I paid Upwork over $5,000 in fees last year. And Honestly? I’d Do It Again.
When I looked at my Upwork earnings report at the end of last year, one number stood out in bold: over $5,000 in fees. That’s how much I paid the platform just to be able to do my job. Just to show up, send proposals, work with clients, and get paid.
And strangely enough… I didn’t feel angry. I wasn’t frustrated or bitter. In fact, I felt – dare I say it? – okay with it.
Actually, more than okay.
Because after four years of freelancing full-time through Upwork, that $5,000 feels less like a loss and more like rent. Rent for the space where I built a career. Rent for the freedom to live and work on my own terms.
So yes, I’m still here. Still working through Upwork. Still paying the platform’s cut. And I’ll gladly keep doing it in 2025 and beyond.
Here’s why.
Upwork Gets a Lot of Flak
Over the years, I’ve had plenty of people ask me how I can stand working through Upwork. They roll their eyes at the fees. They groan about the competition. Some are convinced it’s just a glorified race to the bottom, where the lowest bidder always wins.
And look, I get it. Those concerns aren’t made up. For plenty of freelancers, the platform can feel crowded, inconsistent, and even discouraging at first. I’ve been there.
But my experience has been… different.
Not because I’m some kind of exception, but because I treated Upwork from day one like a long game. I didn’t just fire off 50 copy-paste proposals and hope something stuck. I showed up consistently. I refined my profile. I learned how to pitch. I found my voice, and the clients who actually wanted to pay for it.
And once that started happening, something shifted: Upwork wasn’t just a freelancing platform anymore. It became a real foundation for my work, and in many ways, my life.
Wait! What is Upwork?
In case you’ve never dipped your toes into this freelancing pool: Upwork.com is a platform that connects freelancers like me with clients from all over the world. Writers, designers, coders, marketers, translators, you name it. If it can be done remotely, someone’s hiring for it.
And while Upwork does take a 10% cut of everything you earn (yes, ouch), they also handle all the admin headaches, contracts, weekly payments (!), client disputes, deadlines, even time tracking if you want it.
Basically, they let me just focus on what I do best: delivering the work.
Why I Stay: Freedom, First and Always
I’ll be honest with you: I was never meant for the 9-to-5 life. The idea of showing up at the same desk every day, clocking in and out under fluorescent lights, asking permission to take a lunch break or, god forbid, step away for a pee? It made my skin crawl. Some people thrive in that structure. I just don’t.
Freelancing through Upwork gave me a way out of that world entirely. These days, I get to decide where I work, when I work, and who I say yes to. I’ve answered client messages from a breezy café tucked into the mountains of Chile. I’ve edited reports from a beac hview balcony in Sri Lanka, and taken calls barefoot after a morning swim in Portugal. The setting changes, but the work gets done, and that’s what matters. And I live in Cambodia now!
That kind of freedom isn’t a perk. It’s the whole point. It’s what keeps me showing up on this platform, even with the fees and the quirks and the occasional late-night deadline (or the 1 am message from a total different time zone asking for help within an hour). Because the real currency for me isn’t just the money, it’s the freedom to live on my own terms.
Global Clients, Endless Variety
One of the unexpected joys of freelancing on Upwork has been the sheer variety of people and projects. One week I’m translating a romance novel set in a small town in Canada, the next I’m editing an investor pitch for a startup in Berlin. One day later a major streaming network asks me to dive into the Dutch translations of very important legal documents they needed yesterday.
I’ve worked with CEOs, poets, backpackers-turned-entrepreneurs. Some projects last a day, others turn into long-term collaborations. It keeps things fresh. And every job teaches me something, about language, about business, about culture.
Honestly, I never would’ve built a portfolio this diverse if I’d just stuck around locally.
The Security Bit No One Talks About
One of the most exhausting parts of freelancing, especially off-platform, is the uncertainty. You deliver the work, you send the invoice… and then wait. Sometimes you wait days. Sometimes weeks. You send your client a reminder and wait again. Sometimes you wait forever, because the client disappears into the void and suddenly you’re chasing down payment like a debt collector with a polite smile. Dude!
Been there. Hated it.
That’s exactly why I stick with Upwork. Four years in, and I’ve never had to chase down a payment. The whole escrow thing means clients put the money up front – before I even start – and once I deliver, boom, it’s mine. If things get messy? Upwork Support jumps in. Trust me, I’ve been there. Even when someone comes to me with an “emergency” project that needs to start right now, I still wait. Contract first, payment secured, then we work. I don’t care how urgent they say it is. If things get messy? Upwork Support jumps in. Trust me, I’ve been there.
Is it perfect? No. Nothing is. But honestly, not having to send those awkward “just checking in on the invoice” emails ever again? That peace of mind is priceless. It lets me focus on the work instead of the drama.
So About Those Fees
Yes, Upwork takes 10%. And yes, that adds up. Last year alone, I paid over $5,000 in fees.
