do not materialize.

What is the main advice the speaker has for software developers regarding job security?

The speaker advises software developers to start freelancing as a way to ensure job security. They recommend building a freelance profile on platforms like Upwork to have a support net in case of job loss.

Why does the speaker recommend Upwork for freelancers?

The speaker recommends Upwork because of the platform's user-friendly software and the constant influx of job opportunities, which can range from short-term tasks to long-term contracts.

What are the potential benefits of freelancing according to the speaker?

Freelancing offers benefits such as job security, competitive hourly rates, and the flexibility to work on one's own projects alongside freelancing work. It also allows developers to avoid being locked into one technology stack for years.

What is the speaker's strategy for building a successful freelance profile?

The speaker suggests starting with a niche specialization, such as becoming a Next.js developer or a MongoDB specialist, and recommends putting effort into the freelance portfolio from the earliest days of one's programming career.

How does the speaker feel about the possibility of working on long-term contracts through freelancing?

The speaker is positive about the possibility of securing long-term and medium-term contracts through freelancing, which can provide a stable income without the need to constantly search for new jobs.

What is the speaker's perspective on the work-life balance when freelancing compared to traditional employment?

The speaker appreciates that freelancing allows for a better work-life balance as it provides the opportunity to work on personal projects while still earning an income, unlike traditional employment which might require a 40-hour work week on someone else's project.