Freelance / Contracting Platforms

[Peoplesoft bloke]

In my specialised area (the Workday system) its a tightly controlled skills market. You can only gain a Workday certification through working for a Workday partner (as an employee).

Projects are not just a few hours or days.

I got the certifications by getting a job at a partner, then left and went contracting via my own limited. The certifications lapse but you can show you once held them. Workday won't let small players be partners.

I looked on some of these platforms and the 1-2 people advertising themselves clearly didn't have in-depth skills and seemed to have done zero work through the platform.

[BritishLad88]

Race to the bottom rates. In the UK, I wouldn't even attempt thinking these platforms can offer work to replace full-time contracting. I've tried them a few years ago thinking exactly that but failed in my efforts so I've reverted back to contracting.

At the very best, they're good for side hustles

[Andy Hallett]

Interesting feedback and mirrored what I saw when we were looking to build these 'disruptive' platforms. The biggest issue appears to be liquidity, eg if you go looking for gigs there and you don't find any you won't go back - same for the clients as well.

Ultimately they won't have as much reach or content as the job boards, supported by agencies.

I do think major firms with a Rolodex may be able to crack this at some point if they are prepared to challenge their own business model.