How do I find side work as a programmer?

Question

I've been learning HTML/css/PHP/mySQL/Javascript for a little while now, trying to develop a skill set that I can develop into a career. I've reached a point where I want to try a few small paid projects to get started, but everywhere I look (read: mostly craigslist) the only jobs I see are things like "Can somebodyz clone this web app for $75" or "Need a custom messageboard that uses AJAX for $100". So I guess my question is: Where do self-taught programmers 'get their foot in the door'?

On a side note, am I overestimating the value of programming work when I look at these jobs and get frustrated because they don't seem to pay much?

Answer 1

Have you considered investing in http://careers.stackoverflow.com/? I don't know how it would be of use to someone looking for side work, but it is worth a try.

Answer 2

Once you get things rolling (some good clients, a web presence, some community friends and contacts) the work will come to you. But getting things started can be hard.

You could call a design agency and ask if they need any coding help. Likewise, you could contact a consulting company and tell them how many hours you have available.

Pay-by-the-project gigs usually suck. People want to pay miserably small amounts of money to get something done, and you're competing with 3rd world countries. Ask to be paid by the hour, and look for jobs that pay that way. Then you can set your rate based on how valuable your time is (to you).

I got my first projects by responding to web forum posts for a "contractor." There are lots of postings, go for those that are looking for a relationship that will last months, not for a tiny piece of a website. Get involved in local users groups, go to conferences. It will get going.

Answer 3

Work is no disgrace! Everyone starts somewhere and many self-taught programmers (myself included) started off small. My suggestion is that you take on some of these small jobs you're finding on craigslist (or elsewhere) to build a portfolio. While they may not be taken seriously by large companies looking for a stand-up, proven developer, these small jobs can act as bullet-points on your resume and add to your versatility.

I started rummaging around craigslist just looking for small gigs and after a while I found that I was being contacted over and over again by the same people. Sometimes I was doing programming, sometimes I was just fixing an old lady's wireless network. After a while though I had build up a decent client base and I was occasionally making an extra $600 under the table on the weekends for a mere few hours of my time.

You may find that this will happen to you. If a small startup is just looking for something specific and your skillset happens to fit the bill, then do it. You can rest assured they won't forget you after that and if they do end up becoming a larger company, they may contact you again for more work, or even hire you on. While that seems rather optimistic, it never hurts to try. At least you'd be adding more to your experience and versatility which translates into a nicer resume.