u/whynottahabruh

I’m currently validating an idea and wanted outside opinions.

The concept is basically a platform where freelancers can create profiles backed by actual verification:

project proof

review verification

portfolio authenticity

work history

credibility score/reputation system

No job marketplace. No bidding system.

Just a way to separate:“actually experienced freelancer”from“downloaded a Behance project and claimed it as theirs.”

Do you think freelancers would willingly use something like this?Would clients even check it?

I feel like trust is becoming a bigger issue online, but I can’t tell if this is a real pain point or just something I personally notice a lot.

Would appreciate honest opinions.

I’ve been building a platform recently and wanted some feedback before I keep coding myself into insanity.

The idea is simple: A place where freelancers can build a profile with verified projects, verified testimonials/reviews, proof of work, and an overall FreelanceScore based on credibility/activity.

No bidding wars.

No “sir please check inbox.”

No pretending you designed the Nike logo in Canva.

The reason I started thinking about this is because freelance trust is becoming a huge issue, especially locally. So many fake portfolios and copied work that even skilled Pakistani freelancers end up looking suspicious by association.

I feel like there should be a cleaner system where people can actually build trust publicly instead of just dropping random screenshots in WhatsApp groups.

Would something like this actually be useful or am I overthinking the problem?

I’m working on a platform mainly focused on freelancers (especially Pakistani freelancers for now) where people can showcase:

verified projects

verified reviews

work history

and a public FreelanceScore/profile credibility score

Not another Fiverr or Upwork clone btw. No hiring system directly on the platform.

The main reason I started this is because I’ve seen WAY too many freelancers straight up stealing portfolios, posting fake client reviews, or pretending they worked with companies they’ve never even emailed 😭

And honestly it ruins the reputation of legit freelancers too.

I want to build something where clients can quickly tell: “Okay this person is actually real and has proof behind their work.”

Do you think freelancers would actually use something like this?

Or would people avoid verification because half the industry survives on “trust me bro”?

Would love genuine opinions and criticism.

So I’m building a platform for freelancers around the world.

Not another “AI-powered revolutionary SaaS” 😭 just a normal platform for freelancers

Small problem though: I live in Pakistan.

Which basically means every payment gateway tutorial starts with:

“Step 1: Connect Stripe”

Me: 💀

I need a payment gateway that:

- Works from Pakistan

- Can receive payments globally

- Supports subscriptions

- Doesn’t charge “sell your kidney” level fees

- Isn’t insanely complex to set up

If anyone here has experience with LemonSqueezy, Paddle, Payoneer, Wise, 2Checkout, or any other option, I’d genuinely appreciate advice.

Also if you’ve actually set one up for a platform/product from Pakistan, please share the process like you’re explaining it to a sleep-deprived developer at 3am 🙏

I’m finishing intermediate this year in Pakistan (Multan), and honestly I still haven’t decided what field to choose.

Personally, I love designing. I already work as a graphic designer and currently have 2–3 clients. I’m turning 18 this year, so I’ve been trying to think seriously about my future career.

The problem is that AI is taking over a lot of design work, and sometimes I feel like it may become difficult to make a stable living from it in the future. Also, in my city there aren’t many universities that teach design in a practical or industry-focused way.

I also enjoy coding and programming, but then again I keep hearing people say AI will replace a lot of software jobs too, which makes me even more confused.

I completed ICS (Computer Science), so the main options I’m considering are:

Computer Science

Software Engineering

Data Analytics / Data Science

I genuinely want to choose a field where I can grow long-term and not regret spending 4 years studying it.

For people already working in tech/design:

What would you recommend someone in my position choose in 2026?

I’m finishing intermediate this year in Pakistan (Multan), and honestly I still haven’t decided what field to choose.

Personally, I love designing. I already work as a graphic designer and currently have 2–3 clients. I’m turning 18 this year, so I’ve been trying to think seriously about my future career.

The problem is that AI is taking over a lot of design work, and sometimes I feel like it may become difficult to make a stable living from it in the future. Also, in my city there aren’t many universities that teach design in a practical or industry-focused way.

I also enjoy coding and programming, but then again I keep hearing people say AI will replace a lot of software jobs too, which makes me even more confused.

I completed ICS (Computer Science), so the main options I’m considering are:

- Computer Science

- Software Engineering

- Data Analytics / Data Science

I genuinely want to choose a field where I can grow long-term and not regret spending 4 years studying it.

For people already working in tech/design:

What would you recommend someone in my position choose in 2026?

I am 18 - a designer with a decent portfolio - I tried cold emailing but it only work if sent on mass and most client do not trust bcz of my age factor - so I am thinking ok starting an Upwork account I do have some small amount to invest (on connects and freelancer pro) but as a student I am just a bit worried. Please give suggestions if it is still worth it.

My core skill is

Social media management (designing posts, editing videos etc)

And I have a ton of protfolio for Amazon Listing Image designing.