09-28-2015, 01:35 PM
I've looked into this site before and noticed the same problems as you did but, in reality, what kind of client posts a specialized work like civil engineeering in a site like this? Are you sure that you want to deal with a guy like this?
There will always be someone who outbids you in this globalized world. If you try to compete with them, you'll end up doing your specialized work for bread while some rich guy takes all the profits selling it for 20 times more.
Try to build a strong network of connections, go back to university to get additional training, and most of all, try to maintain strong personal relationships with your clients and always deliver more technical expertise than you were asked for in the first place. That's the only way to compete with a random guy from another part of the world who can get by with only a few bucks a month.
I work exclusively as a freelancer but I don't take this type of jobs. I have built a small network of connections while working for other companies and institutions for 10 years and I decided to fly solo as soon as I got a steady flow of projects. However, if someday I run out of projects, I can guarantee you that I'd rather leave the profession and set up a flower shop instead of being enslaved by these guys.
My 2 cents.
There will always be someone who outbids you in this globalized world. If you try to compete with them, you'll end up doing your specialized work for bread while some rich guy takes all the profits selling it for 20 times more.
Try to build a strong network of connections, go back to university to get additional training, and most of all, try to maintain strong personal relationships with your clients and always deliver more technical expertise than you were asked for in the first place. That's the only way to compete with a random guy from another part of the world who can get by with only a few bucks a month.
I work exclusively as a freelancer but I don't take this type of jobs. I have built a small network of connections while working for other companies and institutions for 10 years and I decided to fly solo as soon as I got a steady flow of projects. However, if someday I run out of projects, I can guarantee you that I'd rather leave the profession and set up a flower shop instead of being enslaved by these guys.
My 2 cents.