Thread: Any of you guys freelance?

Everything said above is great! I would add that if you want to freelance in your spare time (around school or a full-time job), then there are a couple of pitfalls I've found.

First of all, figure out how much time you can realistically devote to contracting. This is kind of a factor of how much free time you have, how much free time you want, and how fast you can get burned out. When I started freelancing, I had a full-time job as well, and I way overestimated how much time I could devote to "work outside of work." I ended up really burned out and with some seriously upset clients. So, it might take a little trial and error, but figuring out your time limit is good to do early.

Also, be sure to take your upcoming schedule into account when you pick up a job. If you have crunch time or finals coming up in a few weeks, make sure you don't commit to lots of freelancing at the same time. Or, talk to the person hiring you. I've found that if someone I'm freelancing for likes my work, they usually don't mind if I say "Hey, I have to take a week off."

So basically, don't overcommit and don't burn yourself out. Part-time freelancing is an awesome way to build skills and make money. And since you're a student, it'll look good on your resume, too. Good luck!

I was going to do freelancing but it's hard to compete with those people on the other side of the world that would do it for 10% of what I consider decent pay. So on the other hand, I take advantage of that to find people who can help with my projects with a fraction of a cost. If you have an awesome idea and can pay someone to do it for you.. that will be the real money, dont you think?

as i have an awesome idea and i find freelancer.com the perfect place within my budget plus there`s much choices also and project is done by professional, comparing to deviantart which asking average price range from $1200....repoff!

I freelanced as a contract web developer/designer for 1 and a 1/2 years, and there are some pitfalls you need to be aware of:

- Time it takes to complete a project: I got underpaid on the first few projects I worked on, because I failed to estimate the time it would take to complete the projects. As a general rule, allow up to 50% more time then you initially think it will take. This will give you time to "fix" anything the client requires changed.

- Don't be afraid to re-quote for work if the client wants to add more and more features. Scope-Creep is rampant in this industry. Oh, and make sure you have a good contract template worked up.

- You cannot compete with the guys on freelancer/oDesk/etc if you want to make this a full time career. You are much better off cultivating customers locally, and do stellar work to retain them as clients.

- Dress professionally if you are going to see the client, or vice-versa. Even a cheap suit looks better then rocking up in shorts and a unwashed t-shirt.

- Sociability: If you are a fairly social person, sitting at home, alone for 8 hours a day x 6 days a week (oh yes, full time freelancers have to work more then a 40hour week, generally) will really start to rub and affect your mood.

- Advertising: Put some serious thought into this, are you intending to actively look for work, or just get it in patches.

Okay, I'll stop before I put you off it completely :). My point is that it's not the lifestyle that most people think of when they think about freelancing. Yes, being your own boss can be a fun and rewarding experience, but you are also "IT" when something goes wrong.

It sounds like you are not relying on freelancing for a full-time wage, so by all means, get out there and experience it, it's definitely an experience!