I'm curious about the viability of freelance programming now that AI is becoming more prevalent. My wife mentioned that for us to have more kids, I need to earn more money. Can I still make around $60,000 a year by learning a programming language like Python or C++ through a quick course? Is freelancing still a realistic route for that?
5 Answers
Considering the current job market, you might want to look at traditional IT roles instead. There are plenty of niche positions out there. I'm a sys admin and I love programming on the side. With some dedication, you can easily hit that $60K mark without going solely into freelancing.
Freelance programming is pretty challenging right now. Making $60K in the US is doable, especially with education. Just taking a course in Python isn’t gonna cut it. Real experience or a degree will greatly help you land those roles. The freelance platforms often have low-paying gigs, so be careful about where you look for work.
Honestly, if you're aiming for $60K a year as a freelancer, that's pretty ambitious. Most successful freelancers are great at sales too—finding clients is a huge part of the job. If you have good connections and some skills, that helps, but it’s not just about coding.
Jumping straight into programming only won’t make you competitive in the job market. You’ll also need to understand how the frameworks, APIs, and networking work. Getting a degree could really improve your chances, whether it's community college or university level.
Breaking into freelance programming and earning big bucks can be really tough, especially with AI around. Many people think a quick course can get you there, but that’s not how it works. You usually need years of dedicated learning and experience, rather than just a crash course in coding.
Why is it so tough? Are there other work-from-home options that aren’t freelancing?
I thought making $60K was just what entry-level programmers earn. What gives?