My Journey from Freelance Web Designer to Full-Time Mobile App and Web Developer

The journey of becoming a full-time freelance mobile app and web developer is not just about coding and design; it's a shift in mindset from selling products to helping people. My path began in 2016 as a freelance web designer crafting beautiful front ends and leveraging WordPress for the back end. However, my focus has since shifted, and today, I am deeply involved in marketing and branding strategies.

Personal Background and Transformative Experience

Age: 30 Years

The big transformation in my career came through the principles of a marketing expert named Seth Godin. He showed me that business is not merely about making money; it's about genuinely helping people. This insight shifted my core beliefs, leading me to pursue freelance work and now full-time freelancing, where I apply these principles effectively.

Prior Work Experience

Before transitioning to full-time freelancing, I had a brief stint in a software firm where I worked with .NET technologies for about a year. While I no longer handle web development projects, the skills gained during that period laid a solid foundation for my current endeavors.

Challenges in Achieving a Stable Income as a Freelancer

Freelancing is a challenging business model where financial stability and regular income are not guaranteed. The absence of a fixed monthly salary reflects the nature of the business. As a freelancer, the success and income are directly linked to the projects secured.

One of my biggest challenges was acquiring clients, especially for my U.S. clients, which provided me with a sense of stability when I started receiving regular payments. However, over time, I have pivoted my business, focusing more on marketing services rather than traditional web development.

Favorite Project and Work Hours

Favorite Project: I created the logo for Gambos Limo Services. Although the logo was a gift with no financial compensation, the challenge of accurately replicating an original image made it a favorite project. This laid the groundwork for my design skills and helped me engage with clients in a different capacity.

Work Hours: I used to be very flexible with my work hours, often working without tracking specific time spent. However, I recognize the importance of discipline in managing time effectively to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Advice for Aspiring Freelancers

To aspiring full-time freelance developers, my advice is simple but profound: do not jump into freelancing for the fun of it. Modeling after successful freelancers who seem to be working in glamorous locations is just a facade. Running a successful freelance business requires hard work, effective time management, and the ability to maintain robust professional connections.

Caution: Do not quit your job without a solid backup plan. Instead, start freelancing on the side and assess your ability to sustain yourself before fully committing. If you feel confident and capable of managing the demands of freelancing, then go for it.