To put that in perspective: that’s the equivalent of 2 years of rent for a two-bedroom apartment by the beach in Sri Lanka. (And yes, I’ve stayed there. Still do, every few years. Highly recommend the mango lassis.)
But here’s the thing: that money didn’t vanish into a black hole. It bought me something valuable: access. To a global marketplace of clients. To a steady stream of work without cold-pitching strangers or begging for leads. It gave me structure, credibility, and visibility, especially once I built up a solid profile and reputation.
Would I love to pocket that extra 10%? Of course. Who wouldn’t?
But would I trade the life I’ve built – this freedom, this rhythm – for the sake of saving on fees? Not a chance.
(And let’s not forget: it used to be 20%. So technically, I’m already winning.)
No, It’s Not All Rainbows
Let’s not pretend it’s all perfect. Upwork has its rough edges, and I’ve felt them. Getting started? That was brutal. I sent dozens of proposals into the void before anyone even blinked in my direction. And even now, some clients come in expecting champagne-level work for tap water rates.
That part never really goes away, you just get better at spotting them. And then there’s the platform itself, with its mysterious algorithms and profile visibility shifts that can leave you wondering if you’ve accidentally become invisible overnight.
But here’s the thing: if you treat it like a real job, and not some side hustle you only half believe in, things start to change. You get better. You learn how to pitch, how to price, how to politely say no.
You build relationships. You get invited back. You find your groove. And suddenly this platform that once felt like a gamble starts to feel like your own little corner of the internet. Your business. Your freedom. On your terms.
For Anyone Standing Where I Once Stood
Upwork isn’t perfect, and like any platform, it has its challenges. As is the case with any platform, there are also disadvantages here. I mean, the barriers to entry are quite strict, and getting your first couple of gigs may take quite a bit of effort. But once you find your groove, Upwork can be an incredible platform to build a thriving freelance career.
So, it takes effort. Yes, the fees sting. But where else can you build a sustainable freelance career, with global reach, real flexibility, and income security… all while working from wherever your Wi-Fi holds up?
If you’re debating whether Upwork is worth it: my answer is yes.
And if you’re already on Upwork and struggling? I’ve been there. I remember those first few months. If you want to chat, swap tips, or just ask how I landed my first $10k client— reach out to me here. I’m always happy to help a fellow freelancer find their footing.
See you out there.
Ramon.
I signed up for UpWork to be a freelancer artist, I see several opportunities that interest me. However, it mentions to purchase Connects. This is the part where I began to doubt this. If assuming correctly, I need to buy connects in order to apply for freelance jobs? Does the company not already take 20% of what you make?
Speaking of which, how are you paid? I am positive you don’t provide personal bank info to anyone on there
Upwork does use a system of “Connects” that you need to use in order to bid on jobs. The number of Connects required varies based on the complexity and pay rate of the job. You get a bunch of them when you just sign up and if you have a complete profile, you also get a bonus of them per month.
I sometimes spend a dozen of dollars on them per month. It allows me to just propose to those jobs that really fit me.
Upwork does take a percentage of your earnings, yes. But that’s also my security for being paid weekly (!) and I don’t ever have to hassle with clients over payments and conditions. I work when a milestone has been activated or a contract is made.
As for how you get paid, Upwork offers a variety of payment methods, including PayPal, Payoneer, and direct bank transfer. You only enter this once, so Upwork pays you. Clients pay Upwork to pay you in the end. No client ever sees your banking information online. That’s also a protection thing. You never have to invoice a client either.
Last year 2024, I was only able to land one job. Indexing a game manual using microsoft word although I have been sending proposals as a technical writer right and left. Is the market getting that competitive or am I doing something wrong. I have a top rated badge, my portolio is overflowing, my qualifications are impeccable, I have a video on my profile. I guess the competition is just too much.
Please share your opinion and maybe some suggestions. And thanks for sharing your time.
It sounds like you’re doing all the right things in terms of qualifications, portfolio, and profile optimization! That’s great, and it shows you’re committed to getting noticed on Upwork. But yes, the competition in freelancing can definitely feel tough, especially in technical writing where there are a lot of talented professionals.
Here are a few suggestions that might help boost your chances:
Refine Your Proposals: Even with a strong portfolio, proposals need to be tailored to each job. Take time to truly understand the client’s needs and highlight specific experience you have related to the task. Show how you can solve their problem, not just how you’re qualified. Clients read the first two lines and decide then if they want to read more.
Be Strategic with Your Niche: Sometimes, broad categories can lead to a lot of competition. If you specialize even more (e.g., game manuals, medical writing, or tech documentation for certain industries), it might help you stand out more. People are often willing to pay more for specialized knowledge.
Leverage Client Feedback: Since you’re Top Rated, use that to your advantage. Be sure to ask satisfied clients for testimonials, or better yet, referrals to other potential clients. Social proof is powerful!
