Hey, everyone! 👋
I’m a freelance web developer juggling projects while finishing my Computer Engineering degree. If you’re like me—balancing studies, coding, and trying to make a name for yourself in freelancing—then you know it’s not always easy.
Freelancing is an amazing way to gain real-world experience, build a portfolio, and earn money, but it also comes with time management struggles, client challenges, and learning curves. Over time, I’ve picked up some best practices that have helped me stay sane and grow as a freelancer, and I want to share them with you.
1. Set Clear Expectations with Clients (or Risk the Chaos) 💀
When I started freelancing, I made the classic newbie mistake—I took on projects without clear contracts or defined scopes. Some clients kept adding "just one more thing" (a.k.a. scope creep), and I ended up working way more than expected. Lesson learned!
Here’s what I do now:
✅ Always discuss project scope upfront – List out exactly what you're delivering.
✅ Have a contract – Even a simple one outlining payment, deadlines, and revisions.
✅ Be upfront about your availability – As a student, I make it clear I have class schedules, so clients know when I’ll be online.
This saves you from unnecessary headaches and keeps everything professional.
2. Your Portfolio = Your Digital Resume 🎨
When I landed my first real freelance gig, it wasn’t because of my resume—it was because of my portfolio. Clients want to see what you can do, not just hear about it.
What worked for me:
🚀 Keep it simple, but showcase real projects – Even if it's small apps, redesigns, or class projects, put them online!
📢 Add testimonials if possible – Happy clients = more credibility.
🔗 LinkedIn & GitHub matter – Keep them updated. I’ve had recruiters and clients reach out just from seeing my GitHub.
Your portfolio doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should be accessible and professional.
3. Time Management: Balancing Freelance, Studies & Life ⏳
Balancing a Computer Engineering degree and freelancing is no joke. At first, I found myself procrastinating on schoolwork while drowning in projects.
Here’s what saved me:
📆 Google Calendar + Notion – I plan out deadlines for classes & projects to avoid last-minute panic.
🎯 Set office hours – Even as a freelancer, I try to keep "work hours" to avoid burnout.
Trust me, the key to surviving as a freelancing student is learning how to manage your time effectively.
4. Know Your Worth – Charge What You Deserve 💰
At first, I was scared to charge higher rates—I thought clients would ghost me. But when I undercharged, I got low-quality clients who expected everything for free.
What I do now:
💵 Charge based on value, not just time – If your work improves their business, price it accordingly.
📜 Break payments into milestones – I do 50% upfront, 50% after completion (to avoid disappearing clients).
🙅 Say no to exposure gigs – "It’ll be great for your portfolio!" Nope. That doesn’t pay the bills.
Once I raised my rates, I attracted better clients who respected my time. It’s scary, but worth it.
5. Stay Updated (Tech Moves FAST) 🚀
Freelancing has pushed me to learn way more than my degree alone ever could. But staying up-to-date is a challenge when new frameworks drop every other week.
How I keep learning:
📖 I follow blogs like CSS-Tricks, Smashing Magazine, and DEV.to – Quick insights into new trends.
🎥 YouTube & Udemy – Free or affordable, practical courses.
🛠 Build small projects with new tech – Even if it’s just a weekend side project, hands-on experience is key.
If you're a student wanting to stand out, always keep learning outside of class!
6. Client Communication is Everything 💬
One thing I learned fast: Most clients are NOT technical. If you bombard them with "API integrations" and "state management", they'll zone out.
What works for me:
🔹 Keep explanations simple – "This will make your website load faster" instead of "I optimized the Lighthouse score."
🔹 Set response expectations – Let them know when you’ll reply (I don’t answer messages at 2 AM).
🔹 Use project management tools – Trello, ClickUp, or even a shared Google Doc helps avoid endless email chains.
Clear communication = fewer misunderstandings & happier clients.
7. Network & Get Clients Organically 🤝
I used to think finding clients meant spamming job boards—but referrals & networking have been my best sources of work.
How I find clients:
💡 Let people know what you do – Post on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), or even tell friends & family.
🌐 Join freelancing communities – Discord, Reddit, and IndieHackers have hidden gems.
🗣 Ask past clients for referrals – If they loved your work, they’ll happily recommend you.
Your next big project might come from a casual X convo—don’t underestimate networking!
8. Freelancing = Business, Treat It Like One 🏢
When I started, I thought freelancing was just "coding for money." But I soon realized, it’s a business—and treating it like one changed everything.
Business tips I’ve learned:
📑 Track your income & expenses – Even simple Excel sheets help.
📝 Have contracts & invoices – Use tools like Bonsai or Wave for easy invoicing.
📊 Plan for taxes – Freelance income isn’t tax-free (I learned this the hard way... but hey, you know, it is what it is living in Spain 🇪🇸💸).
The sooner you run your freelance work like a business, the more professional (and profitable) it becomes.
Final Thoughts: Freelancing is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Freelancing as a web developer while studying has been challenging but rewarding. I’ve made mistakes, worked with amazing (and not-so-amazing) clients, and learned so much beyond what my degree teaches me.
Here’s my final advice:
✔ Be professional, even if you're a student – Your work reflects you.
✔ Keep learning – The tech world moves fast; stay ahead.
✔ Know your worth – Charge fairly and don’t let clients undervalue you.
✔ Find a balance – Don’t let freelancing burn you out while in school.
Freelancing has opened doors for me I never imagined. If you're thinking about it—go for it! 💪
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