Freelance Computer Programming - A Step Up From Full-Time Employment

Usually, when a student or prospective computer programmer envisions working in the field, they think of working for a company, the government, or some other formal entity as a direct employee, enjoying the perceived security and benefits of working for an established entity. For some, working outside of the office as a freelance computer programmer is a terrifying prospect. For others, confident in their skills and attracted to the prospect of flexibility and higher compensation, it's the ticket to a whole new ballgame. Freelance programming is an avenue that offers significantly higher pay coupled with very flexible hours. These individuals, working as freelance programmers, accept short-term (or less than permanent positions, in any event) from a variety of companies that employ them to complete specific projects. For them, the higher pay and flexibility is too attractive to resist. And when you factor in the opportunities to both apply your skills in a number of environments and gain very valuable experience, and the chance to earn outstanding compensation; it's easy to see why many make this their preferred career path.Is there really a demand for freelance programmers? Yes, there is a demand for freelance programmers from both large and small companies. Companies are able to save money when they use freelance programmers because they only have to pay them for work performed and they can be let go from a project at any time. In addition, freelancers use their own computers, purchase software licenses and provide their own medical, dental and other benefits. Some companies are unable to shoulder the costs of maintaining an in-house programming team and prefer to use contractors intermittently. Companies also find that contract programmers are typically faster and more efficient at completing projects than full time employees. They also provide expert technical skill that a company's employees do not possess. The need for expert programming skills is by far the most compelling reason for the high demand for contract and freelance software developers.Now that you've made the decision to become a freelance programmer, here are your next steps. First, build your skills. Perhaps the most important thing to do before deciding to become a freelance programmer is to build your base of skills, knowledge and experience. Remember - your customers will be paying for your ability to deliver excellent work quickly, and they won't pay for you to learn on the job. As a freelance programmer, you're expected to be a hired expert, capable of hitting the ground running. So, to that end, you should focus on beefing up that resume and skill-set as much as possible. Another good reason for expanding your knowledge base is that it will give you a greater range of projects to work on. After all, as a freelancer you're being paid for your knowledge and skills – so the more you have, the more you make. A good place to start building your skills is a coaching site like www.becomeacomputerprogrammer.comOnce you have your programming skills in place, begin to advertise and build your network of customers. This is the slow part and you need to have a lot of patience and persistence here. Read up on a couple of different ways of marketing yourself. You must market yourself. If you don't, you'll go hungry. Use online freelance sites and news print ads. Another strategy is to ask for referrals from former employers, friends and family. If you haven't quit your day job yet, you can begin to build your customer base even while you work full time. The reality of having to find work for yourself and having to continuously market and network is one of the disadvantages to working as a freelance programmer.In conclusion, there are distinct advantages and disadvantages to working as a freelance programmer. If you prefer the "security" of having a steady paycheck or dislike the idea of running your own business, then freelancing may not be for you. Working as a freelancer involves doing your own accounting, purchasing health insurance and managing your productivity carefully. If you don't want to be responsible for these, then consider full time employment. On the other hand, if you are excited at the thought of being able to control where and when you work, charge more for your services while creating a successful business, you should definitely give freelance programming a try.