So, you’ve learned Python and want to make your living as a freelance Python programmer. Good for you! But there are some things you should know before getting started on the freelance life.
“The world is a jungle and you must fight to survive!”
Do you often hear such words from the lips of online coaches and pseudo-motivational speakers? Well ... It annoys me too, but unfortunately there is some truth to this saying. I'm not saying you have to memorize Sun Tzu's Art of War, but you need to know how to handle today’s job market – especially if you know Python and have decided to become a freelancer. Don't worry; it's a very good decision. However, you need to think about a few things. In this article, we’ll go over them so that you can be sure you’ve made the right choice.
Python is a programming language that can give you your ticket to professional success. It’s worth studying; just see all that Python is used for. Knowing Python gives you a lot of possibilities. It doesn't matter if you want to write advanced programs, web apps, or work with databases as a data scientist – Python will help you get there.
What if you’ve never written a single line of code and are a complete Python beginner? Then I recommend you start with our Python Basics track. It’s logically arranged so that you acquire foundational Python and programming knowledge as you complete the exercises. If you already know the basics of Python, choose from our more advanced courses like Built-in Algorithms in Python. And for a short time, all LearnPython.com courses are free. Sign up and have fun!
Is Freelancing a Good Career Path?
I could just say ”yes” and end this paragraph. Unfortunately, like everything in life, the answer is not that simple. What does it mean to be a freelancer? In essence, you’re self-employed – with all the consequences.
Unlike people who are employed by companies and can count on a regular income, a freelancer’s earnings are not always steady. The amount you bring home will depend on how much you work and the effort you spend.
So, is freelancing about constant financial uncertainty? It depends on how you approach it. If you don't take care of your customers and keep growing professionally, you won’t succeed. You need to awaken your entrepreneurial spirit. Eventually, as a freelancer, you will become a one-person company.
Pros and Cons of Being a Python Freelancer
Now let’s consider the issues that you should take into account before you start freelancing. Don't be afraid; it's nothing terrible. These are just some things to be aware of when making your future career plan.
1. Is There a Demand for Python Programming?
Python was created in the early 1990s by the Dutch programmer Guido van Rossum. From the beginning, Python was created as an intuitive and syntactically simple programming language that could be used for many tasks. Today, you’ll find it in data science, web applications, process automation, Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and more. Python is logical and easy to learn, but it also comes with many possibilities.
My colleague Rebecca wrote a great article on whether you should learn Python in 2021. In it, she talks about some Stack Overflow research showing that Python is in the forefront of the most popular programming languages and that most professional developers want to add it to their repertoire. People who know Python are sought after by employers. What does it mean? If you know Python, you won't complain about a lack of work – and that can go for freelancers as well.
There are reasons why professionals turn to Python. If you need more reasons to start learning Python, check out this introduction to the world's favorite programming language.
2. What Will Your Future Office Be Like?
It may seem trivial, but not everyone thinks about exactly where and how they will do their freelance work. Most Python freelancers work from home. In the COVID-19 era, we got used to the home office. But for most freelancers, working from home is a permanent situation, not a temporary anomaly.
What do you need to know about working from home? First of all, you need to create the right work environment. In the long run, I do not recommend sitting with a laptop at the kitchen table – although I did it myself for the first few months of lockdown. Why? Because not only does your creativity suffer, so does your spine. You need an ergonomic armchair and a good desk. Your desk should be able to accommodate, say, your laptop or desktop, a second screen, a larger keyboard, papers/books, etc.
Working from home also reduces social contact. You no longer have coffee breaks where you can chat with colleagues about yesterday's match. If you live alone, you will regulate your breaks and spend them yourself. If you live with someone, try to turn off your ‘work brain’ and talk with them for a while. It will be good for your productivity.
Working from home also has some advantages. First, you don't have to go anywhere. This saves many hours a month in travel, traffic jams, etc. You have time to run more or sleep longer.
Secondly, you won't spend your money on taxis and other commute-related expenses. You may even spend less on food because you can prepare your own breakfasts and lunches. It's healthier, cheaper, and better. A few months of remote work can be the key to staying slim. But be careful – it's also easy to start stuffing yourself with Doritos when no one is watching!
