Introduction
An IT freelancer is a specialist working independently – not as a full-time employee but by carrying out projects for various clients, usually remotely. This form of work, often referred to as freelancing, is becoming increasingly popular – globally, around 36% of workers are already engaged in freelance work. In the IT sector, freelancers take on projects related to software development, programming, website creation, or app development. The** advantage** of this model is freedom: flexible working hours and the ability to choose projects independently. The drawback – no guarantee of steady income or employee benefits. In today’s world of remote work and digital economy, however, freelancing has become a real opportunity to earn extra income – especially for students and IT beginners who want to gain experience and additional earnings. Below, we take a closer look at this phenomenon, analyzing the benefits, challenges, and practical aspects of starting out as an IT freelancer.
Potential Benefits
Flexibility of time and place: Freelancers decide when and from where they work. In many projects, what matters is the result and deadline, not rigid hours – making it perfect to combine work with, for example, full-time studies. This independence is especially valued by younger generations of IT specialists, for whom freelancing offers more freedom than a traditional job.
Being your own boss: Most freelancers choose this path for independence and the chance to “be their own boss.” With no supervisor, you set your own rules and pick the projects you find interesting. Young professionals emphasize that this allows them to pursue tasks aligned with their passions and develop in areas they truly care about.
Opportunity to choose interesting projects: In IT freelancing, you decide which assignments to accept. There’s a wide range to choose from – web apps, game development, data analysis – which boosts engagement and job satisfaction. This variety also enables freelancers to gain broad experience and continuously learn.
Attractive rates and higher earnings: IT specialists are highly sought after, which allows freelancers to negotiate favorable rates. You can set your own prices and – at least theoretically – earn more than in an equivalent salaried role. For many freelancers, the prospect of higher income is the second most important motivation (right after independence). Top freelancers often achieve earnings well above the average – experienced professionals can exceed 10,000 PLN net per month. Of course, such results take years of work, building a brand and portfolio.
Gaining experience and career development: Freelancing can be a springboard for your career. Working for different clients hones technical skills and teaches entrepreneurship – time management, negotiation, client communication. Each project adds a new lesson and portfolio entry, which serves as your business card. Thanks to this, a fresh graduate who freelanced during studies can stand out on the job market with richer experience than peers who only completed internships. As one practitioner admitted, freelancing during studies allowed him to **build a network of contacts and a strong portfolio, which later helped him land an attractive job. ** Challenges
Although freelancing offers freedom, it comes with challenges – especially for beginners. Here are the key ones:
Lack of income stability: The biggest downside is irregular work and earnings. One month may bring a lot of projects, the next – almost none. This unpredictability requires smart financial planning and a savings cushion for leaner times. “There were months I worked over 160 hours... and the next month I barely found 20 hours of projects,” recalls one student-freelancer, stressing how sudden drops in work can strain a budget. You simply can’t assume you’ll earn the same amount each month – you need to be prepared for fluctuations.
High competition and difficulty finding clients: Entering the freelance market is relatively easy, but standing out is not. On popular platforms, you’re competing with hundreds of specialists worldwide for the same projects. This creates pressure on rates and the major challenge of landing the first clients. In practice, many freelancers admit that acquiring new projects is the hardest part of the job. Beginners often have to build a reputation from scratch – without reviews or references – which can be frustrating. Sometimes, to win the first client, you need to lower your rates or offer a sample for a symbolic fee. Competition also applies to quality – to be chosen, you must convince the client that your skills are worth it.
Self-discipline and work organization: Freelancing means freedom from a boss, but also full responsibility for results. Deadlines must not be missed – if you fail to deliver, the client will simply walk away. Strong self-discipline, planning, and motivation are essential. For some, remote work can be a trap – without structure, it’s easy to lose focus. In reality, not everyone can work effectively alone or impose a routine on themselves – which proves that remote work isn’t ideal for everyone. A beginner freelancer must learn to balance freedom with accountability: set a fixed schedule, create realistic deadlines, and stick to them consistently.
Lack of employee benefits and support: Freelancers, especially those working solo, must handle administrative matters themselves. There’s no paid vacation, sick leave, or employer-paid pension contributions. You need to set aside money for taxes and health insurance. In Poland, many freelancers operate under civil contracts (task, mandate) or run their own business. Alternatives include intermediary services (e.g., Useme), which simplify billing – but they also charge a commission. The absence of job security also means that every project eventually ends, so freelancers must constantly look for new assignments, promote their services, and network. This need to act as both performer and self-manager can be a heavy burden for some.
