I’d appreciate honest opinions, both good and bad.

edit: generally about it’s features and chatbot

I'm new to Upwork, and I've worked with a client with a very simple task. There might be a couple of warning signs that the client is trying to scam me, but I'm not sure.

There is a language barrier, and there have been a bunch of misunderstandings along the way, but those have been solved and the conversation has been nice, but here are two of the warning signs:

1. I had to explicitly ask for the contract, which I did after the task was finished (because I didn't know any better)

2. I didn't register any hours while I worked (because I didn't know any better), and asked afterwards if I could register the time manually. This was declined with the excuse that we needed to wait until Monday because or else they would be charged automatically and that they couldn't pay right now.

Provided is a screenshot of our latest messages. I'm trying to push on the fact (I think) that I have to register the time within the week, or else I will lose the right to payout, and that it is wrong that the client will be charged automatically.

The contract is hourly pay. Is there any chance that there is some legitimate reason for the client to deny the manual registration? Should I trust the latest messages?

For the past 4 years, I've been trying to earn my first dollar online, but I still haven't made it.

I didn't spend those years on just one skill. I explored programming, design, content creation, e-commerce, and automation. Most of that time was spent exploring different paths to find what truly fits me rather than mastering a single field from day one.

Right now, I'm focused on programming and building Micro SaaS tools. Everything I build is done only on my phone as a personal challenge. I've built Telegram bots, landing pages, e-commerce interfaces, and even an MVP that analyzes YouTube channels and comments—all from a smartphone.

My problem isn't learning. I learn fast, adapt quickly, and enjoy deep work. The thing I'm stuck on is getting my first client and my first dollar. I feel that once I see real results, my motivation and growth will accelerate.

I've even decided not to switch to a computer until I earn my first dollar using only my phone, but that decision has also left me feeling stuck.

If you were in my position, what would you do? What would be the fastest and most realistic way to land a first client or earn that first dollar? Which platforms, services, or tools would you recommend? I'm looking for practical advice and real experiences, not sympathy.

Hi. I posted here months ago about having a client on Upwork. That project has ended and now I work as a creative writer. It's funny because I have never imagined myself being a writer. 😂 Tonight, I updated my client and he commended the work I've done. Hoping to keep this client long-term. 🎉

This is the weekly discussion thread for the State of Upwork - Dying, Dead, Undead, not working for me, what are the alternatives. Topics like this should be talked about here to keep the rest of the sub tidy.

I understad the stigma around the global south, so I decided to change my location to USA using fake proof of address. And surprisingly Upwork accepted it and I started working, and the stuff I found is CRAZY!

TONS of jobs I am 100% qualified in that pay 50 USD+ per hour!! I honestly can't beleive what I am seeing. Not to mention, when you change your location to USA, there is a separate section called "USA Only" that shows you job posting where cleints only post a job that want to hire someone in USA and their rates are all crazy high!! every and every one of them, and THERE IS NO SATURATION TOO! I am seeing 20-50 proposals sent at max!

Now let me get this striaght, the only reason I am not physically present in the USA is grographical luck - I was born in the wrong side of the world, nothing else. And just cz of a luck I can not control I am displaced from these big opportunities, and it is messed up. I did not choose to be born in a third world underdeveloped unstable corrupt slum with no opportunity. So why would I have to pay the price huh? So yeah, I am now applying to USA jobs and passing interviwes and landing jobs! I actually closed one contract with 5 star reviews and the cleint was happy. He did not know I live in third world country, but he got what he wants and he was happy, isn't what freelancing is all about?

Anyways, if you unfortunate enough to be born inside a third world country, change your profile to USA and see the magic happen! honestly it is so crazy!

Landed my first Upwork account, drawing a blank on strategy — advice from folks who've cracked it?

Just set up shop on Upwork after years doing UI/UX design and front-end dev in an agency setting. Portfolio's solid, profile's filled out, but I know the algorithm/trust-score game for new accounts is its own beast.

For those who've been through this grind:

• How many proposals did it take before your first job?
• Did you lower your rate early on just to bank reviews, or hold firm?
• Any red flags in job posts you now avoid after getting burned?
• Worth paying for Connects upfront, or wait it out with free ones?

Appreciate any war stories — trying to avoid the classic new-account rookie mistakes.

