From College Dropout To Self Taught Web Developer Freelancer

Hey everyone, welcome back to another episode of Tech Woke Podcast. Today, we’ve got an inspirational guest who’s made waves in the tech world by embracing creativity and resilience. I’m thrilled to introduce you to Sammy, a self-taught web developer whose journey from customer support engineering to freelancing is nothing short of extraordinary.

Sammy's expertise is web development and useing no-code platforms, like Zapier, makes tech accessible to those who aren't interested in coding. She’s navigated career shifts, from working as a support engineer for five years to transitioning into web development after being laid off, where she faced an eight-month period of unemployment before starting her freelancing journey.

Throughout her career, Sammy has leveraged her network, built a client base through word-of-mouth and personal connections, and emphasized the importance of community and internships for learning and growth. She shares invaluable advice on freelancing, from pricing strategies and the importance of contracts to the significance of clear communication and maintaining professionalism.

We'll also dive into her creative side hustles, her experiences in startup culture, and her tips for those aspiring to break into the tech industry. Plus, you won’t want to miss her thoughts on setting boundaries with clients and developing a niche for your business.

Join us as we explore Sammy’s path to becoming a tech entrepreneur, her practical insights on freelancing, and how she balances her diverse roles with a hustler’s mentality inspired by her Brooklyn roots. Whether you're into tech, freelancing, or creative entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiration. Stay tuned!

Timestamps:

00:00 Honored to have Sammy on the podcast.

05:18 Creative odd jobs in fashion and more.

07:13 Transitioned from bank teller to tech startups.

10:17 Customer support agent transitioned to support engineering.

15:14 Choose resources that suit your learning style.

16:31 College isn't necessary; experience is the best teacher.

20:31 Grateful for supportive coworkers and network.

25:14 Freelancing started daunting, evolved via networking, CMS.

28:27 Discounted rate for website promotion and exposure.

29:58 You advertise on social media and impressed.

34:48 Use templates for contracts, proposals, and consultations.

36:30 Be communicative, personable, and respectful to customers.

39:17 Excited to scale freelance business with templates.

42:14 Unemployment prompted my tech career shift.

Guest social media:

sammi.the.dev

Patreon Link:

https://patreon.com/TechWoke?utm_medi...

Website:

https://www.techwokepodcast.com/

Merch:

https://shoptechwoke.com/

Join the Newsletter:

subscribepage.io/TechWokeNewsLetterSignup

💸 Donate to the channel here:

Cash App: Tech Woke

🎙️ Check out The Tech Woke Podcast: https://redcircle.com/shows/01f865d1-...

#webdevelopment #Tech #techwoke