Why I Decided to Stop Freelancing on Upwork After a Decade | Freelance and Business

Jan 6, 2024 | Freelancing | 0 comments

After a decade of freelancing on Upwork, I made the difficult decision to quit. It wasn’t an easy choice, but after much consideration, I realized that it was the best decision for my career and wellbeing.

When I first started freelancing on Upwork, I was excited about the opportunities it offered. As a freelancer, I had the freedom to choose my own projects, set my own schedule, and work from anywhere in the world. I was able to build a successful business and make a comfortable living doing what I love.

However, over the years, I began to notice some significant drawbacks to freelancing on Upwork. One of the biggest challenges was the increasing competition. As the platform grew in popularity, more and more freelancers joined, making it harder for me to stand out and win projects. I found myself spending more time and energy bidding on projects and less time actually doing the work I loved.

Another issue I encountered was the lack of stability and security. As a freelancer, I was always at the mercy of the marketplace and client demands. There were times when I had a steady flow of projects, and other times when I struggled to find work. This inconsistency made it difficult to plan for the future and contributed to a high level of stress and anxiety.

Additionally, the fees and commissions charged by Upwork were becoming increasingly burdensome. As the platform expanded and evolved, the fees seemed to continually increase, cutting into my earnings and making it more challenging to make a profit.

Perhaps the most significant factor that led to my decision to quit freelancing on Upwork was the erosion of work-life balance. I found myself constantly working long hours to meet deadlines and juggling multiple projects to make ends meet. This took a toll on my physical and mental health, and I knew that I needed to make a change for the sake of my wellbeing.

Ultimately, I decided to shift my focus to building my own freelance business outside of Upwork. I created a professional website, established my brand, and began marketing my services independently. This allowed me to have more control over my rates, projects, and client relationships, and it provided me with a greater sense of autonomy and freedom.

Leaving freelancing on Upwork was a difficult decision, but it ultimately proved to be a positive and rewarding move for my career. It allowed me to regain my work-life balance, focus on projects that truly mattered to me, and build a more sustainable and fulfilling freelancing career.

While Upwork can be an excellent platform for many freelancers, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and consider other options that may better suit your needs and goals. For me, leaving Upwork was the right decision, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to create a more rewarding and sustainable freelance career.