I quit F*cking around with Upwork - here's why:
1) My job success score went from 100% to 80% after a single contract ended, despite the fact the client left 5* feedback. All other previous clients left 5* feedback. Completely absurd.
2) I ignored some warning signs and took a job for a client that tried to stiff me out of $500. Thankfully, Upwork protections made sure I got paid. Client later cancelled the contract and left poor feedback. This resulted in my success score plummeting even further, making it harder to get jobs.
3) The fee structure recently changed to be unfavorable to all parties. 20% instead of 10% and about 3% for the clients.
All the above make it difficult to justify using it, for me. Everybody is different, however.
For those that are still active on the platform, and are new, here are the warning signs I ignored and you should heed:
- If a client advertises a job as hourly and then switches to a fixed price contract, do not accept under any circumstances. No matter what reason they gave you, they are performing a bait and switch and cannot be trusted. They are not trying to watch their bottom line, they are/will trying to screw you.
- If a client tacks on extra tasks after the contract begins, you should protest immediately. I didn't because it was a $5,000 multi month contract and I figured it wasn't a huge deal. This was a mistake and only served to further dilute the value of the contract. It demonstrates the client is cheap and doesn't respect you, and the relationship will not be good.
- If a client cannot provide clear direction on what they want, that is another red flag. Find this out before accepting the contract. If they aren't clear on their expectations, they will take it out on you when you don't meet their (ill defined) expectations.
Another protip: always Google the client's name before accepting the contract. The person that tried to stiff me has an entire page dedicated to them being a scammer. I didn't do my due diligence up front, so I had to be taught a lesson.
I have shifted my focus to local networking, cold messaging on LinkedIn, and just started Facebook PPC ads. I also switched to AdWords / conversion optimization since it gives some degree of recurring income and I get to play with data and conduct small experiments (I'm a nerd).
With respect to the posters above me:
If you're sending out 30 applications and not getting any replies, then I would take a step back. Try using a semi custom template so you can hone in on the problem with your application. What I mean is, use a consistent methodology for the "You" focused portion, and use a boilerplate for the description of yourself.
Try using a consistent class of "you" focused questions (asking about their target demographic, for instance) with every client.
Come up with a few "templates" and test them out with groups of 10. Compare results and see what works. If you are applying for a large volume of jobs, you can quickly find out what you're doing wrong.
If nothing seems to work, you can send your proposal to me and I'll provide what feedback I can. I've been on both sides of the Upwork experience. I've hired writers and graphic designers as well as worked as an adwords manager and content/ghost writer.
1) My job success score went from 100% to 80% after a single contract ended, despite the fact the client left 5* feedback. All other previous clients left 5* feedback. Completely absurd.
2) I ignored some warning signs and took a job for a client that tried to stiff me out of $500. Thankfully, Upwork protections made sure I got paid. Client later cancelled the contract and left poor feedback. This resulted in my success score plummeting even further, making it harder to get jobs.
3) The fee structure recently changed to be unfavorable to all parties. 20% instead of 10% and about 3% for the clients.
All the above make it difficult to justify using it, for me. Everybody is different, however.
For those that are still active on the platform, and are new, here are the warning signs I ignored and you should heed:
- If a client advertises a job as hourly and then switches to a fixed price contract, do not accept under any circumstances. No matter what reason they gave you, they are performing a bait and switch and cannot be trusted. They are not trying to watch their bottom line, they are/will trying to screw you.
- If a client tacks on extra tasks after the contract begins, you should protest immediately. I didn't because it was a $5,000 multi month contract and I figured it wasn't a huge deal. This was a mistake and only served to further dilute the value of the contract. It demonstrates the client is cheap and doesn't respect you, and the relationship will not be good.
- If a client cannot provide clear direction on what they want, that is another red flag. Find this out before accepting the contract. If they aren't clear on their expectations, they will take it out on you when you don't meet their (ill defined) expectations.
Another protip: always Google the client's name before accepting the contract. The person that tried to stiff me has an entire page dedicated to them being a scammer. I didn't do my due diligence up front, so I had to be taught a lesson.
I have shifted my focus to local networking, cold messaging on LinkedIn, and just started Facebook PPC ads. I also switched to AdWords / conversion optimization since it gives some degree of recurring income and I get to play with data and conduct small experiments (I'm a nerd).
With respect to the posters above me:
If you're sending out 30 applications and not getting any replies, then I would take a step back. Try using a semi custom template so you can hone in on the problem with your application. What I mean is, use a consistent methodology for the "You" focused portion, and use a boilerplate for the description of yourself.
Try using a consistent class of "you" focused questions (asking about their target demographic, for instance) with every client.
Come up with a few "templates" and test them out with groups of 10. Compare results and see what works. If you are applying for a large volume of jobs, you can quickly find out what you're doing wrong.
If nothing seems to work, you can send your proposal to me and I'll provide what feedback I can. I've been on both sides of the Upwork experience. I've hired writers and graphic designers as well as worked as an adwords manager and content/ghost writer.
Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member:
Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)
Membership Required: Upgrade to Expose Nearly 1,000,000 Posts
Ready to Unleash the Millionaire Entrepreneur in You?
Become a member of the Fastlane Forum, the private community founded by best-selling author and multi-millionaire entrepreneur MJ DeMarco. Since 2007, MJ DeMarco has poured his heart and soul into the Fastlane Forum, helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time, win their financial freedom, and live their best life.
With more than 39,000 posts packed with insights, strategies, and advice, you’re not just a member—you’re stepping into MJ’s inner-circle, a place where you’ll never be left alone.
Become a member and gain immediate access to...
- Active Community: Ever join a community only to find it DEAD? Not at Fastlane! As you can see from our home page, life-changing content is posted dozens of times daily.
- Exclusive Insights: Direct access to MJ DeMarco’s daily contributions and wisdom.
- Powerful Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of successful entrepreneurs who can offer mentorship, collaboration, and opportunities.
- Proven Strategies: Learn from the best in the business, with actionable advice and strategies that can accelerate your success.
"You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with the most..."
Who are you surrounding yourself with? Surround yourself with millionaire success. Join Fastlane today!
Join Today
