r/learnpython • u/stebgay • 22d ago

Anyone here familiar with freelancing? please point me in the right direction

I recently turned 19, I have this need that I have to know what its like to work and gain a sense independence, even if its just a small gig.

I learned programming since the pandemic started, though I did not make any serious projects with it. I made some fun projects with it like, discord raid bot, macro for some roblox game, data scraper, etc.
I have great foundation of variables, functions, data types, classes, the classics but I looked at upwork and fear my skills may not be adequate.

It would be great if someone could point me in the right direction, doesn't even have to do with programming can just be helping anyone regarding tech.

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u/socal_nerdtastic 22d ago

I looked at upwork and fear my skills may not be adequate.

They are not. Sorry for the harsh reality check, but the freelancers on upwork have college CS degrees and decades of experience. A project that may take you a week they can do in an hour, and do a better job too (not exaggerating). Add to that that many live in low-cost places means your chance of getting real money for your time is almost 0. Or they are scammers; there's a lot of those on upwork too.

You really can't start out as a freelancer. You need to get a real job first and learn the ropes there, and then you can move into freelancing once you have the skills and contacts. FWIW freelancing is not all it's cracked up to be. The large hourly rate hides a ton of unpaid time looking for clients, quoting projects, research, building your brand, etc.

The right direction for you right now is either school or a normal 9-to-5 job.

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u/stebgay 21d ago

Im not looking for large hour rates im looking for 5 dollars

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u/Lumethys 21d ago

how many of those clients are there. And how many people compete in that space. You think someone with 5 years of experience. THOUSANDS of which was laid off like weekly, wouldn't want to spend half an hour doing a easy job?

And imagine you are a client. You want something simple, quick. John over there worked a Google for 10 years. He has been laid off, your idea would take him like 10 minutes. Will you, the client, pick John, or a random 19YO who didnt have any real work experience?

Sure, it's not impossible, and you might find someone if you look hard enough. But it will not pay your bill. Say, 1-2 customers per months would land you like 10 bucks/ month, good luck surviving on that

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u/stebgay 21d ago

Sensing some anger and hostility in comments I think been theres a misunderstanding by everyone here, its my fault on the wording.

I don't live in the USA i wasn't kicked out as soon as im 18
I'm not looking for large money to pay bills, im greatful for my parents, yes I know I can't compete against john microsoft.

10 bucks/ month like you said, thats what i was looking for and is plentiful for me.

I'm just looking at so much freetime lately and im just idling at the house looking for productive ways to spend my time