After working the web for over 10 years now, what do I have to say about that?

It's not easy to be in the website business. Actually, it's not THAT easy to do anything. If it is, it probably isn't worth doing. The old adage of doing what you love, in my humble opinion is true. Don't let people, fear, naysayers, life, even family take you off your track. If you believe in yourself then with hard work and faithfulness, most likely you will develop skills that will place you in the service of the kings.

I haven't made a fortune in this business, yet there are many others that have. Do I lament that fact? No, my pocket probably does more than me. I've been fortunate to have the support of others. I can't blame anyone for my lack of success. But, I've made it to my 38th year, and everything looks like it'll be okay. If you want to get rich through web development or design, it is possible, but you might also need business acumen and maybe schooling. Knowing whether you are the type to be a owner or just working for someone else is important. Don't fool yourself. Running your own business is very respectable but if not done right misses the point - to make money.

The nice thing about working the web, is one can do it from anywhere. If I didn't have responsibilities and family ties, what I'd do is live somewhere there is good internet connectivity, and where the dollar goes far, and work the web that way. For example, move to India or the Philippines. It makes good dollars and sense to be an internet consultant there. But, for the most part, doing freelance web work, which is what most people do, does not afford the American lifestyle we all aspire to have. UNLESS, you go somewhere people value the web, such as San Francisco or Seattle. There you can get paid good, meanwhile working on your skills so you can get a great paying Web Job. I live on Guam, so nobody really appreciates what I do. It's really not a good feeling.

Some other finer points, pick an industry in which to do web. Just like sales, you have to know the business you're in. I have seen web done by people in volume. The trick there is not to spread yourself too thin, and so your work becomes uninteresting. Also, loyalties are very important. I've found it is better to have a job, so it is better to shoot for big companies who are the only ones really able to afford your services anyways. It is always hard in the beginning, but now I've started to see that web work is very skilled. It is true, if a plumber can charge $70/hr., why can't you? But, there are company budgetary concerns, so you have to be flexible in your work arrangements. I can't go into much detail, but just do the best work you can always, at the best price you can, and in the best manner. Everything else, the big stuff, usually just falls into place, through the auspices of the Higher Power.

--To Be Continued