Should I settle for less money?

[#1]

As a copy editor/proofreader, my JSS is only 92%. Lately, my proposals have been ignored. Sometimes I see excellent and interesting jobs, except for one thing. The clients are not willing to pay much. I usually scroll past these, but wonder if I should apply just because I need more great reviews and feedback. What are the downsides to working for too little money? Freelancing on Upwork is a side thing, as I have a full-time job as a social worker. Did every successful freelancer have to "pay dues" involving working for too little money? I accepted a job for way too little pay once about a year and a half ago and it was really tough, not a good feeling. I accepted the contract because I felt desperate.  

[#2]

It's nice to talk about these things and share perspectives with each other but in the end i believe these are personal decisions. There is no single formula. I have seen one person always charging the premium price and never settling for less. This person achieved huge success. And i thought this was the key! But then i saw another person who started with more reasonable rates and increased slowly and this person got great success as well!

I think coming across too many people who can't pay your worth is normal. A rolex is also coming across many people who can't pay its price. The important thing is, when you actually come across someone who can and will pay the premium price, do you have the profile and skills to convince this person that you're the right one? If you are actually the right one, does your online presence convey that information in a convincing way? I believe those are the things you should be focusing on

[#3]

Thank you for your input. There are reasonable rates. And then there are unreasonable rates that are way too low. I wonder if clients who are not willing to pay reasonably are also more likely to give undeserved poor feedback. 

[#4]

I believe the answer to that question is a big yes! 

[#5]

I always check the feedback that the client has left for other freelancers before I bid. No amount of money is worth getting dinged by a client you know you can do a good job for.

As far as working for lower rates, you can go lower than your ideal rate, without going too low, to get the feedback and ratings, but eventually you'll get what you're worth.

The very best clients are the ones who pay well, and have long term work. If getting 5 starts from other clients with similar jobs helps to build you up before, or as you apply for the premium jobs, then go for it.

I hope this helps.

[#6]

Thank you!!! 

[#7]

The biggest downside is that your future prospective clients will see that you've worked for peanuts for others and likely make assumptions about the quality of your work on that basis.

[#8]

Excellent point that I didn't even think of. Thank you!