7 replies to this topic

[PsychoNaught]

I've been learning Objective C for about 4 months now, and enjoying it so far. I decided with Objective C because I thought it would be a fun project to develop an app for the iPhone. It probably wasn't the best decision for my first venture into programming, but i'm getting through it well.

Anyway, 4 months in, i'm starting to think about my future with coding. Specifically about money.

Is there any demand for programmers? and can you get by reasonably well doing freelance work?

I do plan on learning C++ in the future, once i'm a bit more comfortable with Objective C, as I want to expand from iPhone programming. Is it worth it? can anyone with experience in freelance etc. help me?

[PsychoNaught]

Jordan said:

Yes, there is a considerable demand for programmers for both professional jobs and freelancing. Competing for freelance jobs can be hard. On freelance sites you'll often be beat by someone willing to do the job for less than the pay of a janitor. You have other options such as developing applications for sale. You could develop iPhone applications and sell them but I've often heard even having a popular iPhone application won't make you rich.

Yeah, I do plan on making an iPhone app, it was one of the reasons that made me look into programming more...
Problem is, the iPhones got some 60,000 apps for it now, its going to be tough making any money worth talking about on there, but I'm still gonna have a go.

I currently make £100 a week, doing about 5 hours per day work on weekdays, which isn't that bad since its my first job in my life :thumbup:

My expectations aren't that high, considering what I posted above, but is it reasonable to expect close to that amount on a somewhat "regular" basis doing freelance type work once I get adequate enough in programming?

[BlaineSch]

Well you are only 16.

I learned to program early, now I am doing lots of freelancing, and just got offered a very decent job.

Just keep learning about a specific subject now and you will be ahead of your generation!

[WingedPanther]

iPhone apps may make you money...if the app gets approved. You can make a solid living as a programmer, though. C++ will definitely help you out with that.

[NatalieM]

Yes, being a programmer can definitively be a lucrative career path.

You can make money freelancing but I would stay away from freelancing sites because programmers in India and such countries will always under-bid you (because of the difference of cost of living between the UK/India, you cannot really compete with them).

Some friends of mine studied programming 10 years ago and they now earn £60k-£80k a year and as our society relies more and more on computers, I think it's safe to say that good programmers will always be in demand.

[relapse]

Right now there is such a demand for programmers. I don't think you would have any problems find freelance or a professional job. Programming is fun as hell anyway, so don't even consider it as work!