I started freelancing a few months ago, what I did to land my first gig was: - Specialize in something during normal employment (Python backend/cloud infra).

I started freelancing a few months ago, what I did to land my first gig was: - Specialize in something during normal employment (Python backend/cloud infra). - Build and contribute to a few Open Source projects. Thanks to that I have a small portfolio to show to potential clients. - Use an agency to help me find clients. Since I didn't really know where to start I looked for advice. An old HN thread mentioned Toptal so I registered without really thinking it would work. After a quite long interview process I got into the platform and landed my first customer a few days after. Overall it is a positive experience and a good way to get started, but other HN comments are more nuanced so YMMV.