I’m also non-native and freelancing on Upwork. I’ve been walking on the same path you have.

The only difference is that I stopped for 6–8 months because the initial low fees dismayed me, although I had the talented novice Upwork badge.

Then, I started once again last spring, during Covid lockdown, and I received more requests.

Now, one year later, I get more invitations to apply to jobs.

I’m now half way writing a second self-help book for a Texan publishing house, still with a low rate. But after this, I will change my fees.

I accepted their second hiring because they are a top rated client, so it means that working with them you only pay 10% to Upwork for every job, but if you are hired a second time, you’ll earn the life fixed benefit of paying 10% to Upwork, from that moment on.

Also, I read that when you have $1000 on your page and excellent reviews, Upwork upgrades your level.

Thank you for sharing your story. It was interesting to compare.