A freelancer with 100% Job Success is Leaving Upwork

[#1]

Nothing to say! Upwork's new policies, scams and this connects or Bidding War ended my freelancing career.

P.S. To the new freelancers, leave this platform and Join a job and start your own firm.

Good Bye

[#2]

I"'m okay with the soon-to-be 10% Fee starting next year. Currently, I'm at a 5% fee. I understand Upwork is a business and they definitely need to earn a profit. Starting your own freelancing business would cost you much more than the 10% fee, you would need a team management software system which would pay high monthly fees, probably need to hire a bookkeeper since everything is not in order as Upwork keeps it all organized for you. I noticed over 50 proposals on just one job offer at 16 connects costing each person $2.40 USD just to send a proposal which amounts to over $120 USD Upwork was made on just proposals for that one job posting. I'm amazed they are still not making a profit as a company as of yet. 

[#3]

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Shane G wrote:

Starting your own freelancing business would cost you much more than the 10% fee, you would need a team management software system which would pay high monthly fees, probably need to hire a bookkeeper since everything is not in order as Upwork keeps it all organized for you.

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First of all, if you're a freelancer then you're already running a freelancing business and need to pay whatever fees and taxes are applicable in your country, whether you're using Upwork or not. Second, if you're located anywhere other than the U.S., Upwork does not "keep it all organized". Many of us have to create separate invoices in our local currency and subtract VAT charges from the balance; it's a lot more work, not less work. 

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Shane G wrote:

I'm amazed they are still not making a profit as a company as of yet. 

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They are making a profit now because of the increased connects required to bid on every project.
 

[#4]

Amazing profile that you have, You confirmed that people are willing to pay higher rates based on skills and experience. I say this because I read comments about how this platform is for those competing against low rates. 

I inspire to be you one day, HAHA

[#5]

Impressive profile you've got. @Christine how are you coping up with the increased connects. My profile had started to pick up but it's like im almost out of the game running low of connnects as they get expensive.

[#6]

Hi Amit, (thread starter) 

I just checked your profile, You have A lot of experience and good reviews and have earned enough money on this platform. It's time to up your rates. Perhaps double your rates and just don't compromise. You deserve more money I think for your skills. 

[#7]

Hey, Shane! How is it gonna help me? I didn't get a single project since last year, have been scammed once and buying connects for nothing doesn't really make any sense. I know my potential. I have brought websites in the top 5 results of Google within 3 months. Some clients who didn't even know anything about SEO gave me bad reviews and then these blood-sucking policies from Upwork. I had everything sorted, just got married, and was quite sure about my freelancing career on Upwork. But now, I am feeling like a loser. And Why? Because of this BIDDING WAR?? We freelancers give a part of our hard-earned money and what are we getting instead... 16 connects to apply for a job. Scams? Freelancers with 0 skills beating the skilled ones because they can spend more connects? This is really heartbreaking moment for me. And I am sure, if this thread goes viral here or on Reddit, there will be some moderators and community members who will bash me and will take Upwork's side. This SUCKS!!!

[#8]

Perhaps add some one-off projects in the project catalog. Like I will do this and that for (Charge your Fee) I think the project's catalog might be less competition. Anyway wish you the best in whatever you decide. You definitely deserve more than what you are charging. Charge more work less 🙂 

[#9]

Thanks, Shane! I wish you the best as well. 🙂

[#10]

Quite a profile you have there Amit  but I do understand the frustration of the decline that has been happening over time, it's not what we expect.

Lately I have been focusing on connecting and establishing a portfolio I’ve had a hard time getting jobs compared to other platforms ANY RECOMENDATIONS ON GROWING UPWORK PROFILE and alternative options.

Is Up work still something to give a try, connects are getting expensive especially with no jobs. 

[#11]

Hey Courage, I noticed that you have a lot of one-time projects posted. I actually thought we were limited to 10 but I guess that I was wrong since you have more, great job! Your profile looks great as well. I'm curious and would like to ask? How long have you had your projects posted? How long have you been on Upwork? I'm correct to say that you never had anyone purchase a project as of yet?