Freelance or Perm

I thought I'd squeeze in another post this week. I'm trying to keep to 1 a week, but I was talking to someone earlier that prompted me to get this one written.

If you're just stepping into the world of web development, this one is for you. Working for a firm full-time versus going the freelance route.

With over two decades of experience in web development under my belt, I've seen both sides of the coin. Let me share why, especially at the outset of your career, joining a firm is a smart move.

Mentorship and Learning Opportunities: Starting in a firm exposes you to a team of experienced developers. This is like having your own group of Yodas, ready to guide you through the Jedi ways of coding. You'll learn faster, get your doubts resolved, and absorb best practices straight from the pros. You will also find out just how good you are.

Structured Learning Curve: Firms usually have well-structured training programs. You'll get hands-on experience, learning to work with real-world projects, client demands, and deadlines. This kind of structured learning is harder to come by when freelancing.

Building a Solid Foundation: When you're part of a team, you'll get a chance to work on different aspects of projects. This exposure builds a strong foundation and understanding of various technologies, frameworks, and methodologies. It's like creating a toolset with more options.

Networking: Firms provide a platform to build a professional network. You'll meet people from diverse fields, gather insights, and even make connections that could lead to exciting opportunities in the future.

Stability and Benefits: Full-time positions offer stability while you are learning. You have a regular paycheck, benefits, and often opportunities for growth within the organization. Freelancing, on the other hand, can be unpredictable, especially in the beginning.

Learning Soft Skills: In a firm, you'll pick up valuable soft skills such as teamwork, effective communication, and project management. These skills are essential, no matter where your career takes you.

Focus on Coding: As a full-time developer, your main focus is coding. You don't need to worry about the business side of things like finding clients, marketing, and managing finances. This can be a huge relief, especially when you're still honing your coding skills.

Portfolio Building: While freelancers do build portfolios, being part of a firm lets you showcase projects that might be too complex for a solo developer. This diversity in your portfolio can be a major asset when looking for new opportunities. You get to work on big things.

Remember, I'm not saying that freelancing is bad. It's a different path with its own set of perks. However, when you're starting out, the structured learning, mentorship, and exposure that come with working for a firm can provide a solid launching pad for your career.

Bryan