In freelancing in 5 months - is it realistic (taking into account existing knowledge + help in choosing between two directions)?

Question

Freelance

Current knowledge:

• Passed CS50: Introduction to Computer Science from Harvard on edX
  
• Good knowledge of C, some Python, smattering of basic algorithms and data structures
  
• General understanding of web development and the most basic knowledge in this area
  

Task:

• Prepare for freelancing and start earning at least pocket money in the summer
  
• Consolidate and expand knowledge of basic algorithms, structures, continue working with Linux (all CS50 homework was done there, I liked it)
  

What do you like:

• Development for iOS, I see my future in this and I consider it more serious than the web
  
• Actually web
  

The main question:
Is it really enough to develop in one direction before the summer to work on freelance? Despite the fact that I want iOS more, I’m afraid that it will take much more time to study it at a normal level, it’s time to start earning a little, all the more the web also attracts me, and until it starts to feel sick (they say it starts), why not not to try (studying at the same time on the sly iOS)? Or all the same to study immediately iOS? There won’t be enough time until the summer (I’m finishing grade 11, the Unified State Examination) to start full-fledged work, but I think it’s enough to study something necessary for this. I know roughly what to study in a particular direction, I would like to know how to prepare specifically for freelancing? Write a couple of portfolio apps/websites? Well, the main question is still the reality of the planned.

Answer 1

• For iOS, you'll need a large mac capable of running Xcode (development environment), the latest iPhone (Xcode has simulators, but it's a simulation), an Apple developer account worth USD100 per year. Development on niche objectiveC (skills are not converted). That is, an expensive entrance ticket and low conversion. Why not android? android device is now almost everyone - the target audience is huge. Development in Java (skills are for sale. Java is now the most demanded language in the corporate sector). My work machine is a Macbook pro (very handy), but I didn't even buy an apple developers account.
• Regarding web. The concept is extremely broad (mobile development is also often referred to as web). Here is the layout and javascript and the server component and databases and the notorious highload (in which all the specialists, but no one can really say what it is. In short, the world of distributed computing) Good knowledge of any one of the specializations allows you to earn money.
• Finally, on the merits of the matter. TL;DR: And yes, you can . You are on the verge of mobilization into the army of newcomers who are ready to take bread from the gray-bearded army for pocket money, who spent years on training and qualifications and now wants to convert these expenses into high rates (USD50/hour). The process is offensive for high-class professionals (they will call them shkolota), but absolutely normal (well, you will contribute to the treasury of shit code, because everyone is listed).

  Write a couple of portfolio apps/websites?

  great idea, and it's also very good to open a github account and try to contribute to OpenSource

  and until he starts to feel sick (they say he starts)

  read the code, someone else's cool code. Then you will understand how much you generally want and can be a coder

Answer 2

It's easy, at school I evolved very quickly, because there are no worries, there is a lot of free time.

Answer 3

Well, it took me from the moment when I didn’t know why tabulation in html was up to $30/hour for about half a year. But not because they needed money, but because it was interesting. But you have C and python. So let's immediately asma for example. What is there. You need to know little, but well, than a lot, but mediocre.

Answer 4

Since your knowledge is bad, I recommend finding a CMS where there are a lot of beginners and writing programs to order or for sale. I wrote scripts for DCMS ( http://dcms.su) in 11th grade and sold them on gix.su. There govnokod in the order of things, for that you can earn pocket money.
The main thing is to know what users need and beautifully implement it. Read their forum, analyze

Answer 5

Short answer: real.
Long answer: the speed of mastering, of course, everyone has their own, but if there is interest and desire, you need to study, try, master. The advantages of freelancing are a wide range of projects to choose from, you can master many topics, a free schedule, large incomes are possible (if you develop coolly, you can earn more than on a permanent basis). The disadvantages of freelancing are that it is easy to slip into disorganization (very strong self-discipline is needed), no one will teach you (you have to learn on your own), income is very directly dependent on working capacity (no vacation or sick leave). In any case, as a first experience, freelancing is a good solution (you still have time to leave permanently).
In general, write to me - maybe I will offer projects.)

Answer 6

...and start earning at least some pocket money in the summer

You can start right now: work-zilla.com
Something like a launching pad for developing communication skills with the customer, developing a client base (the Web is in demand there), pumping skills when solving non-standard tasks and developing a portfolio.
I say start, because you focus on iOS, and there are practically no such orders

Answer 7

You should not bother with freelancing at this age. The priority of work is now much more than the priority of study. Because the time spent on earning three kopecks now can be spent on training, which will bring 10 kopecks in the near future. C/ObjectiveC is quite a promising direction. There are few good specialists, and if you systematically dig in this direction, you can make good money.