In conclusion, freelancing is no piece of cake – it requires resilience to uncertainty, entrepreneurial skills, and diligence. Yet for many who are ready to face these challenges, the downsides do not outweigh the numerous upsides of this form of earning.
Popular Platforms for Finding Freelance Work
Getting your first assignments is easier thanks to freelancing platforms, where clients post job offers and contractors can respond to them. The most popular ones, also among Polish beginner IT freelancers, include Upwork, Freelancer.com, Fiverr, and the Polish platform Useme. Each of these services has its own specifics:
Upwork – the largest global freelancing portal. It connects clients and contractors from all over the world. You can find offers from various fields (IT, marketing, translation, design, etc.), including plenty of programming projects. The market is huge, which means a wide choice of jobs but also enormous competition—sometimes dozens of specialists apply for the same project. Upwork requires creating a professional profile and actively submitting proposals. The platform also charges a commission on freelancer earnings (about 10%). On the plus side, it has a built-in escrow system ensuring secure payments—the client deposits funds before the project starts, so you’re guaranteed to be paid upon completion.
Freelancer.com – another large international freelancing marketplace. It works similarly to Upwork: clients post projects, and freelancers respond with bids. Job categories are very broad (from IT to design to writing). The platform is known for hosting many small projects with often very low starting rates, which can be a challenge for beginners—competition is tough, especially with freelancers from countries with lower living costs. Commission on Freelancer.com is about 10% (minimum $5 per project). The platform is easy to join—you can set up an account in minutes—but getting your first job may take patience. Many freelancers highlight that building a reputation with a few cheaper projects early on makes it easier to secure more profitable ones later.
Fiverr – this service works differently: here, the freelancer lists their services (so-called gigs), and clients choose and contact the contractor directly. Fiverr became famous for its “from $5” model—many simple tasks (e.g., minor code fixes, small graphic projects) start at ~$5, though today the price range is much broader. For beginners, the advantage is how easy it is to start—just set up an account and post your service description. The challenge, however, is promoting your gig. Competition in popular categories (like logo design or web development) is fierce, so you need to stand out with quality, price, or a niche specialization. Fiverr charges the highest commission among the platforms discussed—20% per order—but provides access to a large client base and simple payments (the platform automatically transfers the money after the service is delivered).
Useme – a Polish platform designed for the local market. It’s not only a job marketplace but also an intermediary that simplifies settlements between freelancers and clients. Useme is particularly beginner-friendly, especially for those who don’t run their own business—the platform issues invoices to clients, pays the tax, and transfers the net amount to the freelancer’s account. This allows legal freelancing without setting up a company. Importantly, payment is guaranteed (Useme functions as an escrow service similar to global portals). Commission is around 7.8% of the contract value (minimum ~29 PLN), which is relatively low. Useme jobs mostly come from Polish clients, so you compete mainly with local freelancers, often in Polish. For beginners, this is a safe environment—the platform emphasizes secure payments and ease of use, which many newcomers appreciate. The downside is scale—the number of projects is smaller compared to global platforms, and in popular fields (like web design), competition is still strong.
**Below is a comparison of these platforms from the perspective of a beginner IT freelancer: ** Platform Ease of Getting Started Competition Typical Rates (IT) Platform Fee Upwork Easy registration, but requires a solid profile and portfolio. Very high (global). Varies – from small jobs for tens of USD to large projects worth thousands. (Often ~50–150 PLN/hour) ~10% of earnings Freelancer Very easy registration, no initial screening. Very high (global). Mixed – many small, low-budget projects. (Often <1000 PLN for a starter project) ~10% of earnings (min. $5) Fiverr Very easy – create a gig and wait for clients. High (global, category-dependent). From $5 for simple services to hundreds of $ for bigger projects. (In practice many fall within $20–$100) 20% of earnings Useme Easy start – Polish service, intuitive interface, no business needed. Moderate (local market, Poland). Average rates ~50–200 PLN/hour (depending on skills and field) 7.8% of contract (min. ~29 PLN)
Legend: Commissions are fees deducted from the freelancer’s pay for using the platform. Rates are indicative—actual amounts depend on the project type, experience, and negotiations.
Rates and Sample Tasks
What kind of work can a beginner IT freelancer do? Surprisingly, quite a broad range. Many simple projects don’t require years of experience, yet they allow beginners to gain first references. Sample tasks for juniors include:
Building simple websites – e.g., creating a company profile page, a WordPress site, or a basic e-commerce store. Such projects are in demand as small businesses and individuals need an online presence. Pay typically ranges from ~500 PLN for a very simple site to 2000–3000 PLN for a more advanced one—depending on scope and technology used.
