Part time web developers explained: pros, cons, and more

A concept of part-time web development

Who is a software developer part-time? This is a professional who works fewer hours than a standard full-time schedule, e.i. 40 hours per week. This employment includes freelance projects, remote work, or collaboration with flexible companies. Part-time developers deal with specific tasks, such as front-end or back-end development, or offer end-to-end solutions for smaller projects.

The remote work trend and the rise of freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr increased the demand for part-time developers. Many businesses, particularly startups and small companies, require web development services but may not have the budget for full-time staff. Part-time developers become an excellent solution.

Feasibility of part-time web development

Part-time web development is a practical choice for many professionals. The industry’s flexibility and constant demand for skilled developers make it an appealing option. You have several options to build a career in web development:

1. Freelancing. It allows you to work on web development projects for clients on a contract basis. You can choose the projects you want to work on and set your own hours. You can find many website developer part time job offers on Upwork, Fiverr, or through personal networks.


You need a strong web development portfolio. Take on smaller projects to build your reputation and ask happy clients for referrals. Networking in tech industry is key, so make connections that will help you find new clients.

2. Side hustle for programmers. If you already have full-time jobs in other fields, project-based coding can become a great side hustle. You can work on contract-based web development projects during your free time. This route is ideal for those who want to build a full-time web development career in the future.


Manage your time carefully. Set specific hours each week for web development and make sure it doesn’t interfere with your full-time job. Special apps or calendars will help you keep everything under control.

3. Part-time employment. Some companies offer part-time positions for web developers. This allows you to work in a team, gain experience and still have time for other things in your life.


Part-time is flexible work for developers, but you must be clear about what you can handle otherwise burnout is inevitable. Be honest with your employers about how many hours you can work and when you’re available.

Benefits of part-time web development

More and more programmers choose to make a tech career without full-time employment. No wonder as this working mode offers multiple advantages:

• You work when you want. What time do web developers work? They decide it for themselves! That’s great not to be restricted by a rigid 8-hour work and choose the time when you are the most productive. You can even work at night if you are a night owl.
• You can work from anywhere. You choose where to arrange your working place. It can be your home, a cafe, or a beachside retreat - your office is wherever you want it to be. All you need is your laptop and an internet connection.
• You are the boss. Part-time freelance work is a great way to avoid micromanaging or office politics. You are in charge of how you work, what goals you set, and how you achieve them.
• You choose the projects. You have the freedom to select projects that excite you, challenge you, and allow you to work with clients and technologies that you enjoy.
• You continuously learn and grow. As a part-time web developer you will encounter diverse projects, work with different technologies, and constantly adapt to new challenges. This will allow you to sharpen your skills.

Challenges of part-time web development

A web dev part-time job is undeniably full of perks. However, always remember about the challenges it brings. One of the biggest issues is time management. Juggling multiple projects or commitments can make it hard to stay on top of deadlines, which can impact the quality of your work. Additionally, web development is always changing, it’s tough staying updated with tech trends when you’re working part-time.

One more thing to know is a less predictable income. There is no fixed salary freelance web developer gets – you must be ready for periods of inconsistent work and have a reserve fund for such breaks.

Another challenge is communication. If you are not a full-time employee, you may not get enough involved in team discussions. It can lead to misunderstandings or delays. Without constant feedback, it can be tricky to stay on track.

Lastly, handling big or complex projects is difficult for a remote web developer. Part-time hours may not be enough to fully grasp all the details of larger tasks. It can lead to mistakes and affect client expectations. Overall, part-time roles may not offer the same advancement opportunities as full-time positions, unless you seriously work on your web development skills.

Tips for successful part-time web development

How to navigate all obstacles you may meet on the way to becoming a successful part-time developer? Follow these tips:

• Master core web technologies. You must be confident in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, the building blocks of web development. Also, learn popular frameworks and libraries such as React, Vue.js, or Bootstrap to strengthen your expertise.
• Develop soft skills. You must be a strong communicator and problem-solver to persuade clients to give you projects and manage them with ease.
• Build a professional network. Attend local meetups, tech conferences, and webinars to meet like-minded professionals. Join online communities on LinkedIn, Reddit, or Discord where web developers share advice and job leads.
• Create a professional portfolio. An impressive portfolio is your online business card. Use it to show your best works or unique solutions you’ve created to clients. GitHub and Behance are great platforms for hosting and sharing your work.
• Organize your working routine. Without good time management, it’s hard to balance multiple clients or commitments and keep deadlines. Block specific hours in your day for uninterrupted work but take regular breaks to avoid burnout.

Tools and resources for part-time developers

The life of a part-life web developer often reminds of chaos as deadlines are burning and clients expect updates and high-quality results. Luckily, there are tools that help get better control of routine processes:

• Freelancing platforms. You can find plenty of part-time projects on Upwork, Freelancer, or Toptal. A strong profile on these platforms will help you get projects and grow your professional network.
• Communication tools. Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams simplify collaboration with clients and teammates. Use these to discuss project requirements, provide updates, and resolve issues.
• Project management tools. Trello, Asana, and Jira will help you track progress, set deadlines, and prioritize tasks. These tools significantly simplify everyday planning and control.
• Online learning resources. FreeCodeCamp, Codecademy, and Udemy offer tons of online programming courses. You can learn new coding languages, frameworks, and more at your own pace.
• Design tools. Figma, Adobe XD, and Canva are best friends of web designers. They help create professional mockups, prototypes, and designs.
• Code editors. Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, and Atom offer features like syntax highlighting, code autocompletion, and extensions that simplify coding tasks.
• Code version control tools. Git and GitHub allow developers to manage code changes - track edits, roll back changes if needed, and work on multiple projects.

Wrapping up

If you’re considering a career as a part-time web developer, it’s essential to weigh all the pros and cons carefully. While there are undeniable benefits such as flexibility, the ability to work from anywhere, and the opportunity to choose exciting projects, there are also challenges. Part-time or freelance work may not always provide the level of trust and reliability that clients expect, making it harder to secure consistent, high-quality work. For many developers, working in a company can offer greater stability, access to resources, and the chance to build a solid reputation.

Looking for more advice and insights about the tech world? Follow our blog for the latest trends and tips. At DreamX, we’re here to support your journey and help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of UX/UI design and development.