Upwork TOS - Or not?

Raul

Hi,

I have a question and would appreciate your guidance on whether this is allowed.

I worked with a client on Upwork, but she is now closing her account. Am I allowed to work with her husband outside of Upwork, given that I never interacted with him through the platform?

Thanks!

Raul

I believe I have found my answer:

NON-CIRCUMVENTION
You agree to communicate through the Site and make and receive payments only through the Site for two years from the date you first identify or meet your Client or Freelancer on the Site unless you pay a Conversion Fee. Violations of this Section constitute a serious breach and may result in permanent suspension of your Account.

Because:

Based on the dates I have with this client:

First transaction: February 15, 2023
Last transaction: February 21, 2025

It's been over two years since my first transaction, so I am now free to work with the client outside of Upwork without any non-circumvention restrictions. I can start this after February 21, 2025.

I AM FREEE!

Ravi

Hold on.
I think there is a $1 conversion fee involved.
The client may need to keep her Upwork account for now.

Vladimir

Hey Raul,

If it's over 2 years you're free to go off-platform.
I worked with a client on Upwork, but she is now closing her account. Am I allowed to work with her husband outside of Upwork, given that I never interacted with him through the platform?

It sounds like this is related to the same contract so that would be seen as taking the relationship off-Upwork. If prior to the two-year window, you'd be advised to stay on the platform. The best course of action in edge cases like these would be to contact Support and ask for clarification in a way that doesn't raise any red flags, if you understand the subtext.