3. Where Will You Find Clients?
There are several paths here. You can search for companies that you want to have as clients, but this is time-consuming. Instead of writing code, you’ll spend most of your time, especially at the beginning, on marketing. On the plus side, once you have your first few customers and everything goes to plan, they will most likely recommend you to others. This will gain you new customers and develop your business.
The second option is to use job-search platforms and websites. If you are just starting out in the job market, this is a very common choice. Personally, I recommend trying Upwork, Freelancer.com, Indeed, or Monster.
Freelance jobs will help you build your portfolio. In addition, freelance platforms like Upwork handle most of the paperwork and formalities related to contracts, copyrights, and payments for you. It makes bookkeeping simpler for both the freelancer and the client
A while ago, I wrote an article about Where to Find a Python Job. Check it out for more details.
4. How Much Can You Earn As a Python Freelancer?
This question can be difficult to answer. Part of your earning power depends on how well you know Python – the projects you will be able to complete will depend on your level of advancement.
In my article on Python jobs, I described some potential earnings for each position. On average, a Python expert earns anywhere from $60,000 to $150,000. As a Python freelancer, you could certainly bring in similar figures, but only as long as you apply the previous point about marketing yourself and finding clients.
You will certainly earn much less at the beginning of your freelancing career. After you’ve completed some contracts and gained some recognition for your skills, your prices can increase.
Yes, it's possible to be a freelance Python developer and live pretty comfortably. As long as you put effort into really mastering Python, you won't complain about a lack of work. For more tips, see this article on becoming a successful Python freelancer.
Is a Career as a Python Freelancer for You?
I hope this article has given you an idea of what being a Python freelancer is like. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Freelancing has a lot of other facets – you have to take care of your own taxes, equipment, etc. If your computer breaks down, you won't be able to go complain to your buddy in the IT department; you’ll have to figure it out yourself or pay to have it done.
On the other hand, freelancing can give you professional freedom. Everything will depend on you: your motivation, your commitment, your willingness to develop. Let me just say that it pays off. The freelance Python life can be really cool.
If you feel that your company is too tight for you, your boss annoys you, you’re tired of dealing with stupid emails from the HR department – well, maybe starting your own business and becoming a freelancer is for you. Remember, you can always return to work full time in the office. But something tells me that if you put your effort into learning Python, you'll be successful!
FAQs
How do I become a successful Python freelancer? ›
- Learn the fundamentals of Python.
- Become a specialist, not a generalist.
- Teach programming to others.
- Apply for online freelance jobs or find local clients.
- Do the work and earn money.
Yes, it's possible to be a freelance Python developer and live pretty comfortably. As long as you put effort into really mastering Python, you won't complain about a lack of work. For more tips, see this article on becoming a successful Python freelancer.
How much does the average Python freelancer make? ›Globally, Python developer hourly rates averages at $61-80 per hour. Keep in mind that the above rates may also fluctuate depending on your hiring needs, whether you're looking for a full-time, part-time, contract, or freelance Python developer.
How much Python do you need to know to freelance? ›Before you start with practical projects though, you should invest 10-20 hours in refreshing your basic Python skills. This is not much of a time commitment – after all, you are learning a high-income skill. You can learn a lot in 20 hours if you do it right.
Who is the highest paid freelancer? ›Graphic designer
Graphic designers are needed everywhere — from corporations looking for logos and branding to advertising agencies seeking their next creative director. Undoubtedly, graphic design is one of the highest-paying freelance jobs you can find. It's also one of the most in-demand fields right now.
If you're looking for a general answer, here it is: If you just want to learn the Python basics, it may only take a few weeks. However, if you're pursuing a data science career from the beginning, you can expect it to take four to twelve months to learn enough advanced Python to be job-ready.
What is most demand Python job? ›The highest number of Python programming jobs is for software engineer roles. People with this job title very often specialize in another programming language aside from Python – Java and Javascript are among the popular options. The second type of role with the most Python coding jobs is data scientist.
Which is most demanding skill in freelancing? ›- Full stack development. Full stack developers are trained in building both the front and back end of a website. ...
- Mobile app development. ...
- Web design. ...
- UX/UI design. ...
- CMS development. ...
- Manual testing. ...
- Script and automation.
