I know Python and C#, plus some C++. My projects include a small algebra solver and a compiler for a language I made. I tried building a map data scraper, but I'm not sure it's a good niche when APIs and other services already exist.
I want to earn money and get experience. I'm also 14, so how much might my age affect getting clients?
I'd start with small, well-defined programming jobs rather than picking a narrow niche right away. Look for tasks you can explain and deliver confidently, then see which kinds of requests keep coming up.
Be flexible about the work, but don't promise things you haven't figured out how to do. Your projects can demonstrate your skills even if they aren't professional experience.
Your algebra project could be a useful example for offering small Python math scripts. A client might need a calculation automated rather than a full symbolic algebra system.
Set a tight scope before accepting anything: agree on inputs, expected outputs and what changes are included. Otherwise a small script can turn into an open-ended stream of revisions. Demand for that particular niche isn't clear, so I'd test it alongside other small jobs rather than count on it alone.
Don't get too attached to map scraping as the service itself. A client usually wants usable data, not a scraper for its own sake. If an API meets their needs more reliably, using one could be the better solution.
Your compiler is also worth showing as a technical sample. It doesn't have to map directly to a gig to help demonstrate what you can build.
Age may put some clients off, while others may care more about whether you can deliver. There's no reliable way to predict how many. Clear examples, a realistic scope and straightforward communication can help clients judge the work.
Check the rules of any service you use and be upfront about your age where required. Also, don't expect a precise timeline for finding a first client.
Getting the work is a separate skill from writing code. Describe the problem you'll solve and what the buyer will receive, rather than just listing languages. Personal projects help show ability, but they aren't the same as a record of completed client work.
A lower introductory price might help you compete, but make sure the job is small enough that you're not committing to unlimited work for very little pay.
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