I've started to work as a software developer when I was 16. My first job was a small programming job as a casual employee (20h/month) for a research institution (publicly funded) - it was for minimum wage and I hated it.
After 4-5 months, I've decided to become a freelancer and searched for contract work. I've never used Fiverr or other platforms and I'm convinced that neither should you, because this work will only lead you down the wage path where no one really values what you do.
Try to find small local software companies in the range 1-30 employees, go to local meet-ups for software developers (or even organize your own ones) and get to know those people who can give you a job. I'm currently 19yo and I'm meeting executives at my local chamber of commerce. It's not that hard. But first, you have to lose the attitude described in this sentence:
> software companies are not willing to hire people my age for good reason
This is simply not true. Maybe there are some, but not all. I've get paid the same amount of money as other freelance senior developers. They don't care about my age. They just care that
- I can what I say
- I can do what they need (I'm doing web applications & app development)
- I do it professionally and communicate properly
Just go out, drink coffee with other software developers, tell them that you would love to have a meeting with their executives and you're ready to go.
Be confident in your skills (but never ever make the mistake of overestimating yourself), be calm, show your expertise and that you can and will do the job.
Connect with people, this is the most important part for freelancing work - every time you go out and eat something, go with some project managers who happen to be there, too.
Maybe this sounds too easy to be true, but this is what I did. And I'm sure you can do it, too.
I'm 23 and I also got my first programming job at 16. In my case it was pure luck - I was on a camping trip with a friend's family and they asked me if I knew how to program. I said yes and came in after the trip to start.
It's important to realize that everyone started with no professional experience. Someone will be willing to take the risk of a few dollars spent on time and/or labor to see if it works out. A bit of charisma, luck, and dedication goes a long way. I now have professional experience in project management, training, hiring, communicating effectively, database experience, etc. because I worked hard for the opportunities I've been given.
I think networking is excellent advice. It's not uncommon to be at a coffee shop or bar and talk shop with strangers and be offered work. Maybe that's because of my location but certainly it's a good way to find work. There have been plenty of times where I see someone working on software and I'll walk up to them and ask if they wouldn't mind talking about it for a few minutes. People are typically friendly and enjoy some discussion. It can go a long way.
After 4-5 months, I've decided to become a freelancer and searched for contract work. I've never used Fiverr or other platforms and I'm convinced that neither should you, because this work will only lead you down the wage path where no one really values what you do.
Try to find small local software companies in the range 1-30 employees, go to local meet-ups for software developers (or even organize your own ones) and get to know those people who can give you a job. I'm currently 19yo and I'm meeting executives at my local chamber of commerce. It's not that hard. But first, you have to lose the attitude described in this sentence:
> software companies are not willing to hire people my age for good reason
This is simply not true. Maybe there are some, but not all. I've get paid the same amount of money as other freelance senior developers. They don't care about my age. They just care that
- I can what I say
- I can do what they need (I'm doing web applications & app development)
- I do it professionally and communicate properly
Just go out, drink coffee with other software developers, tell them that you would love to have a meeting with their executives and you're ready to go.
Be confident in your skills (but never ever make the mistake of overestimating yourself), be calm, show your expertise and that you can and will do the job.
Connect with people, this is the most important part for freelancing work - every time you go out and eat something, go with some project managers who happen to be there, too.
Maybe this sounds too easy to be true, but this is what I did. And I'm sure you can do it, too.