6 Things Successful Freelancers Don’t Say

Introduction

The allure of freelancing is often painted with tales of incredible success:

• Earning more
• Choosing your working hours
• Working from exotic locations or the comfort of your sofa
• Handpicking clients
• Being your own boss

It sounds straightforward, but many freelance programmers soon discover that the path to success is strewn with the broken dreams of those who didn’t make it. If you aspire to be a successful freelancer, forget these six clichés.

1. “Freelancing is Going to Make Me Rich”

Yes, some freelance programmers command impressive daily rates, akin to the superstars of the coding world. However, the reality for most is different. The freelance market is highly competitive, and there’s always someone willing to charge less. A quick look at major freelance job platforms shows many equally qualified developers in regions where the cost of living is lower, making your rates less competitive.

2. “Money Isn’t Everything; There’s the Freedom of Being My Own Boss”

The freedom of independence is a common freelancing dream. However, each client becomes a de facto boss, each wanting exclusive access to your expertise. Small businesses or single-project clients often work long hours themselves and will expect you to be available during evenings, weekends, and even bank holidays.

3. “I’ve Already Got SO Many Business Contacts”

In reality, competition is fierce, and you will need every contact you’ve ever made, plus many more. Networking is essential in this business. As Susan Harkins aptly said, “I’m only a fickle client or two away from foraging for meals.” Building a stable client base takes time and effort. You may have a fantastic website, but how do you stand out? Marketing yourself and creating a stellar online portfolio is just the beginning. Taking on small, unprofitable projects and working for free can be necessary steps in hustling for clients.

4. “I Can Choose When and Where to Work”

While leaving the grey cubicle behind is appealing, freelancing involves much more than just coding by the pool or on the sofa. You’ll spend significant time handling emails, phone calls, and admin tasks until you can afford an assistant. As Richard Branson noted, “As a successful business matures and expands, bureaucracy usually starts to take hold.” You’ll need good accounting skills, a business course, and suitable meeting spaces for client interactions. Your sofa may not cut it.

5. “All My Clients Know They Get a Bespoke Solution Using Cutting-Edge Technology”

At a recent event, a contractor boasted about having “the ideal solution for your business” to various entrepreneurs. His credibility waned quickly. Keeping up with the latest technology requires constant investment. Every client expects a bespoke solution that continuously updates their skills and maintains their reputation. Freelancing isn’t scalable; there’s only one of you, and you can only stretch so far.

6. “I Can’t Wait to Get Away From the Water Cooler and the Office Politics!”

Freelancing might seem ideal if you enjoy working in isolation, but many miss the office banter, team support, and collaborative problem-solving. Rick Hurst, who oscillated between freelancing and employment, highlights this: “One of my clients offered me a permanent job with regular pay, paid holiday, and benefits. Enjoying team collaboration, I accepted.” His enthusiasm for permanent employment lasted less than a year.

Conclusion

The freelancing world is ever-changing, especially in terms of technology. While freelancing might always be the best option for some developers, others will seek to immerse themselves in the latest tech and diverse projects. As insiders, we see the challenge of balancing these needs and reshaping the industry. Change can drive progress, and from this dissonance, a new way of working is emerging, poised to revolutionise the industry.