I'm gearing up to start freelancing as a DevOps Engineer and would love some insights from those with experience in this field. I have a skill set that includes AWS (I'm a certified Solutions Architect Associate), along with expertise in Terraform, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, and automation using Bash and Python. I'm eager to leverage these skills to find freelance opportunities, whether they're short gigs or longer-term projects. I've tried using Upwork but spent about 100 connects submitting proposals without any success, and I'm curious if there are other niche platforms specifically focused on DevOps or cloud engineering. Additionally, any tips on how to stand out and land that first gig would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Honestly, Upwork can be really competitive. You might want to consider using LinkedIn or attending local tech meetups to network and find clients. It can make a big difference!
Have you tried LinkedIn? I've found a lot of B2B proposals there. It might be a great platform for you since it focuses on professional connections.
Do you primarily look for contracts through LinkedIn's job search or by offering your services directly?
Most people will suggest Upwork as the go-to platform. If you're not getting gigs, though, it might be because you're aiming for higher-paying jobs right out of the gate. Starting with $15 to $20 gigs can help build trust and relationships with clients. I did the same, beginning with smaller gigs, and it really helped boost my profile.
Yeah, I've heard the competition on Upwork can be pretty fierce!