Is Freelance Web Development a Viable Career Path for a Python-Savvy Student?

  • Context: Other 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Listenupjunior97
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Chances
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the viability of freelance web development as a career path for a student with a background in Python but limited experience in HTML. Participants explore the necessary skills, potential income sources, and the competitive landscape for freelancers in web development.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is essential for web development, while others emphasize the need for proficiency in popular libraries like React or Angular.
  • There is a discussion about the misconception of coding as a source of passive income, with some participants arguing that freelance work typically requires active engagement.
  • One participant mentions the competitive nature of the freelance market, particularly against well-educated freelancers from countries like India.
  • Several participants propose tutoring as an alternative income source, particularly in subjects like statistics or algebra, though there is debate about the qualifications necessary to tutor effectively.
  • Questions are raised regarding the original poster's (OP) background, including their current job, educational status, and specific programming skills beyond Python.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the feasibility of becoming a freelance web developer with the OP's current skill set. There is no consensus on the best path forward, with some advocating for tutoring instead of freelance work, while others focus on the skills needed for web development.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of understanding the competitive landscape and the need for specific technical skills in web development. There are also unresolved questions about the OP's qualifications and experience, which may affect the advice given.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students considering freelance web development as a career, those interested in tutoring opportunities, and individuals seeking insights into the current job market for web developers.

Listenupjunior97
Messages
15
Reaction score
2
So I'm currently employed an in college, but I constantly get my hours for some reason. I was thinking about doing free lance web development. I mainly know python, but my html skills need work. Is there any chance of me becoming a freelance web developer?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Listenupjunior97 said:
So I'm currently employed an in college, but I constantly get my hours for some reason.
Sorry, I'm not able to parse that. Can you explain what you mean? Thanks.

Listenupjunior97 said:
I mainly know python, but my html skills need work.
What languages and platforms do you think web developers use currently? My son is a web developer, so I could ask him, but it would be better if you could do some searching and tell us. Thanks. :wink:
 
berkeman said:
Sorry, I'm not able to parse that. Can you explain what you mean? Thanks.What languages and platforms do you think web developers use currently? My son is a web developer, so I could ask him, but it would be better if you could do some searching and tell us. Thanks. :wink:
web development usually consists of javascript, html, and css.
 
Can you post a link to a demo web page that you've developed? If you want to freelance, that's an important link to have on your resume. :smile:

And you didn't help me parse the first part of your post. Were you saying that you find yourself with a lot of free time during your studies even though you are working at the same time, and want to figure out what to do with that extra time?
 
berkeman said:
Were you saying that you find yourself with a lot of free time during your studies even though you are working at the same time, and want to figure out what to do with that extra time?
I'm just looking for a way to make some passive income. My classes don't start until next month so maybe things at my job would change until then.
 
Writing code is not "passive income".

Listenupjunior97 said:
javascript, html, and css.

Listenupjunior97 said:
I mainly know python, but my html skills need work

If you don't know the tools needed for web design, how do you plan to outcompete those who do?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: gleem, malawi_glenn and berkeman
Vanadium 50 said:
Writing code is not "passive income".If you don't know the tools needed for web design, how do you plan to outcompete those who do?
yea you right. just never used python in a front end programming situation before
 
Can you post a screenshot of your best GUI that you've designed? I can post one of mine when I get back to work tomorrow... :smile: (well, modulo the confidential aspect -- I may need to blur some stuff out...)
 
Listenupjunior97 said:
I'm just looking for a way to make some passive income. My classes don't start until next month so maybe things at my job would change until then.
If passive income is what you want, then put several thousands of dollars in a really good investment account; but this can be risky and you either may earn very little or may lose money. Working for a living is almost always better --- for MOST people.
 
  • #10
I've been off the market for 3 years but even then, HTML, CSS and vanilla JS were not enough to get a junior dev role - you'll need to be proficient in a major library like React or Angular, or whatever JS package is the flavour of the day**, otherwise you'll get passed over for someone who does.

And these days, everyone is pushing for Full Stack devs. Drove me out of the biz.

** and its moot anyway. Whatever JS library you are proficient in at your interview will be obsolete by your first day of work anyway. They'll all be off drooling after the next shiny bauble.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: jim mcnamara and PeroK
  • #11
Have you considered tutoring? Particularly statistics. All of non stem majors need it. I was able to make about $150 a week for just 5 hours of work when I was in undergrad...
 
  • Like
  • Informative
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71, symbolipoint and berkeman
  • #12
Your competition from well-educated and experienced freelancers from India will swamp you unless you're willing to work for peanuts and even then with your lack of experience, I don't seee you getting any work.

Check out FreeLancer online
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71
  • #13
MidgetDwarf said:
Particularly statistics
Where does the OP say that he's an expert in statistics?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71
  • #14
Vanadium 50 said:
Where does the OP say that he's an expert in statistics?
You do not need to be an expert i statistics to teach non stems :-)
Even I can teach it!
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71
  • #15
malawi_glenn said:
You do not need to be an expert i statistics to teach non stems :-)
Even I can teach it!
No, No, no, no, no.
I cannot agree with this.
At least tell SOMETHING about what and how well someone needs to know in Statistics to be able to tutor students in Statistics.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Delta2 and vanhees71
  • #16
Vanadium 50 said:
Where does the OP say that he's an expert in statistics?
It is easier to learn statistics at the non stem major level, then to be a freelancer in web development with only Python.

Heck, they can tutor algebra, or any pre-calculus level mathematics for a bit less hourly. After all, this is for side money, and not a career.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71
  • #17
I'm not sure "just tutor statistics" is universal advice, advice that doesn't need to be tailored to the OP.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: phinds, vanhees71 and symbolipoint
  • #18
MidgetDwarf said:
Heck, they can tutor algebra, or any pre-calculus level mathematics for a bit less hourly. After all, this is for side money, and not a career.
One must understand the need for competence in any algebra or precalculus material for being able to tutor it/them.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Delta2, phinds, vanhees71 and 1 other person
  • #19
To the OP:

First of all, your thread does not provide much information. Before I (or anyone else) can provide meaningful advice, you need to inform us of the following:

1. Where are you located?

2. What kind of job are you currently employed in at the college you work for?

3. Have you completed your college/university degrees (bachelors, masters, Phd), or are you still a student? If still a student, what are you studying?

4. What computing skills do you possess? You mentioned knowing Python, but lack experience in HTML. What other programming languages do you know? What experience do you have programming - either at work, school, or personal projects/portfolio posted on GitHub?

5. What is your overall work experience thus far?

Your answers to these questions can help us to provide useful advice for you.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Vanadium 50 and russ_watters

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
7K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K