Keep Your Profile Active and Engaging: Regularly update your profile and ensure it reflects your most recent work. An active profile can increase your visibility.
Timing and Patience: The freelancing world can sometimes require more patience. Keep applying, keep improving your proposals, and stay visible.
Competition is real, but with persistence and continuous tweaking of your approach, you can definitely see the results you’re hoping for. Keep at it!
Good luck, Jerry! You’ve got the right mindset.
I would definitely read this once again after I would start applying on Upwork. And yes, I agree with every word what you have said in this article and I understand every feeling that you have expressed. Freelance is a freedom and that is the thing you have to earn, so thank you for your wise words!!!
Hey, thanks for your article. I recently got on Upwork. From my understanding it’s not somewhere you go when you are starting from scratch. You need some money to invest before you even have a chance of making any.
As a freelancer that is usually how it goes anyway. You need gas, bus fare, or some kind of transportation just to get in front of potential clients every day. I am still trying to figure out if overall it is worth it. It is definitely annoying to see all these clients in my field needing help and not be able to talk to them or reach out directly without connects and a tailored resume.
I am in the first month, and the question “is this worth it?” crosses my mind a lot. I have sent 10 proposals and spent over 200 connects. I even bid higher to get on top but still got outbid. Out of those 10, only 3 have even been viewed, and none got feedback. That is the part that sucks. More than 120 connects are tied up in proposals nobody has looked at.
It feels strange to invest money and not know how much you will need to put in before you get some back or actually start profiting. I read your article and wanted to ask if you remember how much you spent on connects before you started seeing a return. I know the 10 percent fee is there, but do you also count the connect costs as part of that fee?
Good question. I currently spend about 100 connects every few months, which is not that much. But I have also been on the platform for years now, to see what works, learned when I should apply or not.
And I do not believe in the bidding war on a job. I know clients that totally disregard the proposal one on top and do see the other applications too. If I am better than the highest bidder, I will get the job – that’s my mantra. So don’t bid and don’t apply for projects that cost you over 20 Connects to apply to. Never worth my time.
Just read your article and honestly I am inspired, thank you!
So I have this small question, and maybe you had this question many times.
I have no experience at all in freelancing. My skill is also not much in regards to commonly required in freelancing industry such as typing, contect creator, digital marketing and so on. So, is it a must to have some solid skill for someone who want to try freelancing for the first time? Or maybe it is increased overtime?
Because I want in some point, to try and start my freelancing career, and maybe it will become my full time job.
Thank you in advancce and pardon my English, its not my first language
Your English is perfectly understandable, no need to apologize. And your question is very good.
To answer it: freelancing doesn’t require you to start with a “perfect” skill set. What it does require is that you have something useful to offer clients, even if it is small or basic at the beginning. Many successful freelancers started with simple skills, things like data entry, transcription, basic research, or translation, and then gradually developed stronger, higher-value skills over time.
It is not a must to have solid, advanced skills before you begin. What matters more is that you start with honesty about what you can do right now, deliver that work carefully and reliably, and then reinvest your time in learning. As you get feedback from clients and see what jobs are in demand, you can study and practice new skills. For example, graphic design, writing, coding, digital marketing, or translation. Over months or years, your profile grows stronger and you can raise your rates.
If your goal is to make freelancing your full-time job, think of it like building a house. The first bricks may be small and simple, but each project adds another layer of experience. The important thing is to start somewhere, even if it feels basic.
Upwork is great until you get an unethical company, then there is no protection for the freelancer, only the company. I worked hard, 25+ hours in a week only to not get paid because the company lied and told the scope was not delivered. Upwork did a internal challenge but did not consulted me on anything.
Scammer Freelancer from Upwork!
Several months ago, our employee contracted a freelancer named —- —— from the United Arab Emirates. In our communications with this freelancer, it was clearly stated that she was publishing a media article about one of our company’s technologies. After one publication by this freelancer, the media platform’s author deleted it due to unprofessional writing. The freelancer claimed it was beyond her control, but misappropriated the money transferred to her as a deposit. She then began claiming she had completed her work. We have retained all correspondence! BE CAREFUL when working with UPWORK freelancers!!!
The Upwork support team apologized for the inconvenience and THAT’S IT!!!
Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m sorry to hear that this happened. It sounds frustrating. Unfortunately, like on any large freelance platform, experiences can vary widely depending on the freelancer and the client.
Upwork does have dispute mechanisms and escrow protection in place to help prevent situations like this, but they rely on clear contracts, communication, and proper use of milestones. For anyone reading this: always make sure to keep all work and payments within the Upwork platform, use milestones for every stage of a project, and check a freelancer’s reviews and portfolio before hiring.
This blog aims to share both the opportunities and challenges of remote freelancing, and comments like yours remind everyone why trust and professionalism are so essential on both sides.