The Freelance Balance

Real advice from a real freelancer. Because freelancing isn't always simple.

Category: Upwork

  • Why Are My Freelance Job Applications Not Getting Responses? 

    Why Are My Freelance Job Applications Not Getting Responses? 

    Silence is one of the most frustrating parts of freelancing.  You spend time researching clients, tailoring proposals, fighting the imposter syndrome, hitting “send,” and then watching days (or weeks) pass with no reply.  You don’t even get a rejection or feedback. Just nothing. This is especially frustrating on sites like Upwork where you can see…

  • The Pros and Cons of Upwork Client Reviews

    The Pros and Cons of Upwork Client Reviews

    Love them or hate them, client reviews are one of the most powerful parts of Upwork’s platform.  They can open doors, build trust, pad out your profile, and help freelancers stand out in a competitive marketplace.  But let’s not be one-sided. They can also introduce stress, uncertainty, and sometimes even unfairness.  Like most things in…

  • Is $3 an Hour Normal on Upwork? (2025 Reality Check)

    Is $3 an Hour Normal on Upwork? (2025 Reality Check)

    If you’ve ever scrolled through Upwork, spotted a bunch of $3/hour profiles, and thought, “Is this what I’m competing with?” you’re definitely not the only one.  When I first joined the platform, I was always snooping and looking at my competitors. But the $3 per hour rates blew my mind. And, let’s be honest, it…

  • Why Upwork Clients Ask for Lower Rates – And How to Respond

    Why Upwork Clients Ask for Lower Rates – And How to Respond

    Freelancing on Upwork can be incredibly rewarding, but one challenge almost every freelancer faces, and let’s face it, many complain about, is clients asking for lower rates.  Whether you are a beginner or an experienced freelancer, the issue of rates never goes away — and as a freelance writer I can confirm this.  However, understanding…

  • Does Upwork Show When You’ve Seen a Message? (Read Receipts)

    Does Upwork Show When You’ve Seen a Message? (Read Receipts)

    Scroll any forum, and you’ll notice that freelancers often wonder if clients know when they have read messages on Upwork.  After all, sometimes you need a moment or two to digest an offer. Even after years of freelancing, I take my time replying to clients. Never be rash! Short answer: As of December 2025, Upwork…

  • Why Are Upwork Rates Low for Freelancers (and How To Set Fair Prices)

    Why Are Upwork Rates Low for Freelancers (and How To Set Fair Prices)

    Upwork is one of the largest freelancing platforms in the world. It boasts over 128 million registered freelancers. It’s where I started freelancing, and it’s likely a platform you’ve considered.  Yet, despite its size and reach, many freelancers are shocked by the job feed. $5 for a whole set of blogs? There’s no way.  Naturally,…

  • Why No One Opens Your Upwork Proposals (and What to Do About It)

    Why No One Opens Your Upwork Proposals (and What to Do About It)

    Wondering why no one opens your Upwork proposals? You’re not the first, and won’t be the last, freelancer to ponder this issue. Getting zero views on a thoughtfully crafted proposal makes you feel invisible. Thousands of freelancers experience the same thing every day, and it’s getting worse and worse with time. Just look at the…