Aishwarya has been working as a freelance tester on www.testerwork.com for over two years now. Let’s hear her opinion on how to start a freelance career in the testing industry, and on how it’s like to be working from home – a challenge all of us have faced this past year.
Aishwarya – Qa Tester
- Who are you?
I’m Aishwarya V, from New Delhi, India, presently residing in Bangalore, India for my education purposes. I am pursuing my third year of engineering in Information Technology. I’ve been a freelance tester for about more than 5 years, a Test Team Lead for a few months, and now promoted to being a Test Engineer. I also achieved a gold rating in this field last year. I work for various Fortune 500 companies and give out usability suggestions for developing their websites.
My hobbies include cooking, dancing, singing, and reading.
- How did you start your career as a tester and how is it to be a freelancer in this field?
I was in my 10th grade when my sister signed up as a freelance tester with many websites. Later, she moved away from it but I picked up the flow and started learning about testing. Since there was no one to guide me, I had to start everything from scratch and learned about software testing, automation testing, agile testing, API testing with the help of Google and other resources available on the internet.
Being a software tester feels amazing. The happiness when you find a bug or your reported issues get approved is something next level. I have learned a lot of things in my 5 years of testing journey. Initially, it was tough but I did it.
- Do you recommend testing as a full-time job or a side source of revenue?
I have lots of friends who are full-time freelancers and earn enough, sometimes even more than what the IT industry could offer as a full-time employee.
It totally depends on your skills, your experience, and your determination to work in the freelancing field. It isn’t easy but it isn’t tough either 😉 If you are earning enough from your primary job, you can consider freelancing for a side income.
- Can you do freelance testing and have a full-time job at the same time?
I am a third-year student pursuing my engineering in the IT field. I manage my studies as well as my work. I have lots of friends who work full time in companies and work as a freelance tester during their free time. They utilize weekends, holidays to earn an extra income. Instead of spending time on social media, they prefer testing.
- How is it to work with a team you don’t know in person?
I am an extrovert and can initiate a conversation with anyone, anywhere! I can’t deny that yes, it feels a little difficult initially to understand a person especially one who is from another region and speaks a different language. But we all should remember that after all, they are human beings and they are testers too and we all are like-minded people.
Once we start exchanging our views or knowledge in testing, we become a family!
- What advice would you give a tester who wants to start their freelance journey?
Initially, it will be very difficult and you’ll earn very little. But once you get a hang of it and spend more time, you’ll start earning. I always say that if we focus on learning and gaining knowledge, earnings will automatically come to you. Even if you face rejections or if you don’t find a bug in a project, do not give up. 🙂 Just give your best in every project!
There are many people out there who don’t know about freelance testing or leave the job before they even try. Initially, it is difficult I agree. But once you get experience in this field, no one can stop you from excelling! Prepare a list of goals and work towards it and don’t stop until you achieve it.
At times, people start working overtime which is also not good. You will earn a lot during this time but in the longer run, it’ll adversely affect your health. Spend time with your family and take frequent breaks. Only accept work and projects if you are ready to work on them. Don’t overburden yourself. Meditate. Breathe. Have confidence and give your best!
