Freelancer Files News: Family Emergencies & Upwork Policy Reversals

Editor’s Note: I am experimenting with a different, more personal format this week. Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Last weekend, I received the call that no one wants to receive — my dad was headed to the hospital. Naturally, I hopped on a plane to be by his side.

Without going into too much detail out of respect for his privacy, I can now happily report that while he still has a long road ahead, he is on the mend.

While I am still working remotely as time allows, this week has forced me to do something I am not usually comfortable doing: letting go of work and focusing on what’s really important.

Yes, I had to reach out to a few clients and explain the situation. Yes, I was a bit late on a couple of my deadlines. Yes, the internet at the hospital is THE WORST. And yes, I had to say “no” to a few new jobs that came in. But I was shown nothing but grace all around.

And while this is certainly not the week I expected, as I type these words, I am feeling very grateful.

I am grateful for my family’s health. I am grateful for my own health. And I am grateful for the world’s MOST FLEXIBLE career — freelancing and self-employment.

There’s such freedom in being able to hop on a plane without a second thought. And there’s freedom in not having to worry about PTO, family leave, or getting approval from a boss to do what I need to do.

Upwork Reverses Decision on Connects for Invites Policy

It was also a busy week for Upwork news. While I didn’t have time to report on every happening, I was at least able to draft a quick article about this week’s BIGGEST platform news titled “Upwork Reverses Decision on Connects Policy for Invites,” which you can read in full here.

In a nutshell, after Upwork’s announcement a few weeks ago that they would begin charging freelancers to respond to invites — a mechanism that was previously free — they’ve now decided to reverse that decision.

According to the updated policy, Connects will no longer be required to respond to a client invite. Nor will they be required when a client purchases a service from the freelancer’s Project Catalog, or for opportunities involving Enterprise clients.

So far, the reaction to the news has been positive. And I have to say, I too am relieved. I believe the sacred invite process between freelancer and client should be as frictionless as possible.

I apologize for this week’s brevity as I’m still “coming up for air” regarding my “normal” work schedule. More freelance/Upwork news to come next week. Stay tuned.