Why you need a voice.

So what started as a nonchalant email regarding TOS from Upwork, has now created a giant rift and source of stress for freelancers around the world.

Upwork is now insisting that communication is done solely through their platform.

That would be cool if it worked.

Unfortunately the system has been garbage in the past,  and they’re failing to answer basic questions that people are asking.

They’ve basically put receptionists in the brunt of digital bullets.  And where is the CEO?

Don’t get me wrong, I like the idea of this, but it’s not ready.

The issue is now — freelancers are stressing hard because their business plan does not jive with this kind of change.

Many rely on scheduling software, decent screen takeover software.  Hell people need the calls to actually work!

One of the major issues I have with it is that the notifications are terrible. I am not alerted correctly on any of my devices and I don’t know about the call until it’s too late.

…And then you have to basically set up a strange room with the person instead of just calling them like normal, as you would with Skype, what’s app, phone, messenger, facetime, zoom…. literally anything.

I’m worried that many freelancers either won’t attempt to adapt, or allow it to effect their flow.

I will be spending the next couple weeks fully utilizing their application/ site and reporting back with my findings.

I’ve already been in touch with Upwork Corporate about this, and hope I can help in whatever way I can.

But this all brings up a much bigger issue….

Where is the voice?  Upwork never once asked us if this was good for them or how they feel. They basically just dictated it and we have to accept it or get off the platform.

This is what I’m talking about people.

I hate to say it, but you need a “safe space”. And a place where we can discuss these issues without fear of retaliation.  

That’s the entire point of this site.

All of these platforms, not just Upwork, have the ability to pull the rug out from under us and effect the flow of our business.

It’s time to form alliances and connections independently from these platforms as a way of providing some solidarity among the talent.

Lets wake up before it’s too late.