Ask HN: Is my conception of freelancing accurate?
Hey There,
I'm currently working fulltime with python web development but have set a goal of working fulltime on freelance projects starting
later this year. What I'm really wondering though is if my conception of what working freelance fulltime is like actually
fits with the reality of the lifestyle. My ideal workstyle, and one that I hope to be living within a year would have me working
about 30 hours a week, and pulling in 30-40k per year(ok, ideally more but I'm trying to keep expectations in check, and I don't need much to live off of).
Is it realistic to expect to be able to achieve that within a year given that I'm a recent college grad and new freelancer? Currently I have 2 websites I've
built for clients and a mostly empty github profile that I'll be filling out more before the freelance switch. My main concern is the amount of work--
from what I've read many freelancers seem to work MORE than their biweekly check counterparts, not less like I would like. So, are my expecations in line with reality
or is freelancing not the silver bullet like I imagine it? By the way, I've read the stories about needy clients, inconsistent payment, and the need to self motivate-- all that I expect(though experiencing it first hand will surely be another matter). Preemptive thank you for the advice-- it will be extremely helpful to me(quitting a job for freelance is scary!)
1 comments
Freelancing for this kind of stuff is all about portfolio and networking, but its entirely possible to get what you're looking for.