Can freelancing lead to success without traditional job experience?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential for success in freelancing, particularly for individuals without traditional job experience or those with past legal issues. Participants explore the feasibility of finding freelance work on platforms like Upwork, while considering the implications of having an expunged misdemeanor on employment opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses doubt about their ability to secure a programming job due to a past misdemeanor, despite it being expunged.
  • Another participant suggests checking local laws regarding expunged records, indicating that in some states, individuals are not required to disclose such incidents to potential employers.
  • A third participant questions the original poster's intent, suggesting they may be seeking validation for their beliefs rather than genuine advice.
  • In response, the original poster reiterates their belief that they cannot obtain a tech job.
  • Another participant argues that the belief in being unable to find a job is not grounded in reality and suggests that the expunged record should not hinder job prospects.
  • One participant shares their personal experience with freelancing, indicating that while they found success, they emphasize the importance of having relevant skills and experience to attract clients.
  • Another participant notes that consulting agencies typically seek candidates with experience, implying that freelancing may be challenging for those without a background in the field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of agreement and disagreement. While some believe that an expunged record should not impede job opportunities, others express skepticism about the original poster's chances in freelancing without prior experience.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights varying interpretations of legal implications regarding expunged records and the subjective nature of confidence in job prospects. There is also a lack of consensus on the accessibility of freelance opportunities for individuals without traditional job experience.

KamenRiderTorbjorn
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I have no job or no work experience. A few years ago I got arrested for a misdemeanor and even though I wasn't convicted and it was expunged I still think I won't be able to get a programmer job. At this point do I have a chance going on a website like Upwork or any other freelance website for that matter?
 
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KamenRiderTorbjorn said:
A few years ago I got arrested for a misdemeanor and even though I wasn't convicted and it was expunged I still think I won't be able to get a programmer job.
You need to check the law in your state:

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/state-laws-use-arrests-convictions-employment.html

In my state if an arrest is expunged then an potential employee is supposed to answer “no” to questions about arrests and convictions. And it is illegal for the employer to asked about expunged incidents.
 
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Here we go again.

Two years ago, you asked a very similar question. You got some good advice - "Talk to a lawyer"
Half a year ago, you asked a very similar question. You got some good advice - "Talk to a lawyer"
And you're back.

You obviously have an answer in mind, and want us to confirm it. So why don't you save us all some time and effort and tell us what it is you want to hear.
 
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What I want to hear is the truth. I really truly believe I can't get a tech job now regardless of this.
 
KamenRiderTorbjorn said:
What I want to hear is the truth. I really truly believe I can't get a tech job now regardless of this.
Truly, I don’t think it would stop you in most states or most jobs. I think your belief is not founded in reality
 
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KamenRiderTorbjorn said:
I have no job or no work experience. A few years ago I got arrested for a misdemeanor and even though I wasn't convicted and it was expunged I still think I won't be able to get a programmer job. At this point do I have a chance going on a website like Upwork or any other freelance website for that matter?
KamenRiderTorbjorn said:
What I want to hear is the truth. I really truly believe I can't get a tech job now regardless of this.
Check with your local courts to be sure that it was fully expunged. If so, that's not a consideration anymore.

On the freelance question -- consulting/freelance agencies want folks with experience. I've worked some consulting jobs through agencies in the past, and they match your experience to the job request from employers. That is not a way to get entry-level jobs, IMO.
 
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I have done a lot of freelance work as a physicist and enjoyed it greatly. The job that got me started was from an old friend while I was living primitive in the Maine woods. I solved their problem quickly and came back a few times and they offered me a very good position. When that company was bought out (and moved) I hung out my shingle again. I had enough contacts by then to stay busy without much worry and now I get Social Security and the other fruits. You got to be good at what you do and you have to be willing to be the scapegoat when it is useful. I learned a lot and met many good folks.
 
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