anovikov That's a great question, and one I can definitely relate to. I worked with Toptal for a while and hit a significant milestone, earning $400K. But despite my success, I was let go without clear justification likely because they started prioritizing local U.S. freelancers over international talent. It was a wake-up call for me about the volatility of relying on platforms like Toptal or even Upwork, which is now showing similar patterns.
Platforms like these milk the market early on, onboarding as many freelancers as possible, only to shift gears once they've established dominance. It's not far-fetched to imagine Upwork eventually going the same route changing policies or shutting down certain opportunities in a way that leaves freelancers scrambling.
The way I see it, the next logical step is to build independence. Invest in your own business or brand create something where you have control over client relationships, pricing, and long-term growth. Focus on attracting direct clients and diversifying revenue streams. It’s definitely a risk, but it’s also the way to future-proof your career and avoid being at the mercy of platforms.
For me, the ultimate goal is building something sustainable and scalable whether it's an agency, a productized service, or even consulting in your area of expertise. Platforms like Upwork are a stepping stone, but they’re not the endgame.
Would love to hear your thoughts on this perspective!
