How to Become a Freelance JavaScript Developer in 2024

For individuals aspiring to pursue a career as a JavaScript Developer, one feasible avenue is to embark on a freelance path. As a freelance professional, one is engaged by various companies for distinct projects, such as setting up websites for small businesses that lack the means to hire a full-time Developer. This setup allows for simultaneous work on multiple projects for different organizations until completion.

Freelance vs. In-house JavaScript Developer

Freelancing offers flexibility and freedom. You set your own schedule, work from anywhere with an internet connection, and choose the projects you take on. You can be your own boss and control your workload, rates, and client interactions. However, your income can fluctuate depending on finding projects consistently. There's no guaranteed work or benefits.

As an in-house JavaScript Developer, you receive a regular salary, benefits package (health insurance, paid time off), and job security with a steady paycheck. You have clear work hours, defined roles, and company resources like training and development opportunities. Alternately, your salary increases are typically based on performance reviews and company policies, with less potential for explosive income growth compared to freelancing.

Benefits & Potential Challenges of JavaScript Developer Freelancing

As mentioned earlier, freelancing offers the flexibility to manage your schedule and workload and select projects. It enables you to work from any location with an internet connection, facilitates travel, and promotes a more harmonious work-life balance. You can also be your own boss, set your rates, manage your finances, and decide your career path. When freelancing, your income isn't capped by a salary. With experience and a strong reputation, you can command higher hourly rates.

As with anything, working as a freelance JavaScript Developer has challenges. Finding clients, managing contracts, invoicing, chasing payments, and dealing with demanding clients all fall on your shoulders. Your income can fluctuate depending on finding consistent work. There's no guaranteed income or benefits package. You must also market yourself to potential clients, and building a strong online presence requires effort. By leveraging the benefits and actively managing the challenges, freelance JavaScript development can be a rewarding career path for those who value flexibility, autonomy, and the potential for high earnings. However, it requires strong technical skills, business acumen, and the ability to self-motivate and manage your time effectively.

What is a JavaScript Developer?

A JavaScript Developer is a Software Developer who specializes in using JavaScript, a versatile programming language, to create different software applications. JavaScript is primarily known for its role in front end web development, but its applications have grown significantly. In recent years, JavaScript has expanded beyond the front end with the rise of Node.js, a runtime environment that allows JavaScript to run on the server side. This enables JavaScript Developers to create full-stack web applications using a single language for both front end and back-end logic.

The work environment of a JavaScript Developer can vary depending on the organization, the type of projects they work on, and even their personal preferences. Many JavaScript Developers work in a traditional office environment, collaborating with other Developers, designers, and project managers. Depending on the company culture, these offices might have open floor plans or cubicles. An increasing number of companies offer remote work options for JavaScript Developers. This allows them to work from home or anywhere with a stable internet connection. Some companies embrace a hybrid model, where Developers split their time between working in the office and remotely.

Delving deeper into the responsibilities of a JavaScript Developer, you might find yourself contemplating whether this profession aligns with your aspirations. It's crucial to discern the distinguishing factors that separate proficient designers from exceptional ones. A good JavaScript Developer possesses technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and soft skills that contribute to their success. JavaScript Developers often encounter complex problems. They also need strong analytical skills to break down problems, identify root causes, and design effective solutions.

What is JavaScript Developer Freelancing Like?

Knowing your value is important before getting into negotiations as a JavaScript Developer. Take the time to research the average rates for JavaScript Developers in your area and based on your experience level. Consider project complexity, required technologies, and your expected income. It’s crucial to clearly outline your scope of work and specify the project's deliverables, milestones, timelines, and responsibilities in a comprehensive Scope of Work document. This document will be a valuable reference point throughout the project and help prevent misunderstandings. When it comes to freelancing, it's also essential to outline the conditions under which you or the client can terminate the contract, as well as the associated consequences. This will help establish clear expectations and foster a productive working relationship.

