Trying to find work as a self-employed programmer can feel like constantly swimming upstream. It’s not just about being good at coding—there’s a whole other skill set involved: networking, pitching yourself, and handling the feast-or-famine nature of freelance life. It’s not easy, especially at the start, but it’s something you can absolutely figure out with time and effort.

Most people begin by diving into freelance job platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. These sites are full of clients looking for quick fixes, full-on app development, and everything in between. But here’s the catch—it’s insanely competitive. You’re up against developers from around the world, many offering their services at dirt-cheap rates. To stand out, you need to show you’re not just another random bidder. A polished portfolio showcasing real, relevant work, a clear and friendly profile, and personalized pitches make a massive difference. The trick is making potential clients feel like you really understand what they need—not just throwing out generic offers.

That said, relying solely on these platforms can box you in. The best jobs? They usually come from personal connections. Maybe a former coworker needs help with a side project, or someone at a tech meetup remembers your expertise. Networking isn’t everyone’s favorite thing—it’s awkward at first—but it’s effective. Even simple stuff like joining LinkedIn groups, staying active in online coding communities, or casually mentioning your work to friends can lead to surprising opportunities.

The beginning is the hardest part. When you’re just starting out, you’ll probably need to take smaller gigs that don’t pay as much as you’d like. It sucks, but think of it as a stepping stone. Over-deliver on those projects, and clients will start recommending you or coming back for bigger jobs. Once you’ve built up a solid track record, you’ll have the leverage to charge better rates and go after the projects you actually want.

One way to fast-track your success is to specialize. Being a jack-of-all-trades might seem like a good idea, but clients usually want someone who’s an expert in a specific area. Whether it’s mobile apps, backend development, or something niche like blockchain, focusing on one specialty makes you stand out—and specialists can charge more.

Of course, freelance life isn’t all freedom and flexible schedules. Some months you’ll be drowning in work, and other times you’ll be staring at your inbox, waiting for responses that never come. That’s why a lot of self-employed programmers try to balance things out. Maybe you take on a steady part-time contract alongside smaller one-off gigs. Or you start building a side hustle, like a software product or an online coding course, to bring in passive income. The key is not putting all your eggs in one basket.

And let’s not forget the business side of freelancing. You’re not just coding—you’re also negotiating rates, chasing late payments, and figuring out taxes. It’s boring, but it’s necessary if you want to stay afloat. Luckily, there are tools like invoicing software and accounting apps that can take some of the headache out of it.

So, why do people stick with it? For most, it’s the freedom. You’re in control of what you work on, who you work with, and how you spend your time. Sure, the hustle can be stressful, and it’s not for everyone, but the payoff is worth it if you’re willing to put in the work. Freelancing is a journey—it’s messy, unpredictable, but incredibly rewarding if you stick with it.