Small programming tasks – e.g., writing an automation script, fixing a bug in an existing app, or creating a simple functional module. These mini-projects are often billed as a flat fee (e.g., 100–500 PLN per fix or feature) or hourly. A beginner developer familiar with the required technology can expect about ~100 PLN/hour—though often lower rates are accepted at first to secure work and build reputation.
Testing and IT support – e.g., app testing, bug hunting, CMS setup, server configuration, or basic administration. These jobs are available to technically inclined people without a big portfolio. Rates can be 50–80 PLN/hour for manual testing or basic admin tasks—still higher than typical student part-time jobs outside IT.
Simple mobile projects or automations – e.g., making a basic mobile app (calculator, notes) or a bot/script (for data scraping, report generation). Budgets for such jobs are often in the hundreds to several thousand PLN range. For clients, it’s a quick way to get a tailored solution; for freelancers, a chance to show skills in practice.
Naturally, the more experience and advanced skills you gain, the more complex projects you can take on. IT rates grow exponentially with specialization and reputation. According to market data, a freelance programmer in Poland may earn from around 100 PLN/hour (junior) up to 300–400 PLN/hour with rare expertise and a strong portfolio. Graphic designers typically earn 70–250 PLN/hour, while content specialists (copywriting, content creation) make around 50–200 PLN/hour. Monthly earnings of experienced freelancers often exceed 10,000 PLN net, but note—this usually applies to top performers working full-time. For beginners, realistic earnings are more modest: usually 3,000–5,000 PLN per month (assuming freelancing is combined with learning or other work). Importantly, not only technical skills matter but also your portfolio, client reviews, and pricing/negotiation skills—these largely determine how much you can charge.
Statistics confirm that most Polish freelancers earn below the national average. Research shows that over 65% of freelancers make less than 3000 PLN net per month. The largest group (38%) earns only occasionally—up to 1000 PLN net, and just one in eight makes over 5000–10,000 PLN. Only the elite (around 4%) reach truly high five-figure earnings. These numbers are humbling: at the start of your career, you shouldn’t expect big money, but rather treat freelancing as a side income and an investment in growth. Over time, as you expand your skills and client base, your earnings can grow significantly—but it requires work and patience.
How to Start – Tips for Beginners
The first steps in IT freelancing may seem difficult, but proper preparation significantly increases the chances of success. Here are a few practical tips for beginners and students planning to earn extra money as IT freelancers:
Define your specialization and develop your skills: At the start, it’s worth deciding what exactly you want to offer as a freelancer – will it be building websites, programming mobile apps, database administration, or perhaps data analysis? Defining your niche helps you focus on developing the right competencies. Even while studying, it’s useful to take part in projects, online courses, or hackathons to sharpen practical skills. The IT industry changes rapidly, so continuous learning is a must – keeping your knowledge up to date lets you offer services at a market level and stand out from the competition.
Prepare a professional portfolio: Your portfolio is your business card – in the freelancing world, often more important than a CV. Gather your projects in one place (e.g., GitHub for code, or Behance/Dribbble for graphic work). If you lack commercial projects, that’s not a problem – you can showcase coursework, your own practice applications, or even fictional projects created for learning purposes. The key is to demonstrate the scope of your abilities. Clients often review the portfolio first when assessing a freelancer’s offer – it’s their main basis for judging skills and work style. That’s why your portfolio should be up to date, polished, and representative of the work you want to do.
Build a profile on platforms and social media: The next step is to be present where the jobs are. Create a profile on 1–3 chosen freelancing platforms (e.g., Upwork, Fiverr, Useme) and fill it in carefully. Describe your skills, project experience (even academic ones), and attach portfolio samples. Consider setting up a LinkedIn account – it’s a professional network where you can also find opportunities and make industry connections. It’s also worth joining Facebook groups or online forums for freelancers and programmers – small job offers often appear there, perfect for beginners. Show the world that you’re available – the more contact points you have, the higher the chance a client will find you.
Get your first gigs (even small ones): The first client is often the hardest to land. To break the deadlock, you might consider lowering your rates for initial projects or doing a small job for a symbolic fee. This way, you’ll gain valuable reviews and references on the platform and something concrete to add to your portfolio. Some experts even recommend completing a project for a friend or a local non-profit organization in exchange for a testimonial. Once you have your first positive reviews, new projects will come easier. Just remember not to work for peanuts for long – treat it as an investment at the start. Later, gradually raise your rates to market levels.
