Ask HN: Freelancing without specific skills?

1 pointsvis5212y ago2 comments

I know that this isn't a typical question for HN since most people are either programmers or at least aspiring programmers.

I am however a HN reader for a year or so and, what can I say it's a great site.

One thing that's been bugging me for a long while though is that I wanted to start freelancing for a long while now but didn't have to until now. Right now I'm in a bit of a financial tight spot and I'd like to earn something on the side.

The problem I've always had though is that I don't have any specific skills that I could "sell". I'm not a programmer or designer or any other specific job title that I can come up with.

I am one of those typical geeks without a cause. I like technology I like messing with it and I have a lot of general knowledge about the IT world but nothing specific.

I am really good at solving general tech related problems, finding solutions to problems and things like that.

Right now I'm at a difficult point, money is kinda tight right now and earning something on the side would really be helpful but I'm not sure what I could do with my current skill set. On the other hand if I start learning some skill right now it would probably take a few months, in the very least, until I'm good at it and can start offering it as a service.

I hope that this sort of question is allowed on here, I've taken a look at the rules and I have often seen "how do I start freelancing" types of questions here so hopefully I didn't break any rules.

If anyone can offer some advice I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks Antonio

2 comments

mswen12y ago

Maybe you can find a second job? Freelancing without a specific set of skills is a really tough start. Generally when people hire a freelancer they are looking for a skill set that allows them pass off a complex project/task to an outside professional rather than hire another employee.

I know the pressure is on to earn more money right now, but I encourage you to take the long view and start learning a higher level skill that is in demand so that 2 years from now you have more options.

Red_Tarsius12y ago

http://jake-jorgovan.com/blog/remote Jake's post might seem off topic, but he actually spends the first part of the article describing how he developed his web development skills (a couple of months) and started freelancing. Give it a read, it has a few good pieces of advice and it's quite inspirational.

Cheers from Italy!

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