Backstory:
So, I was introduced to Upwork back in 2013. I was fortunate enough to have been invited by an employer, so my first and only upwork job was steady. It was an awesome job too, I got to make angry customers happy. In total I kept this job for 5 months (952 hours).
I had to leave though, it was a matter of principle. Why'd I leave? At some point I realized that in this case "The customer really is always right". Let's just say there where some legal, but not really kosher marketing practices going on. I did what I could and turned as many frowns into smiles as I could. I was even mining our databases to find more customers. So both my employer and my customers where happy.
Anyway, enough of the sob story, at some point a caller shamed me and I had to face reality.
So I decided to leave, but guess what, seldom do people hire anyone without a proven track-record. Those 952 hours never helped my account, because the employer never closed the contract.
Trying to scramble for a job in 2013 I definetely made some mistakes. So, here are the promised pitfalls to avoid:
- keep improving your profile (certifications, portfolio, detailed achievements & new skills)
- don't put off the upwork readiness test, I did and I made the same mistakes I made in 2013 in 2020
- You don't have skype, just keep all contract communication in upwork. If the employer wants to call you they can do that through upwork's messaging server.
- Even if you really want to leave an employer try to find the next one first, and then give your current one ample time.
- Don't even think about the 20% fee, just try to get a better job if you have to. Think of it this way, it probably takes millions to run upwork .
- And whatever you do, try to stay on the good side of people on this platform.
- I'm sure there are many pitfalls related to assignments, but you probably wouldn't have chosen freelancing if you didn't believe in your skills.
The title says there is a plea so here it is.
Does anyone have
