Succes stories - Is it really possible to make a living as a web developer?

I have been reading many books on following your heart and living in your "sweet spot". The books recommend doing what makes you happy. I love web development. I am not a gifted graphic designer but I love coming up with ideas and working with teams of people to get things done.

I was wondering if any of you would share your success stories or any recipes you have had for success that might help people like me find our way.

 

it does possible to make living online.. some make good living from.. some not... most of webdesigners do not make living

 

Start working for somebody first. See how business is run.
I don't think you'll make money in any business if you don't know what you are doing.

 

Best place to start work is a freelancer sites. visit few freelancer sites like Get a freelancer, rent a coder, elance etc, you'll get an idea to start working as a freelancer.

 

short answer: yes.

 

Of course it's possible. But it does take a few basics:
- guts
- marketing skills
- design skills (I mean HTML, CSS, SEO - basics of each, you will specialize at some point though)
- network of people that trust you
- website that ranks fairly quickly (SEO skills and previous websites of yours come into play here)

The thing is not about can it make you a living, but can it make you a living fast enough to give up your day job this year. On that I'd say: probably not, unless you really do have all of the above. If you have 4 out of 5 you can probably make it in a few years. But generally I would say: try to get a position in some firm first. This will get you:
- a network of potential clients
- a network of potential people to send you clients they don't need
- design skills
- people to work with (I notice you mention that as something you want: to me that's a sign you don't really want to work on your own)
- insight into the market
- insight into your own personality: are you really the kind of person that wants their own business, or do you prefer somebody else to hire you full time?

 

It is possible to make a living as a web developer < thats what I believe > but you need to have some patience as it might take some time to get started .

 

To make it worth living , consider few points below :

a)Don't go for freelancing intially .

b) Work for a professionel company and learn the best things abt the trade.

c) Starting taking more responsibilties where you work . See that you develop a good visualisation besides enhancing your graphic skills .

d) Believe me if you work strategically well you will be on the top of the world . There won't be any looking back.

e) The graphic field is getting more and more lucrative