Why I’m Breaking Free from Freelance Platforms (And Exploring Better Options)
In recent years, I tried to grow my freelance career using online platforms made for freelancers. Initially, they seemed promising. Specifically, they offered quick access to clients, creative projects, and global opportunities. However, over time, I felt more frustration than satisfaction.
The reality is that these platforms often put freelancers against each other in a relentless race to the bottom. This race devalues skills, time, and mental health. Therefore, after much reflection, I decided to abandon them.
In this article, I share why I am leaving freelance platforms. Additionally, I explain what alternatives I am exploring to work more sustainably and independently. Moreover, I aim to build a network of more authentic relationships.
Freelancing is often (and unfortunately) a race to the bottom, especially since platforms like Fiverr and Upwork became popular, promoting a gig economy where projects go for as little as five euros.
Constantly competing against dozens of other professionals not only damages our mental health but also forces us to constantly question our value, portfolio, and even how we present ourselves.
After years of trying, I decided to cut ties with some platforms. Here are my direct experiences.
Vidsy
Vidsy is a platform focused on motion design and short social media content. Initially, I had the chance to work on projects for big brands like Now TV, Amazon Prime Video, and L’Oréal. Despite receiving many rejections, the experience was positive at first.
However, projects drastically decreased over time. After three years of rejections, I decided to close my account for three main reasons:
- Stagnant budgets despite inflation: fees stayed the same while living costs increased.
- Ignored feedback: many creative suggestions were overlooked by the platform.
- Shift towards UGC: focus moved to user-generated content, which didn’t fit my professional profile.
WorkingNotWorking
Unlike other freelance platforms, I never landed gigs on WorkingNotWorking, but I liked the platform and was hopeful that expanding into the European market (their core is the USA) would bring more opportunities. I also enjoyed participating in their webinars.
Unlike other platforms, I didn’t close my account, the platform itself shut down with an announcement on Instagram. At that time, I discovered WorkingNotWorking was part of the Fiverr group, which eased my disappointment somewhat.
Nova
My experience with Nova (both mobile and web app) was underwhelming: in several months, I received only three leads and nothing more. Nova added frustration because when viewing job postings, you could see the number of applicants, often close to 100, a strong psychological deterrent.
A few months ago, they introduced a premium subscription: $59.99 yearly, $8.99 monthly, or a $2.99 day pass, effectively useless. I prefer paying for actual service, not the hope of getting gigs, so I deleted the app and my account. Pay-to-play is not for me.
Meanwhile, I tried multiple strategies to increase visibility: regularly updating my profile, tailoring applications to each project, responding quickly to new offers. I also joined live events and group chats organized by the platform to network better, but without concrete results.
The Dots
One of my favorite platforms initially. I found stimulating creative projects like “The Spirit of Camden” or ‘It Started With A Sketch’ But in recent years, it turned into a showcase of unprofessional offers, ghosting, and requests for free work disguised as “collaborations.”
The feedback section became a space ignored by the platform, and it started to feel more like a university bulletin board than a professional network for creatives.
Alternatives I’m Exploring
Instead of continuing to invest time and energy in platforms that don’t truly value freelance work, I’ve begun exploring channels more aligned with my professional niche:
- Slack and Discord communities dedicated to specific creative sectors (motion design, branding, UX writing, etc.)
- Niche newsletters like Freelance Weekly, Indie Hackers, or The Freelance Stack featuring job boards and real contacts
- Community search engines, such as Sidequest or HiveIndex, helping to find active communities by niche and platform
These spaces don’t promise shortcuts but offer dialogue, visibility, and real value. There’s no algorithm deciding who deserves an opportunity.
Conclusion
Freelance work requires relationships, trust, and environments that genuinely value skills. Generalist platforms often fuel a destructive competition that undermines work quality, and I’ve realized that they serve themselves, not freelancers.
I don’t have a magic solution, but I’m seeking new paths, more human and professional spaces where I can express myself without underselling my worth.
If you feel trapped in the “five euro gig economy,” maybe it’s time to look elsewhere. Alternatives exist, and they live where value matters more than volume.