Nov 13, 2024 06:30:10 AM Edited Nov 14, 2024 09:05:54 AM by Stan G
Hello Upwork Community,
Moving forward, we encourage you to visit the Upwork Help Center, which will continue to host existing help content. Academy learning paths and videos will also be transitioned to the Help Center, so you’ll still have access to these valuable resources.
We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to making the Upwork Community and Academy so special. Whether you’ve asked questions, shared your knowledge, or quietly read along—you’ve helped shape something truly wonderful.
If there are any discussions or resources you’d like to keep, please make sure to save them before December 13th. We will keep this post updated with any new information, including links to where the content will be available in the Help Center once it has been transitioned over.
The Upwork Community Team
When is the official closing date of the Community and Academy?
December 13th, 2024
Why is this happening?
We are closing the Upwork Academy and Community platforms as part of our efforts to streamline how we support freelancers. While these resources have provided value, we believe that transitioning the most-used educational content to our Help Center will better serve our community in the long run. This approach enables us to consolidate support in one place, making it easier to find the guidance you need, when you need it.
We're grateful for the connections and learning that have taken place in these spaces and thank you for being part of them.
Is this closure permanent or temporary?
The closure is permanent. There are no current plans to reopen the Upwork Community or Upwork Academy in the future.
Can I retrieve my posts, messages, or any shared content before the closure?
Absolutely. We encourage you to save any important posts, messages, or content from the Community forums before the closing date. After the closure, this information will no longer be accessible.
Are there alternative platforms where freelancers can connect and collaborate?
While the Upwork Community will no longer be available, freelancers can connect and collaborate through various professional networking platforms such as industry-specific forums, and social media groups dedicated to freelancing and remote work.
What will happen to the educational resources available in the Upwork Academy?
Academy Learning Paths and videos will be available in the Help Center going forward.
How can I get support or assistance after the platforms close?
You can continue to receive support through our Help Center and by contacting our Customer Support team. These channels remain open and ready to assist you with any questions or issues.
How will new freelancers receive guidance without these resources?
New freelancers can utilize the extensive resources available in our Help Center, which includes guides, tutorials, and FAQs designed to help you navigate the platform successfully.
What should I do about ongoing discussions or unresolved issues in the Community?
We encourage you to conclude any ongoing discussions and save any valuable information before the closure date. For unresolved issues, please reach out directly to our Customer Support team for assistance.
Will there be an archive of the content available after the closure?
No, there will not be a publicly accessible archive of the Community or Academy content. Please make sure to save any important information you may need before the platforms close
What will happen to my Academy Badges?
Your Academy badges will no longer be visible on your profile once the Academy closes on December 13, 2024. We recommend saving any information about your badges if you wish to keep a record of your achievements.
Will Coaching and Workshops still be available?
Unfortunately, live coaching sessions and workshops will no longer be available after December 13, 2024. We are currently exploring alternative ways to offer learning opportunities, and we encourage you to keep an eye on the Help Center for updates.
Nov 13, 2024 06:45:41 AM Edited Nov 13, 2024 06:47:24 AM by Mamun M
But what is the reason for the closure of the Upwork Community and Academy?
Nov 14, 2024 11:26:59 AM by Adam P
From what the press releases and Quarterly conferences suggest, It seems Upwork laid off 21% of the work force and cut a bunch of programs. Apparently, they're focusing more on marketplace enhancements and enterprise. There's been several threads devoted to these events.
Nov 19, 2024 09:39:07 AM by William T C
Yes, that is the case from public available financial reports.
Nov 20, 2024 08:29:04 AM by Nitish S
Hi William, we will miss your guidance and conversations on AI.
Nov 20, 2024 09:26:33 AM by William T C
Thank you and please feel free to Follow on LinkedIn.
Both Upwork's company page and my personal page are very active.
Nov 22, 2024 03:54:45 PM Edited Nov 22, 2024 03:55:15 PM by Fatima-Zahrae L
Is it okey to ask how we can connect with other freelencers here on Upwork? In my profile i can't see any option to connect with other freelencers like me. How can i do that ?
Dec 1, 2024 04:32:58 AM by Adam P
About 5000 freelancers have joined The Online Worker which has platform linking and forums dedicated to freelancers. Totally free.
Dec 1, 2024 11:16:48 AM by Craig P
Although the forum provided adequate support, I believe their primary motivation is to monetize it through paid support.
Dec 6, 2024 08:48:53 AM by Anthony H
Too much reality and information.
Don't you just hate it when that happens?
Nov 24, 2024 09:03:48 AM by Sukhamay S
I can't see you to Linkedin. Can you tell me please your Linkedin ID
Nov 14, 2024 04:43:37 PM by Jeanne H
Too much reality and information. Best to keep freelancers and clients in the dark. But you will have a lovely D- grade chatbot. It won't be AI, but hey, chatbots are cheap and make people go away. Problem solved.
Nov 15, 2024 10:40:59 AM by Sukhamay S
Madam, if any new additions or removals take place from December, please kindly provide information about them. Following your advice, I had joined some academic classes. If those are discontinued from December, I would like to know what alternatives will be available. This is an advance request for your kind attention. Thanking you🙏
Nov 20, 2024 09:27:39 AM by Thomas J M
They want to cut off free options for support, so Freelancers pay to use Uma via Freelancer Plus subscription.
Nov 20, 2024 09:35:40 AM by William T C
The following has been my experience:
There is almost no support for freelancers now.
Of course the AI support doesn't and has never worked.
However, human support is now AI driven if a ticket even gets opened.
Once a ticket gets open, AI attempts to act like a person even given a support name and places the freelancer on a goose chase of going rounds of answering questions.
I finally figured this out and learned how to get a person who could actually answer a question.
My comments to support was usually pointing out pieces of the site that were down, in errors, or broken.
Nov 20, 2024 12:00:41 PM by Zainjaveria Z
Sir please guide me to make project catalog ... it's not reasponding on my profile?
Nov 21, 2024 05:50:21 AM by William T C
Support will need a detailed explanation, graphic snapshots, and a Loom video of the issues to assist.
That will start the process of them stating everything is great - appears to be an AI bot.
Usually takes 2 to 5 rounds for a person to view the material and respond that they know of the error and are working on it.
That's my experience this year.
Nov 21, 2024 06:06:41 AM by Adam P
Bug reporting should be its own thing and be integrated nicely into app and website. I'm surprised you never see it...
Nov 21, 2024 06:11:18 AM Edited Nov 21, 2024 06:11:35 AM by Thomas J M
Yikes.... the best virtual support $700M in R+D can buy
Nov 24, 2024 08:43:40 AM by Pat M
We'll most probably never be informed of the true reason. Ahhh, transparency can be so beneficial to all involved; alas...