Summary

The article argues that freelancing on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork is not a viable path to freedom and wealth, suggesting that readers should instead pursue local opportunities and build their own vision.

Abstract

The author of the article empathizes with those seeking freedom and happiness through online freelancing but cautions that this approach is unlikely to yield the desired results. Highlighting the sacrifices made in traditional jobs, the author acknowledges the appeal of side hustles using online skills but warns of the harsh realities of competitive freelancing platforms. With evidence from ChatGPT and Upwork's client statistics, the article calculates the slim chances of securing freelance work on these sites, labeling the system as akin to a scam. The author advises readers to be skeptical of viral success stories and to understand the limitations of trading time for money. Instead, the article recommends creating a personal vision, setting boundaries, and working on self-worth before launching a website and approaching local businesses, even offering free services to build a portfolio. The ultimate message is that working for others, even in a freelance capacity, will not lead to financial freedom or personal fulfillment unless one's purpose is to enrich others.

Opinions

Freelancing platforms like Fiverr and Upwork are oversaturated and offer low chances of success, making them an ineffective way to achieve financial independence.
The structure of freelancing platforms mirrors the traditional job system, with added fees and even slimmer chances of securing work, which the author equates to a scam.
Success stories on the internet about freelancing wealth are viewed with skepticism, suggesting they are designed to exploit the desperation of individuals seeking alternative income streams.
The author emphasizes the importance of personal vision and self-worth over the illusion of freedom promised by freelancing.
True financial freedom and fulfillment come from working on one's own projects and vision rather than contributing to someone else's wealth.
The article encourages readers to take practical steps like launching a personal website and offering services locally to start building their dream life, rather than relying on online freelancing.

Are you tired of Freelancing online?

Try this instead

Hey, listen.

I know this is not what you want to hear. Especially if you’ve been living in the hopes that freelancing online will finally get you out of the rat race, buy you freedom and ultimate happiness.

IT WON’T.

But before you click off and say “F** you lady, who the hell are you to take my hopes and dreams away?!” — just bear with me for a moment.

I’ve been there myself, exactly where you are today. Working hard on your craft, giving your heart and soul away in return for tiny monetary gains.

You’ve come to the realisation that working in your day job, no matter how well paid, you have to sacrifice your FREEDOM.

If the job you are doing is not aligned with your values, you’ll likely sacrificing your SOUL, MENTAL and PHYSICAL HEALTH too.

I don’t know about you, but that seems like a hell of a lot of sacrifice to me.

Nevertheless, you’ve come to the conclusion that you are going to set up a small side hustle. You have skills that you can leverage on, sell and trade, and you’ve just come across this YouTube video where a guy/girl told you they’ve made a gazillion dollars freelancing on FIVERR and UPWORK.

Before you even finish digesting the information you’ve just consumed, you’re onto the next bite. Another video, then another video, then another video, to the point where you’re brain feels like it wants to throw up.

Before you sit down and create a real plan, do your research, do the maths, or even look up these strangers online — you’ve already created your FIVERR and Upwork account.

Feeling optimistic and overwhelmed at the same time, as your eyeballs are slowly being drawn to the low hourly rate and high skills set requirements, the even lower budgets and demanding project outlines. You can’t help but think, “WTF ?”.

But of course you’ve already been rewired; at the back of your mind, there is another voice that keeps telling you to just go ahead and do it. Start investing loads of time and effort into your profile. At the end of the day, all you have to do is to beat the other millions of freelancers already registered on the same website.

But don’t take my word for it.

Here’s a screenshot from our bot friend, ChatGPT:

This quickly propels me to my next question: How many clients are there on Upwork, the most popular freelancing websites of all?

Now, let’s do the maths together. I know you’re eager to:

What are the odds of landing a job on Upwork?

From the sceenshot above, you might already be able to tell that there is a theme going on here. If it hasn’t become clear yet, let me illuminate it for you. Upwork operates by the very same system that you are trying to get away from. Except that it is even worse. It charges you to apply for a job that your odds of getting are pretty slim.

To me, that’s a scam. That’s right.

I think your odds of winning the lottery are higher than landing a pitch that will one day has the potential to replace your full time job. (But please don’t rush to buy a lottery ticket.)

Instead

Take your life into your own hands. Stop believing all the fluff you see on the internet. These kind of YouTubers with viral content have one thing in common. They are very good at knowing how desperate you are, and they are very good at making money out of it.

I’m not saying they are all scammers, but do your research.

Stop trying to make sense of the numbers, because they will never make sense. Let me borrow your attention for just another 2 minutes.

If someone tells you that they became a millionaire from freelancing online, let me tell you one things: utter BS!

Freelancing requires your time. We only have 24 hours a day! You can only do so much within those 24 hours. Hence the rest goes like this: time X hourly wage = income. If you are freelancing for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for let’s say $25 an hour (wishful thinking), you’ll make around $218,400 in a year. That’s working 24 hours a day — day and night.

I’m sorry, but freelancing will never give you the freedom and wealth you are longing for.:((

Freelancing is a level of illusion. Whilst it could act as a stepping stone towards your dream life, it is not going to bring you the fulfilment you are after. Unless of course your purpose in this life is to make others rich.

So what can you do instead to escape the rat race, to become financially free and stop selling your soul?

Start with the basics. Create a vision and set some boundaries. Yes, boundaries! Work on your self-worth and then go and put a compelling portfolio together. Launch your website and approach your local, yes local! businesses. If you are a newbie, offer some basic services for free to local charities for a review online in return.

Working for others, whether you love what you do or not, will never ever bring you ultimate freedom. You will always have to adhere to deadlines that are set by others. You will always have to work on other peoples vision instead of your own. You will always be making someone else richer than yourself.

Namaste.

Thank you very much for taking the time and reading my post. I hope it provided you with some value. If it did, please consider subscribing to my newsletters.

Much Love,

Sahaya