What do you need to know besides javascript for freelancing (particularly on oDesk)?

Question

JavaScript

Hello.
I apologize if something like this has already been, but I decided to ask here anyway.
The general question of this entire post might sound like this:
What is the best thing for a person who knows javascript well to do if he decides to freelance?
Here I will decompose this question into sub-topics, and below any additional. information:
- Does it make sense to count on the work of a js-specialist (ie, if js skills are used much more intensively than others)? Is it possible to freelance?
- What is better to learn in conjunction with js? With a basic knowledge of CSS, HTML, should you target it and use js occasionally? Or would it be better to learn frontend frameworks? Will it be necessary to do a lot of typesetting in the future? How promising is this area of ​​activity?
- If you use a github account as part of a portfolio, what would be the most attractive thing for an employer?
- Does it make sense to bring some of your ideas to the end before starting a job search, or is it better to start right away and already steadily paid orders can go into a portfolio?
- Is it possible to get help / support at the beginning of the freelancer's journey from a person who is actively involved in this?
And finally, purely subjective questions to which I do not expect a reasoned answer, but simply advice based on life experience:
- Is it worth targeting javascript or is it better to change the emphasis (or even throw js) to another language?
- Should I rely on freelancing or is it better to look for a regular job?
Further information follows, background etc.
I am a 3rd year student and I want to find a job. I live in a million-plus city, whose name I prefer to hide for the time being, I will only mention that it is not St. Petersburg, not Moscow. In the first, and I think to move.
I've also been doing "development" in javascript for a few years now. This activity can be divided into 2 parts:
- minor help to a friend with layout, form validation, sometimes something more serious. Sometimes something a little more serious.
- any of their own projects, ambitious, but still far from complete.
Working with a friend is very sparse as the tasks I do are small and rare. I believe that I have some javascript skills that I can rate as good, yes, I can’t call myself an expert, but I consider js knowledge to be the best among my other skills. I would be glad if you could bring some small test task or question (copied from somewhere or a link), looking at which I could think that I could / could not solve it and draw a conclusion about my skills. In general, I would like to evaluate my knowledge in this area.
In addition to js, ​​I have some programming skills in general, I have 5-7 years of just-for-fun programming behind me, I wrote in delphi, even a little in assembler, touched on php, and also did layout.
I'm thinking of freelancing, or looking for a more or less full-time job. If you can give arguments in favor of any option based on the above (for example, "a student should not go into freelancing") I will be glad.
Actually, the question that interests me the most is this:
Is it possible to find a pure js-specialist job? I am familiar with jquery, but not familiar with some of the other important frameworks/libraries of the js world: angular, knockout, backbone, underscore etc. Here I had a "choice paralysis" recently described on Habré. However, I am willing to learn what is needed among this. The question is different: is it possible for a good js-specialist to find a job if he is not an expert in layout? Can you do it freelance?Those. Of course, I have experience in layout, but I do not know all the subtleties of this skill. I'm more concerned about the fact that I don't like typesetting, maybe this will come with time, but still, typesetting and programming are very different things, and it's programming that attracts me more.
From here, quite predictably, the second question follows: What should a person who has mastered javascript learn? Is it always a bunch of HTML + CSS of different versions + all sorts of goodies from this world ... or are there prospects for learning something to work more as a programmer than a layout designer? I studied Node.js at one time and I really liked its capabilities. Does it make sense to develop yourself as a js-backend developer?
What is the future of the javascript freelancer?Is it worth it, aiming at freelancing, to restructure yourself entirely to layout and make js only an auxiliary tool?
I would be happy to see the typical requirements for a person applying for the position of a js developer. I understand that there is Google, in general I have seen these requirements more than once, but if you can point out a gap in my sayings or just want to share your requirements for candidates, I will be glad.
I opened an account on oDesk, because here (Toaster) and on Habré I read positive reviews about it more than once. I can't call my English skills perfect (somewhere Upper Intermediate - Advanced), but I'm actively trying to improve them. And here I have a question-suggestion:Is there any help in navigating freelancing and oDesk in particular? Those. some mentorship: an explanation of what needs to be improved, what to focus on, an assessment of abilities, an explanation of what to look for, what not to take on, etc. Of course, it would take your time and I would be ready to pay for it, but alas, not exorbitant amounts, since they simply do not exist :(.
There is an account on github, there are 2 small projects - extensions for chrome (userscripts in this case), and this, frankly, is not something I would be proud of. I can tell you briefly about them if anyone is interested.
Question about github: GitHub: What employers value more: having their own projects, participating in others, the ability use git or is all this together a good help?
If you have read to the end - just thank you for "listening" :)
I sincerely apologize for the many letters :(

