I'm 16 years old and have been diving into web development since June 2025 through online courses and personal projects. I feel like I have a solid foundation with skills in frontend (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), backend (Node.js, Express), and databases (PostgreSQL, Prisma). I've got 6 projects on GitHub that I've worked on, some of which are deployed under the username deleted00user.
So far, my projects have been more about learning rather than for actual users, and I want to take the next step. I'm thinking about becoming a solopreneur and working independently, but I'm unsure of my next move. Should I focus on learning new skills to enhance my marketability—like n8n, API integrations, or similar tools—or are my current skills already enough to start earning? Is freelancing, building micro-SaaS, or something else a good route to start earning?
If I should continue learning, what specific technologies or skills should I focus on that would help me succeed as a solo developer? I'm open to balancing learning and earning if that's feasible. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
Outside of freelancing, make sure to improve your Git habits. Avoid pushing whole projects with just two commits—try to break them down more. This not only helps in tracking your work but also makes collaboration easier down the line.
I recommend you start by getting a job, even if it's part-time. It’s the best way to learn to communicate with clients, manage deadlines, and deal with real-world pressures. You'll discover that coding is a part of the job, but not the whole picture. Keep that enthusiasm alive!
But isn't GitHub just for backups?