Programming is not a special field, the ways to make money are the same was you have in any other business:
1. Work on staff for a company
2. Work for clients on a contract basis (this counts as working for yourself).

I prefer a company because it is guaranteed and has benefits. I have bills to pay, mouths to feed, I can't just not have work for a month. Contacting can make more, but is too inconstant for me.

And since this is business related, there is a dilbert associated with it.

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