Side Gigs That Will Make You Money as a Programmer in 2020
By: Timothy Mugayi
Tags: Python, Freelancing, Programming, Software Development, JavaScript

1. Freelancing

Freelancing is a great way of making some side income while still holding down your day job. Or perhaps, if conditions are right, it could potentially become a full-time job. Though freelancing sounds great on paper, it requires a lot of discipline and effort to find clients and projects. One thing you need to keep in mind is freelancing only works if you possess the ability to self-regulate. If you lack this ability, then honestly, there is no point in starting down the freelance path. Instead, a nine-to-five job would be best suited for you as it provides order and structure.

Without digressing and regurgitating the same content you’ll find online, I want to give you a different take on what has worked for me. One thing I learned early on is that you shouldn’t follow the herd. Carve your own unique path that sets you apart from the rest of the pack.

Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr offer a lot of opportunities but can easily turn into a perpetual rabbit hole you might not want to go down. The rates are pretty low if you don't have a name, so I would only recommend them if you just want to dip your toes into the water for the first time or are satisfied with a little bit of additional income. This, of course, doesn't mean you can be successful on them.

A better strategy would be to work on your LinkedIn profile, contact recruiters and past clients from your network, go to conferences and meetups, and look out for platforms that match up remote workers with companies.

Take advantage of and leverage Facebook groups. There are dozens of Facebook groups that are designed specifically for freelancers. Programming-based groups are other places that teem with opportunities for freelance work. These are probably a better option than sourcing leads in places like Upwork and competing with C-grade, $5 programmers. Facebook groups also allow you to showcase your work and garner support, make friends, and expand your network and connections. Below is a list of groups to get you started in your pursuit of finding that extra dollar.

There is no shortage of Facebook groups you can join and explore. Go ahead type “remote jobs” or “programming jobs” — or be creative about your search terms. You’ll be surprised at how many groups there are.

Here is some professional advice from one software developer to another: Do not — I repeat, do not — burn your bridges when you leave your current day job! There are exceptions, of course, to this rule. Sometimes it’s ethical to burn bridges, e.g., when your boss is a horrible manager who treats employees like dirt and rips off your customers or deliberately acts in ways that go against your ideals and principles.

In the event that you have nothing against your employer, I would urge you to keep in contact and plant little seeds to keep doors open once you resign. Seed planting is the idea that you periodically reach out, not seeking work but to maintain that ongoing rapport. Let your former employer know once in a while that you’re open to new creative pursuits. As long as they have that idea, it's easier to ask for freelance work in the future. It does help if prior to leaving your previous job, you excelled and built a reputation as the go-to guy.

I encourage you to take some time out to read my other piece on hard truths about being a freelance programmer. It’ll help you navigate this uncharted territory.