Hello, community. I've been trying to find "remote earnings" for several months now, but it's been unsuccessful. I've been browsing through the odesk exchange . However, most projects have extensive requirements for various languages, libraries, and frameworks, with minimal payment and tasks that are often challenging.

For instance: "The task is to create several forms on site N for the Platform1 system.0" so that it processes orders based on the calculator at the http link:://link. The form processing database should include all elements from site K in descending order of the number of vowel letters in their names, with the ability to update the element database via the REST API.
Price: $20

In most cases, the end result seems to be a complex task with numerous challenges. Sometimes, it's also because of the required technologies. My skills are at the junior level, and it's difficult for me to understand how someone who is an expert in Python, PHP, Posgtre, Angular||Node (sometimes even requiring basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop) can complete tasks for only $20 (as of April 11, 2015).

In the foreign market, tasks related to WordPress are more common. I haven't explored CMS yet and have focused on improving my skills in PHP OOP, unit testing, and Git. However, I haven't found many opportunities to apply these skills (there is no mention of them in the tasks on odesk). Should I completely switch to CMS and focus solely on that?

I'm sure there will be answers like "just start freelancing," but this advice hasn't helped me in the past few months. I need something more practical. Thank you for reading this far, whether you decide to answer my question or not.

UPD:
Let's say I underestimated my skills. In reality, I have practical experience and a solid understanding of PHP, a couple of frameworks, a few CMS platforms (excluding WordPress, strangely enough), and I can handle HTML/CSS/jQuery tasks, no matter how challenging they are. I also have basic JavaScript knowledge and can create simple games like Tic-Tac-Toe using the canvas element. I don't consider myself a beginner, but I still feel like there's a barrier preventing me from moving forward. Especially when I see that 80% of the responses to the same task come from freelancers in India, Pakistan, and Turkey, who have more professional profiles and dozens of completed tasks with 5-star reviews. It's clear that social engineering plays a significant role here, allowing them to gain an advantage.

I'm adaptable and can communicate effectively with people. However, I struggle to understand how to respond to an application that simply says "need web developer, I have specifications," in a way that catches the customer's attention and increases the chances of getting the task. It's challenging.

Thank you to those who shared their unique perspectives and provided helpful answers. I hope there will be some additional insights to consider.

I would suggest that you consider working in an office setting for a period of time. Collaborating with others can greatly contribute to your growth and development. There are several benefits to this:

1. Having a mentor readily available can provide guidance on how to approach specific tasks assigned to you. This type of knowledge absorption tends to be more effective, allowing for a better understanding and application of your skills.

2. Working alongside multiple individuals with different perspectives and backgrounds can broaden your professional horizons. Engaging in conversations during lunch breaks, coffee breaks, and project discussions exposes you to various technologies. While you may not need them immediately, having awareness of these technologies will be beneficial when making future decisions.

3. Applying for an internship or entry-level position in an office informs your employer that you are eager to learn. In return for a reduced salary (as beginners usually earn less), you will receive assistance in the form of a mentor and practical experience.

4. By tackling real-life cases, you gain valuable experience and become familiar with how typical tasks are solved. This knowledge will prove advantageous in future endeavors.

5. Working in a calm yet realistic environment allows you to practice learning on the go and finding relevant resources.

When I faced a similar challenge, I also struggled initially. However, spending a year working in a team of seven programmers propelled my progress significantly. In just one year, I accomplished more than in the previous three years of self-study. I gained experience and enjoyed the positive interactions with colleagues before eventually transitioning to remote work.

Therefore, my advice to you is to consider working in a team environment for a while.

Mastering pure PHP can be challenging, but it becomes more manageable once you delve into frameworks and content management systems. Don't be daunted, as they aren't as difficult as they initially appear. In the Western market, WordPress holds a dominant position, so if you're aiming to work on platforms like Upwork, it's essential to familiarize yourself with it. Start by taking on simpler tasks to build your skills. As an example, my wife managed to secure a Canadian client within a week and has since established a close working relationship. They handle all their projects using WordPress. On platforms like Upwork, there are tests available for various technologies. These test results are displayed in one's profile, which potential employers often consider.