Answer 1

Does it make sense to count on the work of a js specialist (i.e. if js skills are used much more intensively than others)?

Undoubtedly
Undoubtedly
Learn CSS, HTML, SVG, frameworks, and various interpreters (HAML etc.), preprocessors (SASS, Stylus etc.).
Without this knowledge, nowhere.
Example: animation in CSS is faster, let's use it. For junk we use timers.
Example: for a good UX match, we use form elements, from state, from events.
Very important. Few can write high-quality code to fully cover the situation. You can try to become like that, but for a start it is worth using the work of such people.
Examples of solving specific problems. Is it possible to put something non-specific in the git?))
There is no limit to perfection. Selling must begin before completion. It is the same in work - you do not need to put off finding a job until the moment when you comprehend the universe.
First, this will never happen.
Secondly, your knowledge may already be sufficient for some employers.
Maybe. But on the terms of an apprentice. Get ready for it.

And finally, purely subjective questions to which I do not expect a reasoned answer, but simply advice based on life experience:
Is it worth targeting javascript or is it better to change the emphasis (or even throw js) to another language?

More of an incomprehensible question. If you strongly disagree with the concept of JS, run away from it. If everything is clear, why ask?
Freelancing is a regular job. The question has absolutely nothing to do with programming or a programming language.

Answer 2

From my experience of working on Odessa, I can say that the ability to solve problems on time and in accordance with the wishes of the customer is most valued. This gives a rating and regular customers.
When communicating, please indicate exactly the amount of time the work will take. I strongly do not recommend getting involved in projects that seem dubious at first reading.
I recommend working with clients from developed countries (USA, Canada, Great Britain, Germany). The time tracker option is the best. Fixed price is a little worse.
And learn English.

Answer 3

"unfamiliar with some of the other important frameworks/libraries of the js world: angular, knockout, backbone, underscore etc."
Are you sure you know js well? Jquery and the basics of js will take a week at the most, do not call now everyone who knows it experts.
And yes, Google decides. Or rather, monitoring orders on Odessa in your case. See what customers need and what knowledge you lack for this. Layout will be needed in any case, knowledge of frameworks also needs to be pumped. At least in order not to shit code if you are given an order to complete a site (believe me, such modified pieces are then clearly evident to those who will make this site after you).

Answer 4

JavaScript is in high demand right now. Here's what a typical JS job posting looks like . In any freelancing, in addition to technical knowledge, you need freelancing experience (try it, do it) + English (if you are interested in orders not only from compatriots).

Answer 5

very many mnogabukaf. it is important to know the listed frameworks in order to exclude bicycles and adopt good practice. Freelance work can be different. You see what your teeth are - you take it. and if you see that it is undersized. but I really want to. then according to the requirements it is clear where to grow

Answer 6

Personally, two years ago I determined a list of requirements for a web developer based on the requirements for relevant vacancies on Khantim. Like a list of tags a hundred incomprehensible words long... And only now I am familiar with half (on my own initiative and at work), and the second is no longer relevant (the same php is no longer interesting to me, although I have not studied it deeply). I support the previous detailed comments and advise you to spend more time studying (for example, through tuts +, codeacademy, etc.). And, of course, learn to work on time :)