When people ask me what I do, I tell them how It Is!

I tell them Im a freelance web developer working entirely for myself.

IM A FREELANCE WEB DEVELOPER

This usually elicits two responses:
The first Is a blank look of complete disinterest. The World Wide Web Is a world they know very little about, one that intimidates them like the ocean to a household goldfish.
These people are usually the type to have rolling stones tattoos but not know who Keith Richards Is and go to Yoga twice a week but haven’t heard of Alan Watts… Yeah, no big loss there.
The others are genius.
They’ve also figured out that the internet Is the future, theres no better way to put it.
The internet of things Is coming and If you plan on making any money at all, be It fiat or crypto, your going to have to get involved with the web somehow.
But theres a problem.
'why risk it right now?’
They work their full time 9-5 jobs, they are somewhat secure.
‘what did you do Luke?’

IT STARTS IN BRAZIL

Its 2016.
Im on a beach In Rio De Janeiro Brazil and I’ve been sipping beer all day and smoking cheap cigarettes with my best friend In the scorching sun.
We are halfway through our backpacking trip and theres a lurking thought creeping its way into my mind, the thought that this isnt going to last forever.
Ive got to go back to University.

WE MET A GIRL

We meet a girl and I start with the standard backpacker questions:

'Where are you from?'
I'm from Germany.
'how long have you been travelling?'
2 years.
'wait, what do you do for money?'
I'm a freelance web developer, I travel and surf. I work anywhere with a wifi connection. Last week I was in Thailand next > month I’m heading to Buenos Aires.
I'm looking at her speechless. My mind racing. My eyes lit up.
I forget her name but I'll never forget her face. she Inspired me that day.
I could not believe It!
Can people actually do this?
She was so powerful In my eyes in that moment, nobody owned her time except her and I fell In love with that Idea.

BACK TO 'REALITY'

I got home late that year, I had to register for my final semester at University to get my double degree In Criminology and Security Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism.
Much to my parents disgust I didn’t do that.

Yeah, I dropped out.

Instead, I enrolled in a 3-month Intensive Bootcamp in Perth CBD, ran by Codemasters Institute. (let me know if you’d like some more info on their courses).
Its not as hard as you think Its going to be, the Internet has come a long way since the 80’s, a lot of It Is very intuitive once you get past the first steep learning curve.
The online community Is fantastic, any problem you have has most likely been faced by another developer before you.
They have most likely asked that question on a forum like www.stackoverflow.com
Get this! someone has most likely answered their question In a detailed and informative manner!

WHERE I AM NOW

Now Its been over a year, I've learnt copious amounts, I've made money and I'm still developing.
That means I haven’t worked a 9-5 or a part-time shift job for over a year.
I love It.
I'm not saying it's easy, its a lot of work and commI'mment. I've still got a long way to go, Its a career where you are always learning, evolving.

Im so excited.