I'm looking to break into the programming world and I'm curious about freelancing as my first job. I'm currently learning Python, Go, and Typescript through boot.dev and working on a side project. I know that many suggest gaining a few years of experience in a traditional job before going freelance, but I'm considering my situation. I'm located far from major hiring hubs and working remotely could make it harder to find full-time roles. Given my context, is freelancing a realistic option for a beginner in 2025, or should I prioritize a full-time job instead? I'd love any insights or advice you have!
5 Answers
Starting off in freelancing in 2025 is definitely challenging. You’ll be up against a lot of seasoned pros with established portfolios and client feedback on platforms like Upwork. I’d recommend focusing on getting a full-time job first. It gives you valuable structure and experience, which looks great on a resume. Plus, if remote work is your goal, you can still work toward that alongside a full-time position.
Think about it this way: would you hire a plumber who just knows the basics but has no real hands-on experience? Freelancing right off the bat is likely going to lead to failure. It's a tough market to break into without a solid foundation.
Freelancing could be a stepping stone, but it might set you back. I started freelancing a decade ago and found that I missed out on learning best practices in a full-time setting. In the last couple of years in a full-time job, my growth has been much more significant. Plus, there are companies that hire globally, regardless of the time zone.
In my opinion, freelancing is probably not the best first gig for new self-taught developers in 2025. You lack experience and client trust, which makes it hard to land projects.
That makes sense. I'd love to hear more about your thoughts on what makes freelancing such a tough entry point for fresh learners.
If you were looking to hire a freelancer, would you pick yourself? That’s a good way to assess your situation. Without prior experience or client reviews, it’s pretty tough to compete against more polished profiles. You might have a shot by lowering your rates or creating a strong rapport with clients, but there’s a lot of competition in basic backend roles right now.
Absolutely! I think if I were a client, I’d hesitate without a solid track record or case studies. It seems like dropping my rate might be a necessary step to get my foot in the door, but I want to avoid selling myself short.
I appreciate that perspective! It sounds like you believe that the structured environment of a full-time job offers far better growth opportunities, especially in the long run.