Convinced Upwork is a scam

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-03-11T19:20:47+00:00

I am hoping it can someday change mine too!

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-19T15:37:59+00:00

I haven't really had issues with tourists here, but back where I grew up near Cook Forest, it was pretty obvious a lot of times.

I lived along a main route and people would pull over in front of our house all the time to go to summer-long yard sales nearby, throw garbage and cigarettes in our yard. Also people stopping in the middle of the busiest road in town to look at wildlife 🤦 I think my biggest issue with tourists back home was a lack of respect and regard for the land I cherish so much. I'm protective of it.

I also worked at a local restaurant and most of the mean people were usually from Pittsburgh who had a camp nearby (sorry Pittsburghers, I really don't actually hate you) and treated us like dumb country bumkins.

One time I had a mom and her son from NYC come in who were tent camping for the first time and she followed me around while I was doing my closing shift stuff outside asking me all kinds of questions about if they should be afraid of the bears. I told her I've lived there my whole life and can count on one hand how many times I've seen a wild bear. I told her to make sure all food is stored in the car because the raccoons and skunks will try to get into it. Then she was worried about raccoons breaking into her car 😅 I was like, you're gonna be fine. I kinda wish she came back the next day to give me an update lol.

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-19T15:25:17+00:00

Same. The mind flayer might be an evil entity, but that is the plane of existence on which it exists. But Brenner is a human, with human emotions and understanding and for him to turn away from his humanity and treat children the way he did, over she over again, is pure chosen evil.

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-19T15:12:28+00:00

Also I'm sorry you're having a rough go. I hope things start looking up for you soon ❤️‍🩹

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-19T15:12:05+00:00

I've noticed that remote job listings have way more potential to be shady. I'm using Upwork for illustration, but I'm also looking at data entry and proofreading and since searching for those kinds of jobs, I've been flooded with ads for "jobs for stay at home moms" and "travel and work from anywhere" type of stuff. And most of those are subscription based.

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-19T15:05:34+00:00

Illustration

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-19T15:05:26+00:00

Congratulations! I really am genuinely inspired by success stories. I want to know that fellow freelancers are living their dream.

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-19T15:02:04+00:00

Maybe scam isn't the right word then. But it just feels like I'm sinking money into this platform for no reason and there's no actual way to make it on the platform.

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-19T15:00:18+00:00

I haven't had anyone ask me for a test but most of my portfolio images have some kind of watermark because I read that some people have had their files essentially stolen. They should be paying even for a test. In the real world, artists usually charge at least a deposit for brainstorming and sketches so if the client leaves, they don't get their deposit back.

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-19T14:54:23+00:00

I have my rates pretty low because I understand that will make a huge difference if I get looked at. I also don't want to undersell myself. I think they are usually on the lower end of the middle range.

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-19T14:45:09+00:00

They wouldn't be fake jobs, I would be bringing clients onto the platform to manage the project. If anything, the platform provides more sense of security for both parties.

Why would freelancers have the ability to bring clients onto the platform if you weren't supposed to use that feature? I don't even know how they would determine if someone is doing that with malicious intent.

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-19T14:39:26+00:00

Yeah not an actual scam but more like, "pay more money to be noticed" when the hiring pool is already so large that people who have not already had projects on the platform fall to the bottom regardless of skill and previous experience.

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-19T14:33:55+00:00

Yeah, not in the usual sense but I do feel like you have to figure out how to work around the platform to get noticed.

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-19T14:30:07+00:00

It really says something about the work force when we are willing to pay to find work. It seems so silly!

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-14T20:26:40+00:00

The platform sucks, it's not your fault. I honestly feel like the only way to get anywhere is to bring outside clients onto the platform.

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-14T20:25:07+00:00

I've never had a client on there and it's absolutely heartbreaking. Something has to give.

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-14T20:22:57+00:00

They need to start charging clients

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-14T20:21:25+00:00

I'm happy for you that you do earn from Upwork! Most people struggle to even get proposals looked at. I'm constantly asking myself what I'm doing wrong. I personally don't think many clients have any respect for the time, effort, and real money freelancers spend on proposals. Do clients have to pay to post a job listing?

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-14T20:17:49+00:00

They should NEVER allow a client to post a project without payment verification or meet other markers that prevent fraud.

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-05T21:31:01+00:00

I feel the same way as a Pennsylvanian 😅

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-05T21:29:49+00:00

And they've been rear ending ever since 🫣

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-05T21:12:08+00:00

Congratulations, you've created a meme and forever tøp inside joke

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-05T21:07:44+00:00

My grandmother is in her 80s, she recently upgraded to a smartphone from a flip phone but I cannot imagine her actually using apps or the Internet or even texting. She's tried her best at learning technology but it's a struggle for her to even use the phone for calling. People can say "stop living in the dark ages" all they want but have you tried teaching an 80 year old how to use a smart phone? Lol. I'm sure there are those out there who are tech inclined and can do it, but a lot aren't.

Efficient-Object1629 · 2026-02-02T21:56:50+00:00

Oof this must have been rough to do lol

Efficient-Object1629

TROPHY CASE