As mentioned earlier, continuous learning is key. It's not enough to merely grasp the theoretical aspects – putting what you've learned into practice is equally important.

To quote a well-known saying, everything is within our reach, so there's no point in abandoning our efforts.

Wishing you the best of luck!

What advice can be given when the customer often doesn't know what they want? It's like searching blindly, hoping to find what you need. Each person requires a unique approach.

If you lack confidence in your abilities, you can still help without taking unnecessary risks or burdening the customer. For instance, there are online platforms where individuals seek assistance with various issues. You can try providing individual answers and gain practical experience.

The only difference between freelancing and other forms of work is the focus on money, and the level of responsibility that comes with earning it. However, it's important not to overvalue the significance of money itself.

There are customers who exploit freelancers, seeking cheap labor and manipulating their minds. Don't hesitate to say no to such individuals. It's best to get rid of them as soon as possible, as they drain your attention, time, nerves, and ultimately your finances.

In summary:

- Offer free assistance and guidance on relevant forums to gain insight and experience in your field.
- Continuously challenge yourself by taking on progressively more difficult tasks.
- Treat each client individually, as what might seem daunting can often be accomplished quickly with the right approach.
- Build relationships with successful freelancers and learn from their experiences.

P.S. It's interesting that your topic wasn't addressed earlier. I recently had a similar question, but it was categorized as "general inquiries," despite being more specific than yours.

It can be frustrating when projects have extensive requirements and offer minimal payment. Additionally, it seems like there is a barrier preventing you from moving forward, especially when you see other freelancers with more professional profiles and completed tasks.

Switching to CMS (Content Management System) might be a viable option for you since there are more opportunities related to WordPress in the foreign market. However, it's also essential to consider your interests and goals. If you enjoy improving your skills in PHP OOP, unit testing, and Git, you could continue focusing on those areas while also exploring CMS platforms.

In terms of catching a customer's attention and increasing your chances of getting tasks, it's crucial to showcase your unique skills and experiences effectively in your applications. You can highlight specific projects you've worked on, mention your ability to handle challenging HTML/CSS/jQuery tasks, and emphasize your practical experience and solid understanding of PHP, frameworks, and CMS platforms. It may also be helpful to provide clear and concise responses to job postings that demonstrate your understanding of the project requirements and your capability to deliver quality work.

While the freelance market can be competitive, it's important to stay persistent and continue honing your skills. Don't get discouraged by the presence of freelancers from other countries who seem to have an advantage. Focus on showcasing your abilities and finding clients who appreciate the value you bring.

suggestions to consider:

1. Networking: Building connections within the industry can be valuable in finding remote earning opportunities. Join online communities, forums, and social media groups where professionals in your field discuss job opportunities and share insights. Networking can help you learn about potential clients, projects, and collaborations.

2. Portfolio Development: Create a strong portfolio showcasing your past projects and highlighting your skills. Clients often look for evidence of your abilities before hiring you. Include a variety of work samples that demonstrate your range and expertise. If you don't have many professional projects yet, consider working on personal projects or contributing to open-source initiatives to build your portfolio.

3. Specialize and Differentiate: Consider specializing in a specific niche or technology within web development. This can help you differentiate yourself from competitors and attract clients with specific needs. By positioning yourself as an expert in a particular area, you may attract higher-paying projects that align with your skill set.

4. Freelance Platforms and Job Boards: While you mentioned challenges with platforms like oDesk, it's worth exploring other freelancing websites and job boards. There are various platforms dedicated to freelancers in different industries, and some may offer better opportunities and fairer compensation. Research and experiment with different platforms to find the ones that align with your goals.

5. Continuous Learning: The field of web development is constantly evolving, so it's crucial to stay updated on the latest technologies and trends. Continuously learn new skills and expand your knowledge to remain competitive in the market. This can involve taking online courses, participating in webinars, attending conferences, or reading industry blogs and publications.