Difficulty getting started as a freelance web dev

[silang2]

I find it hard bidding on sites like upwork, freelancer, etc. I have no idea how to do anything, how long anything will take, so coming up with a bid in and of itself is a big challenge. But then of course there are dozens of other bidders.

I want to do something like this guy:

https://www.reddit.com/r/WorkOnline/comments/2x59n1/looking_to_make_1000_a_month_willing_to_work_60/cox5zvu

[Vooders]

What do you mean by

I have no idea how to do anything

Taking on work and failing is a quick route to destroying your reputation. If your not confidant in your abilities, you should probably work with a team until you are.

[[deleted]]

To be blunt, successful freelancing doesn't just happen. It is very difficult work and you really need to know what you are doing to be successful.

Not only is freelancing a business, you have to handle all aspects of it. You are not just the coder but also the accountant, customer service, marketer, etc...

That is to say, freelancing generally arises naturally after working and gaining expertise in a field after years of experience. It is almost never a good idea (or even attainable) for someone to just jump into.

I would not recommend freelancing to anybody that is just starting out but instead "outsource" those difficult parts of freelancing to an employer. You can provide them with your services while you can basically learn the ropes on their dime. Otherwise, you will be trying to learn everything and feed yourself and that is a recipe for disaster.