Making Money as a Programmer (or from home)
If you've been around the Warrior Forum site for a while you've probably run across tons of posts detailing the bare minimum that you need to do to ensure that you get paid fairly. Sure it all seems annoying and redundant but a lot of you aren't getting the picture. One of the main complaints you'll hear from newbie programmers is that they aren't quite making ends meet. Now, it's one thing if you are working for a company that absolutely refuses to pay you your dues but it's a completely different story if the reigns are in your hands.
Making money as a programmer can seem sort of tough especially when you don't have a portfolio together but there are ways you can make things substantially easier.
1. Think Outside of the Box.
Many of us think we have it all figured out. We'll just slap our resume on to someone's desk who'll think we're rad and we'll get hired. The problem is that you aren't the only programmer and many times we tend to set all of our eggs into one basket thinking we'll luck out. This is especially true when it comes to getting a job the traditional way.
Thinking outside of the box means that you have to set yourself up to acknowledge that you may have to take nontraditional routes to secure work. This means going to job boards or even sites geared towards freelancers. Let's all acknowledge that some freelancing sites are shitty but many offer you the ability to set your own price. These sites can also be extremely helpful for those of you who don't really have a portfolio yet.
2. Offer a Maintenance Package
When you do get a job your client may not consider you for a long term position. This doesn't necessarily mean that they don't like your work. It might just be because it may not cross their mind that they'll need your expertise again in the near future. A great way to bridge the gap is by offering your clients maintenance packages to routinely update their site or software. Although some of your clients may not be interested the moment you pitch the idea, giving them information about your maintenance package lets them know that if anything goes wrong or they need something worked on/fixed they can rely on you.
3. Build a Portfolio.
This can easily be done while you are learning to program/code. Or whenever you have enough knowledge to throw things together. Some people offer to work for slightly lower wages to build their portfolios. This isn't necessarily a bad idea but if working for less isn't your twist you can easily build your portfolio by working on personal projects such as:
****** Your own website.
****** Banners.
****** Emails.
****** Designing a friend's profile.
****** Etcetera.
See? Building a portfolio doesn't have to mean accepting peasant wages.
4. Set Realistic Expectations.
The quickest way to let yourself down is by setting unrealistic expectations. Thinking you're going to make a half a million dollars in your first year probably isn't the best idea in terms of staying focused and on track. If anything you'll end up doing so much work that you'll want to quit. How about setting goals that aren't exactly based on finances? For example: scoring a long term job/client.
5. Create Buyable Services on Your Website.
Selling your programming services on your personal website is a great way to get yourself out there. Obviously the services that you offer will vary from person to person depending on what you're comfortable doing but here are a few you can try:
*** Design a WordPress Template.
*** Design an Email Template for Email/Marketing Campaigns.
*** Create a Banner.
*** Create an Avatar.
*** Update a Webpage.
As for the prices, you can just use quotes or per hour payment. That way you don't end up getting underpaid for your labor. Another thing you can do to spruce up your personal website is adding your credentials. Slapping your portfolio on your site can also help secure jobs.
See these additional resources for more information:
*** http://www.dollarfry.com/make-money-...ogramming-php/
*** http://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/20.../#521549a615c0
*** http://www.business2community.com/te...-2016-01559832
Making money as a programmer can seem sort of tough especially when you don't have a portfolio together but there are ways you can make things substantially easier.
1. Think Outside of the Box.
Many of us think we have it all figured out. We'll just slap our resume on to someone's desk who'll think we're rad and we'll get hired. The problem is that you aren't the only programmer and many times we tend to set all of our eggs into one basket thinking we'll luck out. This is especially true when it comes to getting a job the traditional way.
Thinking outside of the box means that you have to set yourself up to acknowledge that you may have to take nontraditional routes to secure work. This means going to job boards or even sites geared towards freelancers. Let's all acknowledge that some freelancing sites are shitty but many offer you the ability to set your own price. These sites can also be extremely helpful for those of you who don't really have a portfolio yet.
2. Offer a Maintenance Package
When you do get a job your client may not consider you for a long term position. This doesn't necessarily mean that they don't like your work. It might just be because it may not cross their mind that they'll need your expertise again in the near future. A great way to bridge the gap is by offering your clients maintenance packages to routinely update their site or software. Although some of your clients may not be interested the moment you pitch the idea, giving them information about your maintenance package lets them know that if anything goes wrong or they need something worked on/fixed they can rely on you.
3. Build a Portfolio.
This can easily be done while you are learning to program/code. Or whenever you have enough knowledge to throw things together. Some people offer to work for slightly lower wages to build their portfolios. This isn't necessarily a bad idea but if working for less isn't your twist you can easily build your portfolio by working on personal projects such as:
****** Your own website.
****** Banners.
****** Emails.
****** Designing a friend's profile.
****** Etcetera.
See? Building a portfolio doesn't have to mean accepting peasant wages.
4. Set Realistic Expectations.
The quickest way to let yourself down is by setting unrealistic expectations. Thinking you're going to make a half a million dollars in your first year probably isn't the best idea in terms of staying focused and on track. If anything you'll end up doing so much work that you'll want to quit. How about setting goals that aren't exactly based on finances? For example: scoring a long term job/client.
5. Create Buyable Services on Your Website.
Selling your programming services on your personal website is a great way to get yourself out there. Obviously the services that you offer will vary from person to person depending on what you're comfortable doing but here are a few you can try:
*** Design a WordPress Template.
*** Design an Email Template for Email/Marketing Campaigns.
*** Create a Banner.
*** Create an Avatar.
*** Update a Webpage.
As for the prices, you can just use quotes or per hour payment. That way you don't end up getting underpaid for your labor. Another thing you can do to spruce up your personal website is adding your credentials. Slapping your portfolio on your site can also help secure jobs.
See these additional resources for more information:
*** http://www.dollarfry.com/make-money-...ogramming-php/
*** http://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/20.../#521549a615c0
*** http://www.business2community.com/te...-2016-01559832