It’s been coming – I’ve only sent a few proposals all year, there’s just nothing for me. It’s obvious that AI is largely responsible, but I don’t think that’s the only contributor. Regardless, it doesn’t look like things will improve for me soon. Losing my top-rated status, which I’ve had since it existed, seems a symbolic message that my time on Upwork is over.

The demise of my freelance writing career may have a silver lining. My wife is working and can pay the bills, giving me the freedom to explore a life-long passion. I expect to launch a new product next week, which I am very excited (and a tad nervous) about.

So, it’s adios from somebody with nearly three decades of freelancing under their belt. Some parting advice: If you’re struggling, don’t blame Upwork for your woes but look inwards instead. What would you do if Upwork (or similar) didn’t exist? Thick skin and the ability to digest constructive criticism are something else too few people possess.

Cheers all

    DuncanThePig Sorry to hear this, friend! It sounds like you're already hitting the ground running with your next venture, so onwards and upwards!

    Wishing you success with the launch of your product!

      DuncanThePig

      This isn't a positive milestone but as Jessica mentioned, it might be the nudge to fully focus on a new chapter in your career. It's still not a deserving exit and that's a shame.

      Since you've been on the platform for so long, it shows how much the platform and freelancing market has shifted, and has been changing in the last couple of years compared to the previous decades.

      Feel free to share future updates and let us know if and how we can support you in this career transition.

        I don't think you should leave because you lost the top-rated status. I've been top-rated plus for ages, and it doesn't matter a hill of beans anymore. If Upwork were a high functioning platform like it used to be, clients would still be impressed with your obvious expertise and positive reviews, and you'd soon regain that now meaningless badge.

        But since that is not the case, I can understand your decision and considering doing the same.

        Best of luck!

        I think top-rated status, coupled with a good profile & portfolio, probably still does help.

        But what seems to matter more on Upwork (e.g. for appearing in the algo & generating invites) is activity.

        Being logged in, having active conversations, billing & earning, submitting bids, boosting your profile, (maybe) being available for consultations.

        All of this seems to suggest “open for business” to the Upwork algo.

        Whenever I go quiet on Upwork, the direct messages & invites all cease up. As soon as I am active, bidding, chatting, being online, actively billing… the messages and invites come through.

        I think I am saying you do not have to give up. Take heart. Your Top-Rated status is not the be-all-and-end-all in modern Upwork.

        anovikov

        3D printed vents for exotic animal enclosures, and similar products. I know a copmany in the US is doing the same thing and doing well but there's nobody doing it in this part of the world - so I'm happy to fill the gap.

        The overall idea is to produce hugh-quality bio-active vivarums and the like. The vents will help get me noticed and generate some income. Hopefully. I bought a cheap printer to test out the demand before investing in something more professional.

          Just to clarify - I'm not quitting because I lost my top-rated status. I'm quitting because I can no longer find work on the platform.

          I knew I was facing a career change months ago and have been working on an alternative since. Losing my top-rated badge is more symbolic than anything else. It was inevitable considering I've not applied to a job for months.

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