Knowing the fundamentals or syntax of Python is not enough to get a job. Employers will look for several other qualities or skills, such as problem-solving skills, communication skills, willingness to learn new tools/technologies, breadth of knowledge in technology, etc.
What is the highest paying freelance coding language? ›- Python. Python is a server-side language that boasts a wide range of applications. ...
- JavaScript. ...
- Golang (Go) ...
- Java. ...
- C# ...
- R. ...
- C++ ...
- Swift.
How much can a Python beginner earn? ›
How much does an Entry Level Python Developer make in the United States? The average Entry Level Python Developer salary in the United States is $91,185 as of February 27, 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $80,800 and $104,050.
Can a freelancer Be A millionaire? ›You pick your own hours, you are your own boss, and you get to choose the type of work that you do each day. Plus, if you find a good niche, you can make large amounts of money in short amounts of time. That means it's possible to become a millionaire, says Sumit Ojha in an interview.
How many hours a day should I practice Python? ›The answer to how much time it takes to learn python depends on the time you spent learning. Ask yourself how much time you can dedicate to learning and practicing Python. Generally, it is recommended to dedicate one hour every day to Python learning.
How many hours is enough for Python? ›How Many Hours Does it Take to Learn Python? If you're a beginner and you want to learn Python in two months or less, you would need to devote a full-time schedule to learning Python. If you spend 40 hours a week learning Python, it could ultimately take around 250 hours to fully develop your Python skills.
Is Python enough to get placed? ›Knowing the fundamentals or syntax of Python is not enough to get a job. Employers will look for several other qualities or skills, such as problem-solving skills, communication skills, willingness to learn new tools/technologies, breadth of knowledge in technology, etc.
What is the easiest freelancing job? ›Content Writer
It is probably the easiest freelance job out there. Working as a content writer means having a good level of linguistic ability and writing skills to write content for blogs, websites, social posts, ebooks, product descriptions, etc.
Did you know that more than half of freelancers work less than 30 hours per week, but only half of it is spent on billable activities? That's why, even though they work less, freelancers need to charge more than traditional employees. After all, half of their work time is non-billable.
Is it better to freelancer or salary? ›Money. It's pretty common that freelancing offers more money than full-time jobs. You don't have to wait for a monthly salary, you get paid per project and you can have more than one project per month so money might even be double any salary you could have.
Can I learn Python at 45 and get a job? ›For sure yes , if you have the desired skills and knowledge . No one will ever care about the age , there are plenty of jobs available in the field of python . Beside this you can also go for freelancing as an option.
What is the hardest programming language? ›- C++ C++ is an object-oriented programming language and is considered the fastest language out there. ...
- Prolog. Prolog stands for Logic Programming. ...
- LISP. LISP stands for List Processing. ...
- Haskell. ...
- Assembly Language (ASM) ...
- Rust. ...
- Esoteric Languages.
Can I become expert Python in 3 months? ›
How long does it take to become a Python developer? In general, learning the fundamentals of Python takes between two and six months. However, you can learn enough to write your first short programme in just a few minutes. It can take months or years to master Python's vast array of libraries.
What are the top 5 most common jobs in Python? ›- Software developer. Software development with Python is one of the most effective uses for this innovative programming language. ...
- Data scientist. ...
- Machine learning engineer. ...
- Python developer.
Highest salary that a Python Developer can earn is ₹9.0 Lakhs per year (₹75.0k per month).
Is Python high paying? ›Python language is used by more than 80% of the developers and turns out it is one of the top highest paying jobs.
How stressful is freelancing? ›We don't talk about mental stress among freelance creatives enough. Freelance creatives go through a lot of mental stress to meet client demands, land new work, and stay on top of their game. And not knowing how to deal with mental stress leads to exhaustion, burnout, brain fog, and mental fatigue.
What is the biggest challenge as a freelancer? ›- Finding clients.
- Increasing pay rates.
- Maintaining productivity.
- Meeting unrealistic demands.
- Getting paid on time.
- Working alone.
Self-employment income can be inconsistent and unpredictable. Getting clients as a new freelancer can be difficult. Freelancers are responsible for their business expenses out of pocket. Freelancing means running a business alone, without much socializing.
How to get a Python job with no experience? ›- Ensure you know the Python basics: programming, libraries, frameworks, and ORM libraries.
