freelance help

Hi, I like to become a freelance programmer.

If you've worked as a freelance programmer, can you tell me how to start?
I need to create a portfolio first?

LOL, pretty vague. Do you have any additional details, like maybe the language or area or interest you're looking at?

In general, the first step would be to get a lot of experience in whatever area you're looking to get into. If you have that the next steps should become more obvious.

BTW, freelancing is not for the faint of heart. I would choose lower pay at an established company over freelancing any time. But, I like knowing where my mortgage payment is going to come from.

Yes, my question was very vague, sorry.

I'm an advanced c/c++/c# programmer, I have experience at work with Java and .NET.
I also know web programming and Im graphic artist too.

Of course, I don't like to show this profile for a client, I prefer look more specific.
I need to choose my profile, what is the best choise?.
* c/c++/c# programmer
* java
* .net
* web

I'm currently working, but I like to throw my job away and become a freelancer.

Be a fulltime freelancer programmer what you need most is not you programming skill, but something else.

1. Marketing.
- Where you get the project?
- How people aware you service?
- How to get more project?
- How to expand your service?
2. Accounting.
- The project you can get do support your life?
- Income possible to make your business expand?
- Manage your accounting. (know how much you earn and spend).
- Understand your financial status. (This is important, it determine how long you can live).
- How fast you money BURN (Spend).
3. People.
- Hunt for right people for right place. (If you are not good at marketing, get someone who is good in this area).
- Sales products first (Marketing personnel), later get software developer, customer support personnel and so on.

There is more.... But enough for today. As a freelancer programmer I am sure you will learn the TRUE LIFE what it is mean.