My code and my freelance business have both improved substantially
Ben · United Kingdom
Freelance Software Engineer
Ben is a client who reached out specifically because of my freelancing history. He is one of those people who didn’t start in software, but built some programs to make himself especially efficient. Soon he found himself switching careers and looking for support as he builds his freelance business.
What was the obstacle that would have prevented you from buying this service?
This is something I’ve wanted for a while, as I don’t have a developer network to discuss coding with. There were two key potential obstacles. First, was the person knowledgeable in the areas I was trying to improve - it was clear Tim was, from reading about him online. Second, was Tim easy to talk to on calls? I struggle a bit with nerves and anxiety when discussing my code or coding approach, since I’m entirely self-taught. I don’t want to feel like I’m asking something stupid. Having the free call initially gave me a chance to realize Tim was warm and approachable. I felt comfortable discussing what I was struggling with, without worrying that I’d feel stupid.
What did you find as a result of our collaboration?
I feel I am a lot more confident both in the way that I code, and the way I work as a freelancer. Being able to discuss ideas with Tim and check that my ideas are reasonable is really powerful.
What specific facet did you like most about this service?
It’s tough to rank one thing over another, but if I had to, I would say the ability to gain confidence in my thoughts by discussing them with Tim is the best element.
What would be three other benefits about this service?
I really like being able to discuss freelancing with Tim, not just the coding side of things - I’ve found this really beneficial. I enjoy becoming aware of useful technologies I haven’t used before; stress testing with K6, and being able to mimic a performance test suite, was a real highlight for me. I’ve also appreciated how Tim’s made me aware of talks, blogs, and people in the space worth following. There’s a lot of content out there, and it can be hard to judge what’s worth investing time in. But I know if Tim’s recommended something or someone, it’s worth spending the time on. It also sparks more thoughts in my head afterward.
Would you recommend this service? If so, why?
Absolutely - it’s boosted my confidence in what I do, upskilled me, and helped me navigate a number of challenging business situations, including contract negotiation and managing a client’s expectations.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’m grateful for Tim’s support and guidance - it’s been good not only to improve my skills as a developer, but also the soft skills around the development space. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that both my code and my freelance business have improved substantially in the relatively short time we’ve been working together! I would absolutely recommend Tim to anyone looking to improve as a developer, improve as a freelancer, or both.