Hey everyone! I'm a self-taught programmer from Ethiopia and it's been a big part of my life since childhood. I've ventured into various programming realms, and I feel fortunate since skilled programmers like me are quite rare locally. However, I'm feeling a bit lost on how to effectively turn my programming prowess into some income.
I've got experience with both web development (frontend and backend) and even dabbled in lower-level programming with languages like C++ and Rust. Recently, I started learning graphics programming with OpenGL and experimenting with WebGL, which wasn't just fun but also an eye-opener for me as I built a simple project akin to three.js.
On the design front, I've used tools like Figma to create modern web designs, so I'm fairly confident in my web developer skills, even though there's always more to learn.
Despite my background, I'm struggling to make a decent income from programming. Local freelance opportunities are tough; managing large projects alone often leads to burnout, and I've also faced tricky client expectations, making me hesitant to pursue more local work.
Now, I'm eyeing remote jobs, like developing plugins for Blender or Unity since I have some experience with Blender. Earning about $400-$500 a month would be huge for me considering the currency exchange. I want to enjoy my work without the drain of overly demanding clients.
On top of everything, I'm also juggling my studies as a mechanical engineering student. It's a competitive field, and I didn't get into software engineering or computer science, so I'm still exploring how to combine my passions effectively.
I would love any advice on:
1. Leveraging my programming/design skills for online income,
2. Avoiding burnout while working solo,
3. Exploring niche areas like plugin development or other domains where my skills might flourish.
2 Answers
Why not look into remote contract work instead of local clients? Websites like Upwork and others have plenty of openings. With your skills in C++ and Rust, you could definitely earn decent pay through remote gigs!
Have you thought about immigration? While your local job market might be tough, in other countries like the USA, you can pass cert tests that help you land a decent job, even without a formal degree.
Actually, getting a tech job here without a degree isn't as impossible as it seems. With few skilled programmers around, companies are often eager to hire talent regardless of formal qualifications. But beware, government jobs usually do require degrees. Immigration isn’t easy either—most paths involve scholarships or family reunification.
Thanks for your input! Unfortunately, Indeed.com doesn’t support many countries, including Ethiopia, but I appreciate the suggestion of Upwork and I definitely see the potential there.