Therefore, it is good to look at the ground realities and compare the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a freelance Android development job which allow you to break free from full-time employment and give you the freedom to choose your working time.
The Good About Freelance Android Developer Job
Flexible Time
The biggest perk of being a freelance developer is the freedom of time management. You have no one breathing down your neck everyday and you can choose which job to accept. As a freelancer, you will have direct talks with your potential clients and this gives you a better idea of what they want and no one can interfere with your creative process. This kind of makes things more efficient and you only need to answer to the client.
Ease of Entry
The Android industry is progressing spectacularly right now as Samsung introduce their Samsung Pay and Google start to introduce Android Pay, the new version of Google Wallet, in collaboration with MasterCard just last month. There are plenty of resources to get you started on your own and fewer restrictions by Google Play Store during app launch.
Cost Effective
Apple and other major operating systems are pricey when it comes to development. Both the hardware and software is costly, making it difficult for a freelance app developer. Android is the next best choice with a one-time registration fee of 25 USD compared to Apple's annual 99 USD. The standard 30% commission applies for app sales on Google Play Store.
Free SDK
An app developer cannot survive without tools so you need to look closer at the costs involved there as well. Apple's SDK cost is included in the annual iOS Developer Program fee but Android's SDK is completely free and available for download on Windows, Linux, etc.
Time is right
As the Android industry is at its peak at the moment, thanks to Samsung and Google, there couldn't be a better time for you to turn into a freelance Android app developer. The growth is expected to increase in the near future as there is a huge market for Android apps in the country. Many businesses today want their services or goods to be in the hands of Android consumers.
The Bad About Freelance Android Developer Job
Fragmentation
There are so many versions of Android still in use among the population that most businesses prefer to launch their Android app on more than one. There are still more to come so it is harder to design apps for numerous versions according to the device specifications.
Payment woes
The biggest issue in freelancing is money although native Android app developers are very well paid and in high demand. Even when the task is complete, the client may be lazy about transferring your payment. They are often under the impression that rates are negotiable and they can get the work done for cheaper just because you are a freelancer. There is also no annual raise like permanent employees receive.
No Ownership
Being a freelance developers sometimes means that you cannot claim intellectual and confidential property rights to your work. This may hinder your professional growth and of course, you might refuse jobs such as these reducing your options.
No third-party support
If your professional rights are violated in any way, there will be no one to help you as you are like a standalone business person. You will either have to give up or settle for something much less because there is no suitable representation for you by law.
Conclusion
Observing the advantages, it seems that you will be mostly on your own when you go freelancing. Overall, being a freelance Android app developer sounds attractive but that totally depends on your lifestyle. If you feel too restricted in your normal office environment then this could be the start of a great career for you.
