Hey everyone! I'm a Linux sysadmin from Brazil and recently obtained my LPI certification. I'm eager to dive into freelance or part-time remote opportunities. My experience includes both Debian/Ubuntu and RHEL-based systems (like Rocky and Alma). Here are a few of the skills I've honed:
- Setting up and maintaining headless servers
- Working with Docker, Docker Compose, and container networking
- Using KVM/QEMU virtualization mainly through the command line
- Monitoring via Prometheus, Zabbix, and Grafana
- Managing DNS, DHCP, VLANs, and Linux bridges
- Scripting with Bash, some Python, and using Git
- Running self-hosted tools like GLPI, Metabase, and RocketChat
I've lived in the US, so I'm fluent in English and comfortable dealing with international clients and asynchronous work. While I'm familiar with the tech, I'm new to finding clients in this freelance market and would love any advice or insights on:
- Where to find freelance gigs for sysadmin/infra/DevOps work?
- Is Upwork a good platform for this type of role?
- Are there smaller communities, Discord servers, or websites that actually have people looking for help?
- What red flags should I be cautious about as I start out?
Thanks for any help you can offer! I'm motivated and ready to start working; I just need some guidance on the best way to land those initial clients.
4 Answers
If you want to land freelance gigs without too much hassle, I recommend teaming up with a recruiter. Just make sure you're firm with them about your hours. If they lock you into a strict contract, don’t hesitate to look for someone else who's more flexible.
I'm based in the UK and have a few go-to recruiters I've networked with over time. They’re reliable and know what I’m looking for. You might find a similar setup in other regions like the EU.
Same here, but I’m in Vietnam! If anyone needs a recruiter to reach out to, they can hit me up! 😀
In my opinion, Upwork has really lost its value for sysadmin roles. You might end up spending more time sifting through low-quality gigs than actually working. I'd suggest looking elsewhere.
That's a solid tip! Do you have any recommendations on how to find reliable recruiters? Any specific platforms where you've had luck?