Carlos On Web :: Going techie without going broke

Are you a freelance programmer and wondering where to get your next business? Or do you want to be one, but don’t have the nerve to face some unknown challenges that await ahead?

Don’t loose heart. There is something for you just around the corner. If you are prepared and have the right mix of attitude and aptitude, you will always have businesses coming your way. And if you are lucky, you will come to the point when you will refuse some of them. If that happens, be generous with your fellow freelancers and pass on to them some of the projects overflowing from your side. Read complete article »

Today is labor day. And what has a freelance programmer got to say about this issue since he works for no boss? Nice question. I am not writing this blog to rant about a client who paid me below the market price value of my service. No, I’m not going to do that. This lonely freelance programmer from Davao, Philippines has learned the consequences of pricing his services much lower than the competition and has paid dearly for that. Time to shut up, move on, and etch the lesson in the heart.

Instead, I am going to write about the beauty of freelancing and how it avoids the perennial problem faced by a large number of employees and magnified during the Labor Day.

Read complete article »

I can tell from experience that freelance programming is not an easy game to play especially for those who are just starting out. Your experience, skills, and credibility will really be put to the test when you come face to face with the client. Typical question such as the following will be asked.

Can you really do the job? For most programmers, the answer to that question is a resounding YES. I bet that it’s true 99% of the time.

Do you have an experience with ASP? Then you begin telling the guy that is he already obsolete. And then in an instant you become a .NET evangelist trying to convince them to upgrade to ASP.Net.

Have you done a similar project in the past and can customize it to fit their requirements? This type of client knows what he is about to do — which is a good sign — you must be prepared to give a no nonsense response.

It’s a jungle out there. In this article, I’d like to discuss two of the most important qualities that every freelance programmer must possess in order to survive in the jungle.

Read complete article »

I started my freelance career back in 2003 and have stayed that way ever since. My decision to go into a freelance work was partly incidental and partly experimental. In both cases, I felt I was prepared to take on the challenge. When the software outsourcing company I helped form closed down its operation for reasons that were entirely out of our control, I felt it was time brush the dust aside and actually take control of the situation. With years of experience and skills under my belt, exploring the freelance programming world just comes naturally for me. I thought, there could be a lot companies who would need and actually benefit from the services that I have to offer. So I made up my mind and took some action. And that means resisting the temptation to apply for a good number of attractive job offers that come my way.

Over the course of years, I have talked with several people who became freelancers like myself. I was delighted to know how we share most similar reasons why we go into our respective freelance careers. Here are some of top reasons I have collected:
Read complete article »

“Working for government provides you with the most secure job on earth. The government can never go bankrupt!”

“Why don’t you apply for a job at X Corporation? It is the largest in town and offers the most benefits you can have.”

I am sure you have encountered remarks such as these from some well-meaning friends and relatives who are very much concerned about your future. I got the same advice, especially during my early years of work.

Their message is clear: Get a secure job and stay there until retirement.

Did you follow their suggested path?

Read complete article »