When I get a number of enquiries in quick succession about how I earn US$ online, it’s time to republish the information I have put here before. I published this back in 2014. Since then ODesk, as it was known was sold and it has become Upwork.
Upwork simply is a website that connects those needing work done to ‘freelancers’ who are looking for work to do. ie. employers register and employees (we call ourselves ‘freelancers) register. With the uncertainty about the South African economy, working online is a great way to earn US dollars.
When it comes to working on Upwork, here’s 5 steps to get you going:
1. Go to www.upwork.com and register.
2. Start building your profile. This may take a bit of time and you can edit it as you become more familiar with how the system works, what you are good at and what kind of work you actually want to do. It took me about 6 months to get my profile 100% complete.
3. Do a few Upwork tests. There are loads of work options on Upwork and the jobs are as varied as there are people in the world. Look at your biggest strengths and search for tests relating to them. Do those tests and if you get good results, publish them on your profile. Potential clients will look at those results and may select you as a result. If you fail a test, no problem, hide it, until you can do it again.
4. Start applying for jobs. You have to start somewhere. Apply for any job that you think you can do. It doesn’t matter if the pay is lower than you would like to charge. Start low and once you have picked up some experience, you can increase the price. I was working for $5 an hour at one stage. The worst I ever did was do an 8 hour job for $13! All the payment amounts are in $US. If you get a small job and you complete it successfully, your money will be put under Reports and will start adding up….
When it comes to getting jobs, be prepared to bid against the whole world. You will find that sometimes you end up working for ‘not-so-great’ people. If it doesn’t work for you, ditch them. You will find people out there who try and bleed you for all you are worth, who are arrogant and rude. End the relationship. Put it down to experience and move on. Read the reviews each employer has. Check out how many people they have employed and gauge them accordingly. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true. Avoid ridiculous offers. They probably have a massive catch. As much as there are dreadful employees online, there are very nice ones who really need your help in getting the job done. Pray before you apply for jobs. Let God guide you. (That’s the best advice of all!)
5. Payment. If you have a Paypal account, you can get paid on it. I don’t, so I chose to go to www.payoneer.com and get a Payoneer debit card. Register online and they will send it to you in the mail…
Underwritten by Mastercard, it is useable anywhere in the world. as long as you have funds available. If you are in South Africa and don’t have an American bank account, it is (along with Paypal) the cheapest way to get the money out of your Updesk kitty and into daily use.
Be honest, remain humble, keep trying.
And when the money starts rolling in, make sure you pay tax to SARs for it.
I hope this has been helpful. It is an easy way to start making money. There is plenty of work to be had on Upwork, regardless of what you do. You just need a good internet connection and some determination to get started. As long as you have those two characteristics, you can work anywhere in the world.
All the best.
Psalm 90:17
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us-yes, establish the work of our hands.
Keep the smile going!
God bless you!
Helga xx 🙂