About the number of "connects" and the cost involved.
Before I was led to the exit door at my broadcasting job there was a cost to apply for jobs. One had to submit a tape, or later, a DVD. Postage for tapes cost more than the 19 connects, or whatever it is up to now. Oh yes, having a nice résumé prepared cost a few too.
Now to show the unbalance here on this site:
Those who post jobs do not have to pay a fee. In the days of sending tapes the broadcasters would spend a bunch to advertise in the trade magazines. And yes, serious candidates were first interviewed [most of the time long-distance $$; not "collect"].
I had the pleasure of a prospective employer paying for round-trip airfare; rental car; three days in a nice hotel with room service. My guess it cost over $2000.
We freelancers are not respected nor valued by Upwork.
I was so "thrilled" to receive 10 "connects, 'free'" recently.
"There's is so much supply of talent and very less jobs,..."
Many believe that is by design.
It has been said this site has millions of freelancers yes the number of talent seekers runs about 18%. It's a poor business model in relation to the Upwork commercials that tout the "amazing/quality" talent here.
Yes, there are extremely creative, talented, experienced professionals here, but one has to weed through the shiploads of unqualified hobbyists.
Upwork is billing itself as an agency [commercials] with a service to sell: freelancers. A resource.
Imagine a car repair shop in its video commercials touting its mechanics' skills. Do the customers pay [talent seekers], or do the mechanics ["freelancers"]?
A few years back Upwork had a "house cleaning" program where freelancers who did not meet a certain number of jobs were removed. Perhaps there were some who stomped and fussed over such "unfairness" by doing such. Tsk, tsk. That's life! That's reality.
Instead, .why not take your talents, or whatever and audition for Shark Tank. Over 26,000 apply per year — about 90 make the show. 😮