As a freelance professional, it is imperative to effectively communicate with your clients by closely understanding their needs, requirements, and project objectives. Ask clarifying questions to grasp their vision before presenting solutions, and communicate timelines, milestones, and potential obstacles realistically. By exceeding expectations, you can establish trust and ensure client satisfaction. It is crucial to maintain a professional demeanor in all interactions, irrespective of any disagreements.

When freelancing, it's important to utilize contract templates for web development projects, which can be customized to meet your specific needs. For complex projects, consider seeking advice from a lawyer specializing in freelance contracts. Additionally, managing tasks, tracking progress, and sharing files with clients can be efficiently done using project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Basecamp, which promote transparency and streamline communication.

Is Freelancing as a JavaScript Developer Right for Me?

Many Developers in the JavaScript field prefer freelancing due to the increased independence it offers. As a freelance JavaScript Developer, you have more control over your work hours and location. If you realize that a particular employer isn't the right fit for you, you can end the association without jeopardizing your entire livelihood.

In addition to website development, freelancers are responsible for creating and reviewing contracts, generating invoices, managing client payments, marketing their services, and organizing their work schedules, necessitating self-discipline, adaptability, proficient communication skills, and a commitment to acquiring diverse skill sets essential for sustaining their business.

Steps to Become a Freelance JavaScript Developer

Create Finished Products 

In most courses and certificates, you will engage in creating your own JavaScript development projects, which should be completed and refined before showcasing them as a highlight of your work. It's crucial to seek feedback from industry professionals to enhance these projects and resolve any issues before potential clients review them in your portfolio.

Clients may also require proof of practical application of your skills, so obtaining an internship or securing freelance real-world projects can provide an edge in the job market. It's important to clearly showcase in your portfolio that the websites or apps were developed for actual businesses. Demonstrating that your skills were valued by a real business can significantly enhance your attractiveness to potential clients as a freelancer.

Build a Portfolio

Once you've completed those projects, it's essential to build a website to showcase them as your portfolio – a platform that illustrates your successful JavaScript development endeavors. To create a comprehensive portfolio, feature several refined projects that highlight the breadth of your skills.

On your website, it's important to present more than just a list of links to your work. You should provide potential freelancing clients with insights into the background and thought process behind your projects. For instance, clarify whether it was part of a bootcamp assignment and how you tailored it, or if it was real-world work, explain your contributions to the business's success and the lessons you gained from the experience.

Learn Business Skills

In addition to all the skills of a regular JavaScript Developer, future freelance JavaScript Developers will need to learn skills for running their own business (such as finance and contract law) and marketing their business (such as web design and social media marketing). Even freelance JavaScript Developers who plan to contract consultants to help run their small business should have a basic understanding of these areas in order to understand what kind of outsourcing they need to support their freelance work.

Learn the Skills to Become a JavaScript Developer at Noble Desktop

Mastering essential skills is crucial to embark on a career as a JavaScript Developer. Let Noble Desktop guide you in developing these skills with their personalized in-person or live online instruction options. In any case, you can access skilled instructors who can explain when you encounter confusion, offer feedback on your tasks, and support you in your journey to becoming a JavaScript Developer. Small class sizes and the option to retake any course for free once you’ve completed it are additional incentives for studying with Noble Desktop.

Noble offers several relevant certificate programs demonstrating your JavaScript Developer skills and qualifications to share with potential employers and support you in your job search. Completing the Software Engineering Certificate gives you the broadest qualifications and career path options. Consider the Front End Web Development Certificate if you are primarily interested in developing for the front end. Gain singular JavaScript training with the JavaScript Development Certificate to learn how to build web apps with JavaScript. If you're keen on both front end and back-end programming, you may want to consider obtaining the Full Stack Development Certificate. If you prefer behind-the-scenes programming, pursue a certificate in Python development.

If you're new to JavaScript development, Noble's collection of articles and resources on JavaScript development is a fantastic place to kick off and structure your learning journey. Noble's courses on JavaScript development are top-notch if you're excited to begin learning but need more time to commit to a full certificate.