Part-time Work as New Web Developer

[notforsale]

How difficult is it to work part-time doing basic, entry level jobs as a new web developer or making python scripts?  Whenever people advertise web develop bootcamps, they always show their graduates work at top companies (google, facebook, etc.) with top salaries.  However, currently I am looking to work part time and could get by with $20k/yr at the moment.  My spouse and I are going to have a baby in 6 months and part time work and flexibility is more important than a maximum salary. 

I plan to do an online bootcamp to make the switch to being a web developer.  I am already an engineer and confident I can make the switch.  I would ideally use Upwork to find projects as a freelancer.  As a backup, I could also make python scripts, which I’ve already done where I currently work to automate reporting.  My wife already has a good job and salary, which is why we can afford the reduction in salary, but really need flexibility.

[Archipelago]

I can't comment much on the meat of your question, but check out https://www.freecodecamp.org/. Usually the paid bootcamps are ones with connections to companies, but if you're looking to do part time or freelance work, self teaching seems to be a good option. From everything I've heard about Free Code Camp, it's the real deal. And it's free!

[fell-like-rain]

(I've worked in software for a while, but I'm coming from the perspective of having done a CS degree and only worked full-time W2 jobs. So take this all with a grain of salt.)

AFAIK, it may be somewhat difficult to get in the door with the bootcamp, no experience, freelance route. On Upwork, you're competing against Indian and Eastern European devs who have experience and uni credentials and are willing to work for $15 or $20/hour. Pretty much anyone can slap together a Wordpress/Shopify site, and it would be hard to differentiate yourself in that crowd. There are definitely employers who will pay more for strong experience and a U.S. timezoned/accented contractor, but you don't have experience. Once you get together a portfolio and a proven track record, this could be a more viable option.

A better route might be looking at e.g. Indeed for companies hiring part-time contractors directly, instead of going through a service. You're likely to get better pay and have a better chance of differentiating yourself. You can also see what their job requirements are and tune what you're studying to fit that mold.

[notforsale]

I can't comment much on the meat of your question, but check out https://www.freecodecamp.org/. Usually the paid bootcamps are ones with connections to companies, but if you're looking to do part time or freelance work, self teaching seems to be a good option. From everything I've heard about Free Code Camp, it's the real deal. And it's free!

Thanks for the recommendation.  I'll check it out.  I do think I'll stick to a paid bootcamp however.  I started with an online bootcamp (springboard) before getting my current job and I found that the career services team was extremely helpful. 

[notforsale]

(I've worked in software for a while, but I'm coming from the perspective of having done a CS degree and only worked full-time W2 jobs. So take this all with a grain of salt.)

AFAIK, it may be somewhat difficult to get in the door with the bootcamp, no experience, freelance route. On Upwork, you're competing against Indian and Eastern European devs who have experience and uni credentials and are willing to work for $15 or $20/hour. Pretty much anyone can slap together a Wordpress/Shopify site, and it would be hard to differentiate yourself in that crowd. There are definitely employers who will pay more for strong experience and a U.S. timezoned/accented contractor, but you don't have experience. Once you get together a portfolio and a proven track record, this could be a more viable option.

A better route might be looking at e.g. Indeed for companies hiring part-time contractors directly, instead of going through a service. You're likely to get better pay and have a better chance of differentiating yourself. You can also see what their job requirements are and tune what you're studying to fit that mold.

Thanks for the feedback.  I didn't really understand what projects/companies international web developers international competition are eligible for.  Looks like there are many part-time opportunities on indeed across the US.  That should work.  I don't need to be a freelancer.  I just need less hours in the near future!

[Archipelago]

I can't comment much on the meat of your question, but check out https://www.freecodecamp.org/. Usually the paid bootcamps are ones with connections to companies, but if you're looking to do part time or freelance work, self teaching seems to be a good option. From everything I've heard about Free Code Camp, it's the real deal. And it's free!

Thanks for the recommendation.  I'll check it out.  I do think I'll stick to a paid bootcamp however.  I started with an online bootcamp (springboard) before getting my current job and I found that the career services team was extremely helpful.

I can give +1 for Springboard also. Have 2 colleagues now that have gone through Springboard programs and both have done well with it.