Upwork is really making me depressed right now.

[sparbrand]

I cannot remember the last time I was interviewed for a job on Upwork. The bidding system is really destroying us on Upwork. I cannot get my parent a Christmas gift this year because Upwork has become really difficult... I have been sending proposals out for over a month now but no job. The last time I sent proposals out this much without hope of a job was when I newly joined Upwork. It has also been months since a random client sent me an invite. Upwork needs to review many things on its platform.  

[procopywrite]

I have to agree. It is odd that the frequency of responses to my proposals has dropped to almost nil in the past two months. I took a shower and changed my underwear, but it made no difference at all. Seriously, though, it's like I've been blacklisted.

[sparbrand]

I just hope Upwork finds a solution to this problem soonest.

[feed_my_eyes]

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Ifedi E wrote:

I just hope Upwork finds a solution to this problem soonest.

---

I believe that you'd be mistaken in thinking that Upwork is looking for a solution. You're having a problem finding work, and many others are also having problems finding work (including me - I can't seem to get hired from a proposal, although invitations are still a good source of new clients), but just because some people aren't being hired, it doesn't mean that nobody is being hired, nor that Upwork perceives this as a problem. You need to look for solutions yourself instead of relying on Upwork to provide you with work. I would suggest reading Tiffany's post as a start.

There's a lot more that you could be doing to improve your profile as well. For one thing, you've spelled the word "design" incorrectly in several different places - fix that. Attention to detail matters. You could also use a more professional-looking photo of yourself in which you look more friendly and there isn't a messy background, and maybe take off your glasses, because the glare from them is casting white spots over your eyes. You could also consider upgrading your skills or learning new ones; there are plenty of free tutorials all over the Internet. The better you are, the more you can charge, then you won't have to constantly get new clients in order to survive.

[7f73cc64]

You have 42 jobs in progress. You took all the jobs lol 💀 just kidding! If you complete those jobs, you may be able to buy some Christmas gifts. 

[07f05ab8]

Yes, so hard. Though, this is not the problem of Upwork side but because simply freelancers have increased too much.

[tlsanders]

---

Ifedi E wrote:

. I cannot get my parent a Christmas gift this year because Upwork has become really difficult... I have been sending proposals out for over a month now but no job.

Surely you're not solely relying on Upwork for all of your work? 

[debashreeh19]

I used to and I earned enough. What would you suggest? other freelance websites are even worse than upwork

[tlsanders]

Everything.

• Using LinkedIn. 
• Cold emailing or calling locally. 
• Telling everyone you know that you're taking on new clients and would appreciate referrals. 
• Browsing job boards--there are dozens (probably more)
• Connecting with other people you can make mutual referrals with (for example, if you're a web designer, consider connecting with writers, developers, etc.  who will have clients who also need the type of services you provide).
• Other possibilities may be specific to the type of work you do. 

You're running a business, and the best way to generate business is always to work multiple channels and determine what's most effective and cost-effective. Even once you find one very successful channel (as Upwork used to be for you), it's best to keep at least two other channels open, because markets change (as you're seeing here) and sometimes things happen abruptly. What if your Upwork account got suspended because of a misunderstanding, or Upwork suddenly changed its business model or even went out of business? It doesn't do to be reliant on one source.

[7ba56d1a]

It's got to be the zombie commercials that drove people away. I'm just kidding, I think. I'm experiencing the same lag in work. It could be me, although the chances are super low because I'm nearly perfect, or it could be Upwork.  It could be the state of the global economy. I honestly don't see near the amount of posts that I used to.

[56f14ee3]

The number of freelancers is increasing day by day on Upwork and other platforms. due to this, you got fewer chances than they are provided to you before.

[7ba56d1a]

That's true! But, again, I see less posts and the world economy is in the toilet. Some countries have not been very productive for the greater part of the past three years.

[a77045c6]

I'm sorry for you. But for me, Upwork is super awesome in December. I've received many invitations this month, and I have 9 active proposals that I've been dealing with the clients. Many of them requested to start their projects immediately but I can't. I'm feeling so overwhelmed with the invitations and translation tests before I win their projects. It's not easy, but it's better than nothing. Moreover, the Upwork specialist invited me to send a proposal to a client that's amazing. 

Wishing you all the best in December as well.

[sparbrand]

You have a unique skill set so demand for it would almost be guaranteed.

[sparbrand]

I would advice that you increase your hourly rate once you get top-rated.

[a77045c6]

Thank you so much for your advice. It may take time for me to grow on Upwork.

[25005175]

Interesting, just saw your intro video (which is probably better as a portfolio item than an introduction). Unfortunately, the Upwork popup doesn't permit the closed captions, which is where I assume your work is located.

[25005175]

These won't solve your work situation, but they will provide some insta-relief!

https://community.upwork.com/t5/Coffee-Break/Show-me-your-pet/m-p/1161212#M54752

https://community.upwork.com/t5/Coffee-Break/Crazy-Job-Postings/td-p/1019028

[a77045c6]

Thank you so much Jonathan for watching my intro video, I just made it.😊

[29db4fb4]

That's exactly what I think. Since the beginning of June, there has been virtually no response to my proposals. My underwear did not change even though I took a shower. I feel like I'm blacklisted, though.

[9a469690]

I am strongly agree with you mate. Upwork recently start live prosal this very unfortunate for 90% freelancers, I hope Upwork will think about it. 

[89a5f3cd]

Upwork is more of a professional platform. Here you get long term projects. My experience has been excellent lately.

[89a5f3cd]

Moreover, most clients on Upwork give long term projects and even hire you offline. it's a continuous process. so be patient and keep going. good luck!

[89a5f3cd]

And just for your information, when I'm talking to you one of my friends landed a $500 USD contract on Upwork for WordPress SEO. So, keep doing it, and don't get demotivated. 

Thanks