[crc32]

OP didn't say "work for free", they said "work for peanuts".

I agree that freelancer sites have some problematic aspects, but I don't think there is anything wrong with the idea that you need to start small and build a reputation/profile. This applies to any bootstrapped business, not just when working via freelancer sites.

[wokwokwok]

I would argue work for peanuts and work for free are not significantly distinct on many freelance sites.

Unless you're suggesting that there's a meaningful difference in doing 40 hours of work for 5 bucks and working for free?

[fxtentacle]

There is if you get non-monetary benefits such as a 5 star review pushing you up in the rankings, thereby making it much easier to get future bookings at higher prices.

Edit: conceptually, it's nore like an unpaid internship. I know someone who got a highly paid job by first doing it for free for 3 months to prove his skills, as he was lacking formal certifications

Edit2: I honestly don't get why this is being downvoted. It's neither unfriendly nor offensive and it is relevant to the discussion, even if you might not like this aspect of reality.

[kelnos]

> conceptually, it's nore like an unpaid internship.

People should get paid for work they do. If a task is worth $0 to a company, then they can do without it.

The whole "you're getting paid in valuable training/experience/exposure" thing is bunk, IMO.

[ken]

> I know someone who got a highly paid job by first doing it for free for 3 months to prove his skills

And I know dozens of people who got burned by being talked into working for "exposure".

[fxtentacle]

In Germany, for such an unpaid internship you will have a contract that says that unless they fire you with a proper reason during those 3 months, your temporary contract will automatically convert into a permanent position. In many cases, it will also already list the salary that you can expect to receive after the 3 months are over. Plus you'll be meeting your future teammates every day in their office.

To me, that is a very different level of commitment by the company than working for "exposure" for someone who has no intention of hiring you.

[vorpalhex]

Freelancing websites are about playing a game (reviews, ratings, stats) and you have to play the game to win.

The first thing I do when I write a game or software is send out advance copies for free.

[andi999]

Well, there is a difference. With 5 bucks per hour the OP is almost in his target range.

[reroute1]

40 hours for 5 dollars is well beyond working peanuts that's just robbing people... Even Fiverr isn't close to this rate