After I resigned from my work as a maintenance engineer, I started to take stock of my IT skills to sell my services as a freelancer. I was not happy being employed in my previous job because I was doing a lot of work but getting paid a bit low. I tried applying to other jobs, but then I discovered that I can also get to be my own boss by being a self-employed freelance programmer with the skills that I had gained.
There are so many opportunities for freelance programming and web design from online jobs. I would highly recommend finding opportunities this way. If I would take my skill offline the chances of getting jobs are a lot less than those offered online. Online job marketplaces are still the best way for me to get fixed income. Many job opportunities come from smaller companies who often need people to outsource their work.
Hottest Freelance Programming and Web Design Jobs
With the growing popularity of blogging, consider learning PHP, AJAX, Joomla, HTML, CSS and XML to design pages and customize widgets that appears on blog sites. The same technologies are also used to create web pages. There is also an increasing demand in SEO skills – many clients often post out web designer jobs with SEO considerations. Putting up E-commerce websites are very common too. Knowledge on Ruby on Rails is getting to be in demand too.
Learning mobile phone software applications is also a good move as more people are getting internet access in their mobile phones. Java knowledge is often the skill that is often used for developing applications for these handy devices.
Database development has always been a staple in many MIS departments and there are even many outsourced jobs on this skill. Microsoft technologies like ASP, Access, VB.NET are often used to develop these databases because developing applications with these platforms are quick.
Macro development and VBA continue to be a staple to automate some tasks in Microsoft Word and Excel. There is also a lot of demand for these kinds of skills too.
Freelance Programming Frequently Adapts to IT Trends
Learning this technology should always be fueled by great interest in understanding programming. The programming language that may be hot today may be outdated in the next years. One should not only seek the gratification of earning a lot of money from freelance ventures. Clients seek and hire talented and experienced professionals who can do work within an agreed timeframe.
Opportunities for freelance jobs are favorable to those in IT. What do you think?
Gem, though I am not a programmer and don’t know anything about those languages
but I just would want you to know I get happy in reading your blog for the many online opportunities you have there and for sharing your skills to the blogosphere. More power to you, and I hope you will inspire more so that there would be more who would not feel sad for not getting a job for there are so many ways to earn money if we just continue to develop our skills.
August 20, 2008 at 3:26 am
My girlfriend is getting tired of working in an actual office. She said she can’t stand too much office politics. She wants to work at home but not sure what kind of freelance job she can do.
I’m happy for you that you are able to survive through freelancing. I know it’s not easy.
August 20, 2008 at 8:10 am
@Betchai
Thanks! You’re travel blog is great too – San Diego is really breathtaking.
@MJ
I can relate a lot to your girl. I’ve gotten myself employed – I believe all workplaces do have some kind of office politics. It is a reality that we have to accept when we choose to work for a company. Being a good team player is a must when choosing to get employed – many HR personnel are trying to look for this skill especially when trying to go for supervisory or management positions.
She could also explore freelance jobs. It might be her cup of tea.
August 20, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Freelancing is not easy at first, but when you get to build a good porfolio, you will see good income. Try oDesk, pwede ka doon kasi programmer ka, maraming makukuha doon.
August 20, 2008 at 1:42 pm
As an senior IT recruiter, I am noticing more and more that people in technology are given numerous duties, and not paid accordingly. The easier technology is getting, the more I see companies hiring the fresh college grad with Help Desk experience. Good luck to you! Stand your ground. And if you do have to take a small pay cut, make sure it is a solid company with room for growth. The key will always be how many computers you are supporting! Namaste!
August 21, 2008 at 10:43 pm
What skills do you have that you have found have brought you the best work? Sorry I mean what language?
I am looking to move into the freelance world soon myself.
August 25, 2008 at 6:12 am
I agree… learning web programming is very in demand now
but it’s just that when you mastered one, comes another new technology or language that you have to learn again…
what’s the use of your specialization, if it’s obsolete
hay. just a thought
September 16, 2008 at 3:52 pm
@pchi
Agreed! I’ve always upgraded my skills every now and then. I’m better at .NET, but PHP is a hotter skill nowadays.
September 16, 2008 at 4:13 pm
I actually thought of learning .NET
what do you mean, it’s not as in demand now as before?
I know PHP but no visual or designing skills… hehe.. functionality lang alam ako
I need to learn web design for sure
September 17, 2008 at 12:10 pm