Ask HN: Ways to make money on the side as a full time developer?

by kace91 on 8/5/2019, 6:51 PM with 7 comments

Context: I'm a European developer in my late twenties. I would like to make more money, as right now I'm barely able to save (just 100/month or so, after cutting expenses). I have zero contacts to get small projects like websites for mom and pop shops, and my family comes from a very non entrepreneurial background so I literally don't know how any way to make money that doesn't involve just getting a salaried job.

Ideally it would be something that uses my current skillset as a developer and that would let me set up my own schedule so it can be flexible.

Do you guys have any idea for a side gig?

  • by lukaszkups on 8/6/2019, 10:01 AM

    I was in the same situation as you are - at one time I realized that instead of running after side gigs I should just find a full time job that will enable me to earn as many money as I need, instead working 12+ hours/day (8hrs + side gigs). In overall, that was the greatest solution I made - it reduces possibility of the burnout etc.

  • by sethammons on 8/6/2019, 4:14 PM

    I support all the other suggestions so far. I would also suggest considering something outside your skill set. I have a buddy who does lawn care on the side as a weekend gig. Maybe other things considered more blue collar. My cousin is a pool boy in SoCal. He was making over $100k a year before he backed off due to health reasons.

  • by quickthrower2 on 8/7/2019, 5:44 AM

    Without knowing the numbers, location, family (ability to move city/country), experience level etc. It is hard to say.

    But most likely the best bet is to find out how you can earn more money from those core 40h/week. Best for you to come up with a strategy based on your circumstances and tolerances. There is a lot of good advice in HN if you search on https://hn.algolia.com. And look for patio11 posts, as he has posted alot about money and getting more of it. I think the golden nugget is don't tell a future employer what you are earning now. My advice - don't be embarrassed to be earning double what you are earning now for doing the same thing somewhere else.

    Options to think about: Contracting, Skills that pay more (React?), Companies that can pay more (trading companies? FAANG companies?), Cities that pay more, Countries that pay more, Roles that pay more (management, architect), Negotiation with current employer (will they pay more if you say you might leave).

    Don't trade your spare time for money. Trade time for making your time worth more money.

    Also maybe cut your expenses more? The only time I've been in your situation as a dev is with a non working partner to support. If you are single, consider living in a shared house for example. Also I'm not a big earning like a lot of the HN crowd.

  • by philipkiely on 8/7/2019, 9:24 AM

    In addition to my full-time job, I write articles for a few different publications. I recommend this as a strategy for you for a few reasons:

    1. Getting your name out there can lead to more contracts or better jobs

    2. Its a great way to develop your skills in areas tangential to your expertise

    3. There are lots of great publications in Europe, Smashing Magazine comes to mind.

    4. Based on your paragraph above, your written English is more than sufficient for technical writing.

    Note that the per-article pay is not great (using Smashing Magazine again as an example, they pay 200 USD per article), but I think writing is a great way to earn a little extra cash right now while building a portfolio that can get you better opportunities.

  • by zufallsheld on 8/6/2019, 11:37 AM

    > I have zero contacts to get small projects like websites for mom and pop shops

    Open Google maps, look for shops around you and check if they have a website. Many probably will have some old, shitty website. Talk to these shops.

  • by patatino on 8/6/2019, 1:15 PM

    The easiest way to save money is by cutting expenses. Take a really good look at what you spend on what. Cheaper mobile abo, cheaper internet abo at home, do you need Netflix, Spotify premium. Cook more, less take out food. Things add up pretty quickly.

    Cold email companies with old websites, send them 1-2 themes you think would match their brand. I did that years ago, and on average on ten emails, I would get a customer.

  • by natalyarostova on 8/6/2019, 4:32 PM

    Honestly, some self-study to transition into a job that pays more would probably have the highest ROI on your time.