Why I Made the Jump
After 6 years full-time in 4 different countries, I launched my freelance practice as a Backend Tech Lead. Here's what I learned.
1. Positioning Is Everything
Don't sell "time". Sell a result. The difference between "backend developer available" and "I industrialize your AWS serverless backend so your team ships 3x faster" is enormous in terms of rates and attractiveness.
2. Specialize
The market is saturated with "full-stack developers". But "AWS serverless architects with high-traffic IoT experience" are rare. The more precise your positioning, the higher your perceived value.
3. Rates
In France, a specialized AWS Backend Tech Lead freelancer positions between 600 and 900 EUR/day depending on:
- Technical complexity
- Team size to lead
- Mission duration
- Ability to deliver measurable results
4. How to Find Missions
In order of effectiveness:
- Direct network: former colleagues, recommendations
- LinkedIn: regular content + optimized profile
- Platforms: Malt, Toptal, Arc.dev
- Portfolio: technical articles + client case studies
5. Mistakes to Avoid
- Undercharging to "fill the calendar" — this attracts bad clients
- Accepting everything — say no to missions that don't fit your positioning
- Neglecting admin — accounting and contracts are critical
- Working in isolation — stay connected to the community
After 1 Year
- 100% utilization rate
- Technically enriching missions
- Freedom of choice that full-time doesn't allow
- A network that grows naturally
Questions about freelance tech? Contact me.