John Jonas says platforms like Upwork take cuts that feel unfair, lock workers into their systems, and create turnover. He argues for hiring practices that feel honest to both sides instead.
A $100 markup on a $1,000 salary (10%).
And let me say this again. Upwork is good. It serves a good purpose. But there's a more ethical and equitable way for both you and the person you hire. Because a middleman doesn't feel good. An unnecessary salary markup doesn't feel good. Being forced to work inside of someone else's platform the way that they have set it up doesn't feel good. The constant threat of turnover doesn't feel good. Paying extra salary the first time is fine, the second time it doesn't feel good. The hundred dollars of markup on $1,000 of salary at upwork isn't a big deal to you, but to the person making $1,000 a month, well, it doesn't feel very good. You're hiring a person that you're going to work with, so do what feels good in hiring that person.
Stop Being the Dispatcher, Start Being the CEO: How to Scale Your Field Operations 🛠️
