I am a freelance front-end developer. Besides, I do occasional remote contractual jobs. I have been working professionally for 5+ years. In these years I have built/fixed websites and web applications for clients. I mostly work with React.js, Angular 2+, and Next.js. I did a couple of full-stack projects with Firebase/Appwrite/Contentful as the backend. So, you can understand that, I am mostly a frontend developer with experience in working with web only.
Recently, I have been facing some issues which have become a headache for me. I am getting many clients through freelancing platforms who are asking for full-stack development. They don't want to hire two developers for their projects. Also, when I am thinking of applying for remote contractual jobs, I see there are more full-stack jobs than frontend ones. And, the frontend sector seems so crowded. There are tons of bids on Upwork, tons of gigs on Fiverr and tons of applicants on Job boards for frontend work. As a result, when I am trying to charge more, the clients are not getting interested because they are getting more FE developers with lower rates. After 5 years of work, I can't just lower my charges. So, I am losing many clients.
Now, I am seeking your suggestions and thoughts. Should I learn the backend (Preferably Node.js) and try to become a full-stack developer? Or, should I do more complex frontend projects which will establish myself as an expert? Also, should I give some focus on cross-platform mobile app development like React Native/Flutter? Or, am I missing something as a freelancer? How should I at least keep my rate steady and get work?
Top comments (5)
Backend is a natural progression. I would just block of sometime and try and build something in a backend framework and see if you like that kind of work because backend is a different way of thinking and may not "fit" you, some FE developers do very well in the backend so it's all about your individual preference.
I initially started my career as a freelancer, back then frontend wasn't as complex as it is now - so I had to basically learn everything including FE, servers, backend etc...
It's good to have knowledge of as many domains as you can, that will give you the edge in the market, however also you have to master one domain at least and do it really well otherwise you'll be stuck just bouncing around endlessly.
I know this seems old school now, but maybe Express.js is a good starting point. Since you know react - the only thing you need to do is build an API really.
Express - seems to present the core essentials for backend without overly complex concepts such as server components and so forth.
All you really need to learn initially in the backend:
Your frontend can do most of the the complex logic initially as you gain more experence, and then your backend is mostly just CRUD .
It really couldn't hurt to expand what you consider within your capabilities, so yeah, I would say you should.
However, "full stack" is always a moving target, so I'd say this is a matter of just expanding the scope of things you understand in order to be the most effective developer you can be. You'll still likely have somewhat of a specialty.
It is not a bad idea to learn NodeJS as a back end development platform in a fullstack setup - you say already have JavaScript programming expertise.
NodeJS (or other backend platforms) involves web server and database programming - broadly. There are functionalities other than the two mentioned. Integration of front and backend, deployment, design are some.
You can try some simple example code and see how it feels. Cheers!
Thanks for the insight and suggestions from all of you. This will really help to add more focus on BE and expand my knowledge.
Have a look around Next 13. You will be convinced I believe.