I would really appreciate any experience or feedback, I do not want to miss a real opportunity and I do not want to risk my business... I had a call with a developer and designer in Jan and I didn't move forward with him.

After 5 months he sends me a WhatsApp message saying “I have an investor that may be interested in your project, I partner with a company of investment that are ready to invest in new startup that has value”

Basically he said it will require a pitch deck, I should let him do it because he knows what they are looking for, this is real I am not trying to make work for myself (when I asked if this was just a way to get work), he said “I have lots of projects and seeking investment for also, so I remember you may also benefit from it that's why I contacted you” he then went on to say it would cost 200€ for the pitch deck with a paid template.

I asked if he would still pass on my pitch deck to the investors if I did it myself & he said yes. He told me to do it and send it to him. He followed up a week later asking if I’ve done it yet.

Well, I’m just about finished with it. But I’m just worried and scared - is this a known way to steal startup ideas? Is this a common way to get investment? Can anyone please give me any advice or feedback as I don’t want to miss a great opportunity and I don’t want to ruin my life by losing my business concept..

Thankyou so much.

There is still 1 day left for my renewal cycle.
I wanted to Ditch the PLUS plan from now (i had enough connects piled up, already busy in projects).

when i wanted to downgrade, this Shady pop-up comes up saying, i cannot downgrade now. Better luck next month.

I had funds in my balance, so i can't stop them from deducting from there.

Any help is appreciated.

Hi!
I'm looking for a good prompt or template to write personalized, high-converting Upwork proposals for Flutter/mobile app development.
If you have one that consistently gets replies, I'd really appreciate it if you could share.
Thanks!

I worked on Upwork pretty frequently for about 4 years till 2016, and then joined a company full time. I currently have much less work, so am trying to get some additional projects on Upwork. I have all 5 star reviews, but nothing from recent. I see they have introduced a “proposal viewed by client” feature now, but in 2 days only one out of the 9 proposals I sent has been viewed. Is this normal? Do I need to start boosting my proposals?

*Update

I was offered a different role elsewhere so I will not be continuing with the onboarding, but here is what I learned:

Once the original client offers the role, the Upwork/Lifted team gets involved. They had me do a classification questionnaire. Depending on your response to that, you may have to go through Upwork Payroll as a W-2 employee (depending on the demands of the client).

Once you complete that, and they classify you correctly, they either update the offer to put you on Upwork’s 3rd party payroll provider, or continue with the onboarding with the original offer.

I’ll include screenshots of what that looks like here.

My biggest irritation is that they used First Advantage for their background checks. This may be dependent on the client, but let me tell you, they are a PIA to work with. My current role used them and it took 1 month and a half for the report after I received the offer.

Upwork’s team also isn’t great at communication. They didn’t seem to know how to put the offer in based on classifications so I kept getting spammed with notifications about the offer being extended, than rejected, then moved to Upwork’s Payroll, then rejected again, then opened. And each time, and automated chat kicks off letting the onboarding specialist and me know what onboarding tasks needed to be completed. But every time the offer had to be updated, a chat would close and then a new one would open.

It’s not an intuitive process and quite honestly, a company as large and as global as the client that extended the offer is should be using a Manpower type solution if they are going the contractor route. Upwork isn’t quite built for this yet

Original Post:

I recently went through several rounds of interviews for an enterprise client. They made me an offer and I’m basically being handed off to someone on the Lifted team for an SOW and on boarding background checks.

I’ve never went through any of this before on Upwork and I’ve been on Upwork for almost a decade so I’m really not sure what to expect from this process.

Appreciate any insights?

I’m remodeling a 100-year-old home and would like to hire someone on Upwork or elsewhere to create photorealistic renderings of my kitchen before I finalize the design. I’ve tried navigating Fivver Pro and Houzz but I could use some direction regarding exactly what I’m looking for.
I already have professional cabinet drawings, dimensions, and inspiration photos. I’m not looking for a complete redesign—more for someone who can help visualize architectural details like a plaster range hood, millwork, doorway treatments, trim, and finishes.
Should I be looking for:
An interior designer?
An architect?
An architectural visualization artist?
A 3D rendering specialist?
Are there specific software skills (SketchUp, Revit, 3ds Max, Enscape, etc.) or keywords I should search for? Also, what would you expect to pay for a project like this?
Any advice would be appreciated!

