When most people first consider computer programming as a career, they usually assume that their options are limited to working for a corporation as a fulltime employee with a regular paycheck, health insurance and other employee benefits. Working as a freelance programmer versus taking a full time job with an employer is largely a matter of personal choice. Some people prefer the security of having a steady paycheck and the structure that a corporate workplace provides. Others cannot stand having to show up from nine to five every single day and decide to take their chances as freelance programmers because of the flexible hours, higher pay and greater growth potential. However, there is a very viable path for a computer programming career in the freelance arena. As a freelance programmer, you work for yourself, set your own hours and are responsible for your own health benefits and taxes. A freelance programmer typically earns higher pay than a full-time employee. In fact, as a freelancer, you get to charge whatever rate your heart desires. You also have the advantage of working in multiple industries and environments which can turn out to be very valuable in marketing your services.

So why do companies hire freelance programmers? One reason companies hire freelance programmers is that even though freelancers usually charge more money on an hourly basis than employees, the company still saves money. Freelancers only receive payment for time spent working on a software development project and their services can be discontinued at any time. Many freelancers provide their own hardware and software. Also, they do not receive employee benefits which are usually quite expensive. Another reason companies use freelance programmers is that freelance programmers are expected to be able to complete projects faster and more efficiently than employees. Above all these, contract programmers get hired to perform programming work that companies do not have the in-house talent to accomplish. Some companies do not have any in-house programmers or they may need special technical skills for an application development project.

Now that you’ve decided to become a freelance programmer, where do you start? The first area to work on is your programming knowledge and skills. As a freelance programmer, your clients will consider you an advisor and consultant. You need to be able to answer difficult questions that may rise up along the way during the project. Your clients will not provide on the job training. It is imperative that you gain expert level skill in the technologies that you specialize in. Start by browsing the online knowledge bases for computer languages. These usually contain everything you need to know about how the language works.

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