Lena E
Member Since: Apr 7, 2015
Member Since: Apr 7, 2015
Let's Celebrate Mary W! As our Featured Contributor for June/July! Bless her heart!
- What job category do you work in?
Legal/ paralegal - When did you begin using Upwork?
2012 - Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started Freelancing, or running your business online?
I started freelancing in 2001. I had three longterm, pretty much full time contracts at an outside location provided to me. During Hurricane Katrina, my office got 3 feet of water and everything was destroyed. At that point, I returned to the security of the bricks and mortar world for several years.
As I got older, I realized that I didn't want to deal with office politics and drama any longer. That's when I discovered Upwork and I haven't looked back. - What do you enjoy the most/least about working online, Mary?
I like the freedom to choose my assignments and my working hours. I sometimes miss having co-workers, but not too often. I love being able to travel and work at the same time. - What was your most successful project/contract?
Hmmm. That's hard. Each of my contracts is unique. I most enjoy preparing summaries/ chronologies of medical records and pre-trial document review. - Do you have any advice for other users on Upwork?
Be patient. Success doesn't come quickly or easily. I am constantly re-writing my profile. Learn everything about the platform before you start working so you don't make rookie mistakes, which can be pretty awful.
Be very selective about the jobs you consider. Have another source of income or good savings to fall back on in the slow times.
Don't try freelancing unless you have proven skills and experience. Freelancing is not a place to learn skills, it's a place to demonstrate them. - We want to know at least two fun or interesting things about you
I've had about 5 different careers before I became a paralegal, including real estate sales, retail management, non-profit management and physician recruiting.
Since I began freelancing, I have also worked as a background actor in about 25 movies, 12 or so TV shows and a couple of commercials. Great fun and a totally different set of skills! - Anything else you want to add?
I would like to add that I am years older than most freelancers but Upwork has provided exactly what I need at this time of my life
Member Since: Sep 27, 2015
Congratulations, Mary.
Great advice!
ETA: Indeed, you have aged gracefully; the resemblance to your 1970s photo is remarkable!
Member Since: Nov 20, 2015
Member Since: Aug 24, 2015
Member Since: Dec 30, 2015
Member Since: Nov 10, 2014
Member Since: Sep 27, 2015
@Mary W wrote:Actually, I'm a serial killer who is currently keeping a low profile. Good job, huh??
That’s okay; it ain’t against TOS.
Member Since: Jul 11, 2016
Yayyyyyyyyyyyyy Mary!
Member Since: May 29, 2015