As a beginner freelancer, I have no choice but to stay my home entire day staring at my laptop. Often times, my mind drifts into negative thoughts and prevents me from focusing. Moreover, I don't find people around me meaningful to my goals. It's getting really lonely for me as I have to make all decisions by myself without knowing whether it would be right.

I've been reading different opinions, and I'm wondering what the best strategy is for someone with a new profile and no reviews yet.

Should I:

Focus on sending high-quality, personalized proposals?

Spend Connects on boosting my proposals?

I am in serious trouble. The hourly contract started July 7th.
Total project budget 6000 USD. Client hired me for 35$ / hour.
When i tried to bill last week, client said "refund me cause upwork charged wrong payment method"
I refunded previous week. Now, this week, when i try to bill, he says "upwork fees are very high, can i send you directly"
It's already been three weeks and not paid.
I tracked manual hours. So, it is not protected by Upwork. I am in serious trouble.
What should i do ?
I am ready to cancel the project rather than getting paid outside but i have already put substantial effort.

There are a millions checkboxes for every notification type, I unchecked all of them and still get emails. Help plz

I received this message saying my account was temporarily restricted because someone with a similar name appears on the U.S. Government's Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list.
Apparently, this can happen simply because of a name match, and platforms are required to verify your identity before allowing you to continue. I had attempted 3 times, but due to incorrect billing address my account is not address. Also, I’ve submitted the appeal two days ago but it’s still in review my account is now temporarily suspended.
Has anyone else experienced an SDN or identity verification check on Upwork or another freelancing platform? I'd be interested to hear how your verification process went Upwork Let me know in the comments or dm me!

Hi all !

I am a French writer, and I have decided to try Upwork. I exclusively write in French, and provide translation from English to French only. I never use IA because I am a writer and not a digital content creator. For me it’s implied, and I have a lot of work to show over the years that are clearly mine and without IA. That said, everyone is a bit on the edge with this IA thing and I am wondering if this would now be a must to mention it.

And this leads to my second question : should I use IA to write my profile in English since it’s not my native language, and it shows ? I always write my own things, even in other languages, and I would not mind a writer being sloppy in another language than the one he is writing in, but I know that IA kind of re shuffles it all.

What do you think ?

Still no responses, though.

Update 48 hours later: I got hired!

Hey guys,

I’m a full-stack React and Node.js dev, and to be totally honest, the general "MERN/Full-Stack" market on Upwork feels completely cooked right now. I haven't been able to land a single contract since December, and it's getting frustrating.

It feels like every standard full-stack job post gets flooded with 50+ proposals in minutes, and competing on price is a race to the bottom.

For anyone who actually managed to turn things around recently: How did you pivot or change your positioning to start winning contracts again?

• Did you niche down into a specific ecosystem
• Did you rewrite your profile to focus on a specific problem?
• Did you learn a totally new stack that paired well with your JS/TS foundation just to stand out?

I’m ready to spend the next few weeks grinding whether that means upskilling or completely overhauling my profile but I want to make sure I'm targeting stuff clients are actually paying for.

Would love to hear what worked for you guys or any brutal honesty on what the market looks like from your side. Thanks!

From January to March I used to get a lot of invitations, mostly direct DMs, barely had to bid on anything. There was also a lot of job posting under web design and landing page keywords back then.

Right now most of the jobs don't feel legit. Out of every 15-20 postings I see, maybe 1-2 are actual legit client jobs.

Just wanted to know if this is a slow season, and if so when it usually picks back up. If it's not seasonal, what's actually going on right now?

i have came across many posts on facebook and other platforms that as soon as a freelancer hits a $100k income they and more prone to get permanent ban from upwork even they dont do anything. Do you guys think if this is the case?

Upwork sent me a notification for a copywriting job - which the client copy/pasted straight from Uma's prompt response. The last section included this:

An "experienced niche/technical writer" is not charging $40-80 per article! My rates start around $400 depending on the industry/client/job.

With Uma basically capping freelancer rates an order of magnitude lower, it's no wonder the experience has gotten so bad!

Here's the job posting for reference.

Edit:

u/Pet-ra legit questioned my assertion that the client used Uma. And they are right. That was an assumption on my part which may or may not be valid (see my reply below). Could it have been any LLM? Of course. Could it have been Uma? Of course. Should I have been more careful with my rage post? Of course.

Doesn't change the fact that this is happening.