Freelancing on Upwork: Is it Really Worth it?
Freelancing has been a rollercoaster journey for me so far.
But that’s a story for another time…Today, I want to specifically focus on my Upwork journey. I’m a Top Rated freelancer there, but I
I haven’t always been consistent with it; on the contrary, it’s been an on-and-off journey until I decided to take it seriously.
And I’ve got…a LOT…to say about my experience. But most importantly, I want to be 100% transparent and help anyone who is considering starting this journey from the beginning.
Is Freelancing on Upwork Worth it?
In short, no. But it’s deeper than that, of course. It all depends on what your priorities are, for example, having a passive income alongside your primary job, maybe building a portfolio, etc.
Because the platform has changed throughout the years (applying to projects is now more expensive, you run out of connects too fast, etc) it can be time-consuming to get that first well-paying gig.
However, by no means do I want to discourage you from taking the step to give it a shot. There are still some great clients you might find there, and jobs worth your time.
That’s why now I’m going to share exactly WHEN Upwork is worth it.
Building a Portfolio
Yes, there are many other ways to build a portfolio, but Upwork is one of them. Working with different clients/agencies means you can build or expand your portfolio in the niche you’re focusing on. This will also help other potential clients find you.
The more you increase your presence on the platform and start working for better-paying clients, the better your portfolio will get.
Getting Clients
Same logic: this is not the only source of getting clients. LinkedIn, for example, or reaching out directly to potential clients works great for the same purpose.
But if the above-mentioned alternatives don’t work for you, you still can find great clients to collaborate with on Upwork. As you learn more about how the platform works, trust me, you’ll become a master at recognizing patterns and finding projects that are worth applying to, and those that are not.
But always make sure to check the reviews beforehand; that will give you insight. You don’t want to work for someone who has a 2-star rating…
Passive Income
This is another scenario when Upwork might work for you. If you already have a stable job, and you’ve still got some free time after working hours/during the weekend that you can use to focus on finding projects, that’s something to consider
All in All
Upwork is worth it if you’ve got the time, energy, and right dedication to turn it into something profitable. It’s not easy, especially in the beginning, when you’ll probably have to commit to entry gigs to build a portfolio, but it could take you somewhere anyway.
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