Freelance Programmers...

[nullrun]

I figured it out. Why the site is dead. It's not your/our fault. There quite simply are no more freelance programmers!!! I recently toured the official freelance/web programmers graveyard in silicon valley and it is a sad testement to a bygone era. I am actually in the process of getting a full time job as I write. :( But all is not lost. It is up to those of us who remember the good old days, to keep the dream alive. Code on.

[craig]

Although in a few months I’ll be actively looking for Freelance work (as soon as exams are over), this will only be to supplement my income from current part-time job and I’ll do it while I’m not stressed out by coursework. After the courses are over... well I’m off looking for a full time job.

Why? Well, to be honest with you, I don’t like the idea of being self employed... I want to know that if I have a bad few months, I’ll still have the security of a regular income (until I get fired or made redundant... but I’ll see that coming).

I think freelance as a full-time profession is almost non-existent (correct me if I am wrong), but there are plenty of programmers like me, who code to satisfy curiosity and for a new challenge in between courses, or during a quiet time during their full time job… and get that little extra income.

Well thats me... any other opinions?

Craig

[ccollins]

I'm with craig on this one. I love programming, and if i can find someone who want to pay me alittle extra to do it, great! if not, i'll still do it! It's just so much darn fun!!

I have a theory. I think maybe most programmers who have a real passion for it, also have a bit of a god complex. I love the idea of creating something from nothing, and puting it out there for people to use!

What do you guys think?

[craig]

I love the idea of creating something from nothing, and puting it out there for people to use!

Excellent, I agree - and solving a problem while your at it!

[nullrun]

I am much more of the mindset now of charging less and working more. I was amazed how much more work I got by charging less.
MORE than enough to make up the difference. It is better to get the job and make SOME money than none at all.

Peace

[craig]

Just out of interest, what are "acceptable" price ranges - how do you work out how much to charge clients?

[perltea]

hi i recently read an article and it has stated that freelance is at the 8% level and that it is increasing to 55% in the next 5 years. So hang in there its only the start of a global revolution.

[nicholas]

I think freelance as a full-time profession is almost non-existentI believe the real issue with this is not so much about freelancing and sticking to a day-job... It's about the age-old issue between (job and financial) security, and risking it being self-employed but having the freedom and a chance for greater success.

For every person who's a big success on his own are probably ten or more who didn't make it. But some people are willing to take that risk if it meant even one chance of greater success. Others prefer to stay on the calm safe environment of a job (and with good reason!), and many times out of sheer necessity.

A lot of people could have saved themselves the harrowing experience of the absence of job security. But on the other hand, you must also remember that Bill Gates and Michael Dell didn't make it big by staying in a job.

[ablaye]

There are many freelancers still out there. The problem is that the webmaster of this forum does not do a good job at advertising.