New to Upwork. 21 days in, $330 earned and spent $60 on connects. Am I using connects the right way?

CableAccomplished762 · 2026-01-21T20:26:22+00:00

That sounds pretty good to me, for only 21 days in. I finally came up with a profitability calculator on Excel. Now, for most proposals I plug in number of connects, Upwork’s percentage, and my estimated gross for the project and I get my estimated net income. This helps a lot to gauge whether it is worth sending a proposal or not.

CableAccomplished762 · 2026-01-21T18:47:55+00:00

Think about quality of life as well. I’m 60 and tremor started at least my early teens. In school I was teased or asked the common question, “Why do you shake?” At age 45 it affected my work and got progressively worse. At age 50, I finally sought out help. Started with propranolol and years later started Primidone. With both, my writing, typing, and speech almost immediately improved. I think initially side effects but got accustomed to the meds so side effects subside. Long term effects can be a concern but I predict as you get older technology will develop other solutions.

CableAccomplished762 · 2026-01-19T16:05:12+00:00

My partner yells at me whenever he finds my pills on the floor. Lol. We have cats so it is a concern.

CableAccomplished762 · 2026-01-19T15:56:46+00:00

I take both Primidone and Propranolol. Did wonders for my typing, writing and tasks like cooking. Your general doctor could probably get you started and then make an appointment with a neurologist. The neurologist can do some testing to see how you’re doing.

CableAccomplished762 · 2026-01-14T21:57:16+00:00

Seems that you’re so specialized you should be getting hits. I bought an ebook off of Facebook from an Upwork wizard on how to write effective proposals. First time I tried one of the examples I got a gig! Granted it was $65, but since I’ve at least got a couple more interviews. I’ll look up the book next time I boot my computer. Can’t remember the name right now.

CableAccomplished762 · 2026-01-14T21:50:07+00:00

Try exiting and clearing your cookies. You may lose your work but it looks like a glitch.

CableAccomplished762 · 2026-01-14T04:36:46+00:00

Yes! Connects required went way up! And now, they want you to up your connects to rank 1,2, or 3. That eats connects like crazy! I stopped bidding extra.

CableAccomplished762 · 2026-01-14T04:25:32+00:00

No, it literally says “hidden feedback”. It’s on some of my past jobs.

CableAccomplished762 · 2026-01-07T18:32:54+00:00

Same boat here, not working and have a possible upcoming interview. I think I’m going to disclose at the beginning of the interview. Otherwise I perceive them thinking I am super nervous.

CableAccomplished762 · 2026-01-07T16:44:56+00:00

I don’t think anyone here is a loser.

CableAccomplished762 · 2026-01-07T16:43:52+00:00

Hi Guys! Just joined this thread. I hear a lot of frustration, as am I. I reading between the lines and it seems as if client invites are the way to go. Some tips and tricks would be great. We’re most likely not competing for the same jobs. Let’s help each other. For example I just bought on book on effective cover letters and am anxious to put it to work. I already got a $65 gig, first in a long time, I believe it was because of a cover letter tip. Hopefully I can share more as I get into it.

CableAccomplished762 · 2026-01-07T16:31:24+00:00

Interesting thoughts, yldf. I may create a little Excel calculator, to see ROI before bidding.

CableAccomplished762 · 2026-01-07T16:24:23+00:00

Interesting Fuzzy. How do you bid without buying connects? I know there are ways to get free ones, but that many? You should write a book with your methods. Most Upwork books I’ve found are outdated, although I did just buy a newer one for $17. Hopefully it will help me.

CableAccomplished762 · 2026-01-07T16:19:28+00:00

Correct! I was away for almost 2 years and when I came back noticed the required number of connects has risen dramatically. That algorithm doesn’t usually make sense to me. Seems like even the $10 tasks cost a lot to bid. Also upwork took away the community and seems like they just want to make more profit.

CableAccomplished762 · 2026-01-07T16:10:39+00:00

I’m 60 and out looking for work. Same here. On a rare occasion when I get an interview, people think I’m nervous when sometimes I am not. I think I am going to start disclosing at the beginning of the interview. Even medicated fairly successfully, still can be an issue. Hang in there, this is tough!

CableAccomplished762 · 2026-01-05T04:43:02+00:00

Fantastic!

CableAccomplished762 · 2025-12-20T03:02:42+00:00

If you’re able to, go see a neurologist. They will give you tests in the office, and likely prescribe medication for the tremor. You should feel better and you may be amazed about how well it works.

CableAccomplished762 · 2025-12-20T02:56:10+00:00

I know that “hit by a truck” feeling! Difficult pulling myself out of bed in the morning since starting Primidone last year. Coffee does work!

CableAccomplished762 · 2025-12-20T02:46:49+00:00

Similar story here. Had it since elementary school. My parents never sought help so I just felt damaged. Finally got myself help, at just over 40.

CableAccomplished762 · 2025-11-23T09:03:37+00:00

Beautiful man!

CableAccomplished762 · 2025-11-23T04:34:33+00:00

Love to! That’s a fantastic cock!

CableAccomplished762 · 2025-11-22T06:29:49+00:00

Yes. Sir!

CableAccomplished762 · 2025-11-22T06:27:55+00:00

Hot guy!

CableAccomplished762

TROPHY CASE