This is from a freelancer writer, not a web developer, but most of the principles still apply. • DO: Wake up early • DO: Cultivate multiple interests so you are widely hirable • DO: Build a good network of friends doing the same thing as you • DO: Read the comments and grow a thick skin (I don't know about this one…) • DO: Respect your editor • DO: Stand up for yourself; the people who hire you are not right by default • DO: Ask for your money • DO: Buy business cards • DO: Be positive and supportive • DON'T: Push yourself to do too much or something you're not ready for • DON'T: Read the comments (enough to build confidence, then never again) • DON'T: Pitch stories to your friends who are editors, it'll make it weird • DON'T: Be jealous

Basically: • Be reliable • Communicate when things are going wrong • Be ‘a generalist who specializes’ • Don’t diversify—you can't handle that much work at once • Build a network from home: talk yourself up, have a website, use LinkedIn • Don’t be afraid to ask for a lot of money and negotiate down from there • Save *at least* six months of reserve funds • Take breaks and leave the house • Create projects that are rewarding and challenging to teach yourself things and stay motivated