u/Aggravating-Emu2948

I’m a software developer with 3+ years of experience and I’ve worked with 2 companies already. Most of my experience is in web development and building real projects, but I’m still new on Upwork so I don’t have reviews there yet.

I’m trying to find a niche that is:

• in demand
• easier to get first clients in
• not extremely saturated with freelancers
• good for long-term growth

Right now I’m thinking about things like:

• SaaS development
• AI integrations/automation
• dashboard/admin panels
• landing pages
• security/privacy apps
• React/Next.js development

For people already succeeding on Upwork:
What niche would you focus on today if you were starting again as a developer with experience but no Upwork reputation yet?

I’d really appreciate honest advice.

I built a small SaaS app recently and started posting short videos about it on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.

The problem is my views are very low most of the time:

• Instagram/TikTok: around 50–170 views
• YouTube Shorts: around 300–500 views

I’m trying to understand if this is just a normal phase at the beginning or if my content strategy is bad.

Right now most of my videos are:

• problem/solution style
• cinematic storytelling
• “POV” type videos
• security/privacy focused hooks

For people who successfully grew a SaaS using short-form content:

• What type of videos worked best for you?
• How long did it take before videos started getting traction?
• Should I keep posting consistently even with low views?
• What helped you break past the first few hundred views?

I’d really appreciate honest advice from people who’ve been through this.

I built a SaaS application that I believe has strong features and good potential.

I started posting content on Instagram and YouTube for each feature, but I’m not seeing real results or users yet.

I don’t have a budget for paid ads, so I’m trying organic growth.

What is the best way to promote a SaaS app in this situation? Any strategies, ideas, or platforms that worked for you?

I did a small task for a client for free to show my work. After I finished it, the client didn’t want a contract and now is asking me to do another task for free.

What is the best way to handle this situation?

A few months ago I had to step away from everything because I completely burned out. No work, no constant notifications, no pretending to be okay. For the first time in years my only responsibilities were eating, sleeping, and making it through the day.

And honestly… part of me misses it.

Not the bad part, not feeling hopeless, but the quiet. The simplicity. No pressure to constantly grind just to barely survive. Now I’m back to working nonstop, stressing about bills, pretending I have motivation when I’m exhausted all the time.

Everyone says “getting back to normal” is supposed to feel good, but normal life just feels heavy. Sometimes I wish I could disappear somewhere for a while without people expecting anything from me.

I don’t even know if that makes sense. Thanks for reading.

But remember this:
Your mind can be exhausted without your life being hopeless.

Some people are still alive today simply because they decided to survive one more night.
And later… that night became a future they never thought they’d reach.

Keep going.
Your story is still being written. ❤️