The problem is, #3 is a huge unknown area. I've had good and bad experiences with #3. When I started doing contracting as a student, I could afford to take those crappy $1000 14-day assignments just because I didn't know what the hell I was getting into. I didn't have a track record so I figured I couldn't demand higher pay and I should try to get whatever -- I think quite a few newbie developers get into this mess too. Just because you're a nobody doesn't mean you should accept a job at a measly $15/hr rate.
Usually those $1000 snowball scoped projects take forever for the owners to pay up.
The keyword is most. There are clients, rare though they may be, that are actually realistic about specifications and pay. Most importantly, they also understand that if they are going to be a tech company, tech is the single most crucial aspect of the business plan. Those are the clients you need to find, and it is unlikely that you will find those clients on freelancer's sites for the same reason that it is unlikely your idea would attract Sequoia investment by submitting your business plan via their online form.
For me, the bottom line is the end game. My contention is that if a client's goal is to build a successful technology company and this client is unwilling or unable to pay for the proper tech talent (whether in cash or equity), then they should not be in the technology business. Regrettably, this happens frequently, and all I am suggesting is that any developer needs to be on the lookout for the best clients with the best projects.
Agreed. They're not easy to find, but I've found that the more side-work I do, the better clients I run into. My latest batch of clients (within the last year) have been excellently realistic and speedy payers.
Turning down clients that raise your eyebrow play a large part in finding the right ones.
Absolutely, there are many things you can do as a developer, and regarding taking on clients, the problem with a lot of developers is that they don't spend the right time spotting the crappy clients. You have to interview them as they interview you. Analyze them more and you'll find great time working. If your answer is "yeah, but there aren't many clients like that", then get more skills, they'll find you.
Yes, in the same vain if you don't like paying taxes then just stop paying taxes. And if you don't like driving at the speed limit, then just stop driving at the speed limit.
But seriously, at least if you don't like clients, stop whinging about it. Unless you have something good to say, which this article does not.
Programmers can:
1. Work at Big, Co. and make a decent living.
2. Work on your own projects and sell them directly to consumers (App Store)
3. Take on potentially douchey clients and their ideas.
If you can't stand the thought of #3, then just don't do it!