"Honestly I wouldn't recommend it. As background I've run a small agency for the last 7 years and have been doing freelance work for longer than that. The problem is that without good access to initial clients and a specific niche that you have some expertise in, you will be grinding out a *lot* of code for very little money. Worse, you will spend as much time "handling" clients as you do working. It's really unpleasant stuff, especially if you are relying on oDesk or eLance. I would suggest finding a specific niche you think you might add value to, start doing some side projects and build a portfolio. Work on an open source project or two. Ask your friends/family if anyone needs coding work and actually take a project to its conclusion. If you are still interested, go for it. If not, I would *really* suggest college. It will give you access to a lot more people who can help grow your business if nothing else." - Steve Spalding