- Freelance as a Python Developer to build your portfolio.
- Contribute to open source projects on Github.
- Start a blog documenting your projects and journey learning Python.
There isn't an age limit on learning to code, and there never was. But all too often, insecurity and uncertainty compel older adults to put a ceiling on their achievement potential.
Is it hard to get job in Python as a fresher? ›Can a Fresher get a Job in Python? Yes! If you're a fresher, you can definitely secure a job in Python. Get ready to perfect your foundation and make your dreams come true.
Which pays more Java or Python? ›
Salary and Jobs
In India, the average salary for a Java developer is ₹4,55,000 per annum(Source: Glassdoor) and for a Python developer, it is ₹4,46,000 per annum(Source: Glassdoor). So if you become flawless in Java or Python, you can easily start your career as a developer.
As of Feb 21, 2023, the average annual pay for a Freelance Programmer in the United States is $72,547 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $34.88 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,395/week or $6,045/month.
Which area of coding makes the most money? ›- Web developer. Average salary: US$67,712 per year. ...
- Systems analyst. Average salary: US$82,285 per year. ...
- Computer programmer. ...
- Programmer Analyst. ...
- Computer systems engineer. ...
- Database administrator. ...
- Software Developer. ...
- Front-end developer.
Python developers encounter stress like most other developers. Stress for programmers is not exclusive to Python developers. Whether you're a Python developer or not, it's important to find ways to handle stress as a software developer.
How many days to learn Python? ›In general, it takes around two to six months to learn the fundamentals of Python. But you can learn enough to write your first short program in a matter of minutes. Developing mastery of Python's vast array of libraries can take months or years.
What is the salary of Python with 3 years experience? ›Python Developer salary in Bengaluru/Bangalore with less than 1 year of experience to 4 years ranges from ₹ 2 Lakhs to ₹ 9.6 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 4.5 Lakhs based on 2.1k latest salaries.
Is freelancing a side hustle? ›Freelancing is easily one of the best side hustles to make money online. It allows you to monetize your skillset on your own time with lucrative earning potential. It's also incredibly flexible. With freelancing, you get to choose exactly who you work with, which projects you take on, when you work, and where you work.
Can you make six figures as a freelancer? ›Yes, of course you can earn this amount of money in your first year. $100,000 is a great initial goal and many freelancers aim for this as their "I have made it" goal. By finding clients and getting regular assignments you can hit the six figure mark within the first year as you develop the skills you need for success.
Is freelancing a stable income? ›Freelancing is quite risky, just like your ordinary job, as you keep getting stable pay. However, if a company faces challenges like COVID, they can make significant cuts in your salary. But when you work freelance, you can diversify your risk by working with multiple clients and getting advanced.
How long does it take to become a freelancer in Python? ›A beginner will take about 6-8 weeks to learn the fundamentals of Python. It takes that much time to learn how to understand most lines of code in Python. It would take significantly more time learning Python to move into a new career as a Python Developer.
How profitable is freelance programming? ›
How Much Do Freelance Developers Charge? According to Career Karma, the average freelance web developer charges $60 per hour. The average entry-level freelance coding salary is $58,000 per year. Remember that taxes for self-employed individuals are different and can be higher than those employed traditionally.
What Python jobs pay the most? ›- Data Scientist: 78,456 USD/year.
- DevOps Engineer: 97,310 USD/year.
- Software Developer: 110,305 USD/year.
- Senior Software Engineer: 90,596 USD/year.
- Software Engineer: 90,662 USD/year.
No, Python developer is not a hard job once you master the fundamentals and get hands-on experience.
Can I get a job just knowing Python? ›Companies don't hire a Python dev. They hire a problem-solver. If you have learned X and can't do Y with the concepts you learned from X, you will not get hired. It's impossible to know what problems you have to solve when you get hired or what problem you will be solving 2/3 years from now.
How much do beginner freelance coders make? ›While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $146,000 and as low as $19,500, the majority of Freelance Programmer salaries currently range between $47,500 (25th percentile) to $87,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $120,500 annually across the United States.
Can freelancers make a living? ›It's a fact—you make more money as a freelancer
According to a 2020 survey by Upwork, the popular freelance jobs platform—75% of freelancers earn as much, or more, than they did when working full-time.