Deliver quality and build reputation: Treat every project, no matter how small, seriously and professionally. Meet deadlines, communicate clearly with clients, and be responsive to their needs. A satisfied client will leave a good review and may return with another project. In the freelancing world, reputation is gold – as many as 70% of freelancers get assignments from repeat clients, and many more thanks to referrals. The best marketing is a job well done. Nurture relationships – sometimes it’s worth going the extra mile, offering a small free fix or suggesting a solution, so the client remembers you positively. Over time, you’ll build a reputation as a reliable specialist, bringing financial benefits and stability.
Networking and personal branding: Don’t limit yourself to platforms – diversify your efforts. Get involved in IT communities (forums, discussion groups), share knowledge on a blog or LinkedIn (e.g., short expert posts). Building an online personal brand creates a snowball effect – after a while, clients may start reaching out to you, having noticed your activity. Statistics show that freelancers active on social media earn on average several dozen percent more than those who don’t promote themselves. It’s worth becoming visible to potential clients even before they have a project to outsource.
Formalities and professionalism: Finally, take care of formal matters – establish clear terms with clients (scope, deadlines, payment method). Use the protections offered by platforms (escrow, electronic contracts). If working outside platforms, consider signing a contract for specific work or use a service like Useme, which can issue an invoice on your behalf. Even as a student earning extra income, it’s worth operating legally and fairly – it builds your professional image and gives you peace of mind. Also, be polite and patient in communication – good communication often determines whether a client will recommend you or return with more work.
Is It Worth It? When It Makes Sense and When It Doesn’t
A question many beginners ask: is IT freelancing really worth it? The answer is – it depends. For some, it’s a bull’s-eye; for others – a path full of frustration. It’s important to realistically assess when it’s worth choosing and when it’s better to look for another way to earn extra money.
When it makes sense IT freelancing pays off mainly for those who have a specific skill and want to use it commercially outside, for example, university classes. If you’re a computer science student who codes as a hobby in the evenings – why not try earning a few hundred złoty a month? It’s a great way to boost your budget while gaining project experience. Freelancing also offers flexibility – you can work when you have time (e.g., semester breaks or weekends). It’s a good choice for those who value independence, want to build their personal brand in the industry, and aren’t afraid of organizational challenges. In the long run, if you plan to become a contractor or entrepreneur, freelancing experience is invaluable. You’ll learn the business side hands-on (pricing, client relations, negotiations) and may find financial satisfaction once you’ve built your reputation. Many student freelancers highlight that they earned better than peers in typical student jobs – and learned more than in many internships. If you’re motivated and eager to grow, freelancing can be a valuable adventure and investment that pays off in the future.
When it doesn’t On the other hand, freelancing isn’t for everyone. If you need a steady, predictable income to cover living expenses, gig work can disappoint. Some months you might earn 2,000 zł, and the next – 0 zł, making financial planning tough. If a lack of financial stability causes you stress, that’s a red flag. People who struggle with self-discipline, procrastination, or time management may also find freelancing difficult – no one stands over you, but deadlines are non-negotiable. Freelancing also doesn’t pay off if you treat it as a quick way to easy money. In freelancing, nothing happens overnight – building a profitable career takes months, if not years. If someone expects to quit their job and instantly live comfortably off remote gigs, they’ll likely be disappointed. Statistics show that only 25% of freelancers in Poland live exclusively off freelancing – the rest treat it as an additional income source alongside a regular job. Over half of freelancers combine freelancing with full-time work, which shows that for many it’s a side hustle rather than a full-fledged career (at least initially). Freelancing may also not be the right path if you dislike selling yourself – your skills and services. Self-marketing is inherent in this line of work, so an introverted genius hoping “the work will speak for itself” may lose to a more outgoing but less talented competitor.
Realistically speaking, IT freelancing is a worthwhile option for those who choose it consciously, knowing the pros and cons. You can earn well, but usually not right away and not without effort. You can balance it with studies or other work, but sometimes at the cost of sleepless nights (as successful freelancers admit, it’s tough, but “worth it”). The best strategy at the start is to treat freelancing as a supplement – a way to earn extra money and grow – rather than jumping in at the deep end and quitting all other income sources. Over time, as your portfolio and client list grow, you can consider full independence.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the freelance trend keeps growing, and all signs suggest more and more opportunities for freelancers. Most freelancers are optimistic – as many as 85% believe the best times for the industry are still ahead. Companies are also increasingly open to working with external specialists, valuing flexibility and on-demand access to talent. Therefore, if you have the drive and aptitude, it’s worth giving IT freelancing a try. It’s not just a way to boost your student budget, but potentially the beginning of a future career on your own terms.