PHP Programmer Shares Tips on How To Make Freelancing Your Full-time Career

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Bhawan Baweja is a PHP programmer and Internet strategist from Chandigarh, India. Bhawan specialises in web design and development, mobile sites, and SEO/SMO. He has been using Freelancer.com for the past three and a half years and is one of the Preferred Freelancers on the platform.

We caught up with Bhawan to hear his thoughts about freelancing and get some first-hand advice for anyone looking to make the move into a full-time freelancing career themselves. Read along and see what you can learn from his story.

Freelancing Part-Time or Full-Time?

“No matter how much you’re getting paid at your full-time job, there’s one thing that’s even more valuable than great pay and solid benefits -- working for yourself," Bhawan explained.

Some might have second thoughts in doing it full-time, and constantly thinking if it’s worth the risk. At this stage, there’s one thing you need: courage.

"It takes a lot of courage to take the leap and decide for a full-time freelancing career. Most people just prefer to carry on doing it as a part-time job, earning passive income. Freelancing definitely comes with its ups and downs -- but when it’s done right, great perks of freedom, money and peace of mind come along. You have no boss, no rules, no fixed timings, and you can practically work from anywhere,” he shared.

Competing With Local Talents

"From a business perspective, as a freelancer, I can get better opportunities by escaping the unpredictable local economy. I don’t get that much work in my field locally, demand is quite low,” Bhawan told.

When you do online freelancing, there’s a huge chance you’d still compete with local talents, which can be difficult according to Bhawan. What gives him the extra push to do it is believing he may be more qualified and competitive than someone who is geographically closer to the company that posted the job. “You just have to keep being confident. Freelancing warrants that you won’t lose work just because of your location,” said Bhawan.

Managing Your Own Freelance Business

You know the perks that come with being a freelancer. Bhawan has been enjoying these benefits for quite a long time now. You have the freedom in setting your own hours which means you can take a break whenever you want to or or work for extra hours when desired. Since you no-longer have to be stuck in epic-long meetings in the office or in the middle of rush hour traffic, you can spend more quality time with your loved ones.

Although there’s enough freedom to enjoy while freelancing, Bhawan advised that you stick with the work ethics you’ve learned from your office days. "You’re the CEO of your freelance company. You’re the one responsible for everything associated with it,” Bhawan said as a reminder.  

"Choosing the route of entrepreneurship is without a doubt riskier than holding on to a 9 - 5 job, and it requires a lot more sacrifice. However, I’m now reaping the lifestyle benefits of being my own boss, and hustling my way into making significantly more money through Freelancer.com than I could ever make at my day job, so all the hard work has definitely been worth it. When I do get a chance to relax, I love to spend my spare time with my two adorable kids and hang out with my friends,” he said.

"I would recommend everyone to choose this lifestyle. Just be precise, focused and make sure you apply your skills to the job in question as best as you can. There’s never been a better time to be an entrepreneur!” Bhawan concluded.

Bhawan’s top 4 reasons why you should hire a freelancer:

  • Worldwide talent pool
  • Shorter time to hire
  • Less training required
  • Improved productivity

Looking to hire a freelancer? Post a project today!

Posted 27 May, 2016

Eva Bandelj

International Communications at Freelancer.com

I run International Marketing Communication campaigns at Freelancer.com, based in the London office. I also lead Freelancer's Case Study Program, where we write inspirational success stories of employers and freelancers around the world. When not busy working or organising tech & design networking events, I enjoy exploring the globe.

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