Hey everyone! I'm reaching out for some real advice. I've been grinding hard, learning a ton of skills and working on personal projects, but I just can't seem to land any gigs. Here's a quick rundown of what I can do: I'm pretty skilled in both front-end and back-end web development including HTML, CSS, JS, and Python. I'm comfortable with APIs and databases, and recently started diving into software development, focusing on data structures and algorithms in Python. I also have experience in logo design, graphic work, editing, and content writing.
Despite all this effort—applying on sites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr, and even sending cold emails—I'm still feeling stuck. It feels like I'm just throwing darts in the dark without any results.
I really want to hear from those of you who've been in my shoes and made it work:
1. What was that one thing that finally clicked for you?
2. Should I focus on a specific niche, or is it better to highlight my versatility?
3. What's your best tip for actually landing real clients?
Also, if anyone's willing to take a look at my portfolio, I'd greatly appreciate the feedback. I'm 18 and starting college next year, so I want to make sure I'm working smarter, not just harder. Thanks a bunch!
4 Answers
My advice is to check out LinkedIn. I was headhunted by recruiters for a junior dev position and it could be something to explore. While it may differ from gig work, starting with a permanent position could give you solid experience and help build your resume.
From my experience, it helps to reply directly to job offers on freelance sites. I've only used one platform effectively; I never had to seek jobs through Discord or write cold emails. Focus your energy on the site that actually gets results for you.
If you're eyeing freelance work, understand what clients typically want. Often, they prefer low-code platforms for ease of use, rather than complex coding. Also, doing volunteer work for local charities or small businesses without websites can be a great way to gain experience and build your portfolio.
Freelance gigs often pay very little, so if you can, consider looking for a job that fits around your studies. Besides, when going the freelance route, you'll need to know a lot about business aspects like marketing and customer service. Building a simple business site can help showcase more than just your projects.
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