Hey everyone! I'm looking for some genuine advice from those in the programming field. I currently have a job that gives me quite a bit of free time, but my schedule isn't consistent—some days I have a few hours to spare, and other days I have almost none. This makes it unlikely for me to pursue a traditional 9-to-5 programming job in the future. Instead, I want to build skills that will allow me to do freelance or remote contracting work.
Here's a bit about my situation:
- No formal programming background.
- I can commit to learning over time, but it will be in irregular blocks.
- I'm willing to start from the ground up and learn properly.
- My long-term goal is to achieve some form of freelance/independent income through programming.
I have a few questions: 1) Which area of programming should I focus on (like web development, mobile apps, automation, game dev, AI tools, etc.)? 2) Are there specific skills that are more favorable for freelancers? 3) Should I dive deep into one tech stack or get a broad exposure first? 4) What would be a realistic roadmap for the first 6 to 12 months? 5) If you were starting today with my constraints, what changes would you make?
I'm not looking for shortcuts; I just want a practical path that supports flexibility and long-term sustainability. Any guidance would be appreciated!
2 Answers
I totally agree with starting with Python. It’s versatile and helps you understand coding structures well. After you feel confident with coding basics, shifting your focus to web development can be very lucrative for freelance work. Also, just remember that programming is all about patience and creativity—there's so much to discover, and you won't learn everything at once! Keep it fun and don't hesitate to take breaks when needed. You got this!
It's great that you're approaching this thoughtfully! If you're looking to learn programming from scratch, I recommend starting with Python. It's considered one of the most beginner-friendly languages, and it covers a lot of foundational concepts. Check out FreeCodeCamp.org—they have a solid program that adapts well to flexible schedules. Once you get comfortable with the basics, diving into web development could be a smart move, as that’s where many freelancers find opportunities. Remember, take it at your own pace and don’t rush things; enjoy the learning process!
Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely check out FreeCodeCamp. Excited to get started!
Thanks a ton! I’ll keep your advice in mind and remember to have fun with it!