Working Not Working, the platform that helped thousands of top-tier creatives land freelance and full-time roles at the world’s most innovative companies, has announced it will officially shut down on June 30, 2025.
The news was shared in an emotional Instagram post from the WNW team, thanking users for 13 years of support:
“After 13 years, Working Not Working will officially close its doors… WNW started in 2012 to help our fellow creatives get more freelance work and help our recruiter friends hire incredible talent faster. Well, as they say, all good things must come to an end. And this is ours.”
Founded in 2012 by former art directors Justin Gignac and Adam Tompkins, Working Not Working started as a clever tool to help peers showcase their availability for freelance gigs. It grew into a curated global network that connected brands like Apple, Google, Airbnb, Nike, and top agencies with elite creative professionals — from designers and copywriters to directors and illustrators.
At its height, WNW boasted a community of nearly 100,000 vetted creatives and was prized for its clean design, human-centric mission, and a rare combination of utility and soul.
In 2021, the platform was acquired by Fiverr, with WNW’s team remaining in place to continue its mission. The reasons for the shutdown have not been formally stated.
A Flood of Farewells
Within hours of the announcement, the creative industry reacted with a mix of gratitude, heartbreak, and frustration. WNW wasn’t just a job board — it was a community, a lifeline, and in many cases, a career catalyst.
“RIP, WNW changed my life in 2017; landed a gig thru your job board that moved me from Chicago to San Francisco.”
“This week marks 5 years at my current company thanks to you ❤️”
“The bulk of my resume comes from the jobs and connections I made here. Thank you for everything 💜”
“Three years ago I was hired (first as a freelancer, then full-time) thanks to WNW. It turned out to be the best job I’ve ever had… This is disappointing, especially since I was recently let go 😢”
Many users also voiced concerns over what the platform’s closure signals for the freelance ecosystem at large.
“Aw, this is really sad. It feels like a win for Hustle Culture 😭😭😭. Personally, it’s also making me reconsider my own creative career… It’s disheartening to see how the creative industries are becoming less about true creativity and more about just being industries.”
“Nooooo don’t leave us here alone with Fiverr and Upwork! 😭”
Others used the moment to honor what the platform helped build:
“Freelance will never be the same.”
“Wow, this was a really fun ride… from the awesome platform I met so many design studios through, to the parties, to hosting Talking Not Talking… I’m very thankful to have been part of it.”
“WNW changed the course of my life.”
What’s Next?
The WNW team has not announced future plans, but users are encouraged to download their portfolios before the platform sunsets on June 30.
Whether it was a career launchpad, a hiring shortcut, or simply a creative home, Working Not Working leaves behind a legacy that few platforms ever achieve: one rooted in craft, community, and care.
Working Not Working, the platform that helped thousands of top-tier creatives land freelance and full-time roles at the world’s most innovative companies, has announced it will officially shut down on June 30, 2025.
The news was shared in an emotional Instagram post from the WNW team, thanking users for 13 years of support:
“After 13 years, Working Not Working will officially close its doors… WNW started in 2012 to help our fellow creatives get more freelance work and help our recruiter friends hire incredible talent faster. Well, as they say, all good things must come to an end. And this is ours.”
Founded in 2012 by former art directors Justin Gignac and Adam Tompkins, Working Not Working started as a clever tool to help peers showcase their availability for freelance gigs. It grew into a curated global network that connected brands like Apple, Google, Airbnb, Nike, and top agencies with elite creative professionals — from designers and copywriters to directors and illustrators.
At its height, WNW boasted a community of nearly 100,000 vetted creatives and was prized for its clean design, human-centric mission, and a rare combination of utility and soul.
In 2021, the platform was acquired by Fiverr, with WNW’s team remaining in place to continue its mission. The reasons for the shutdown have not been formally stated.
A Flood of Farewells
Within hours of the announcement, the creative industry reacted with a mix of gratitude, heartbreak, and frustration. WNW wasn’t just a job board — it was a community, a lifeline, and in many cases, a career catalyst.
“RIP, WNW changed my life in 2017; landed a gig thru your job board that moved me from Chicago to San Francisco.”
“This week marks 5 years at my current company thanks to you ❤️”
“The bulk of my resume comes from the jobs and connections I made here. Thank you for everything 💜”
“Three years ago I was hired (first as a freelancer, then full-time) thanks to WNW. It turned out to be the best job I’ve ever had… This is disappointing, especially since I was recently let go 😢”
Many users also voiced concerns over what the platform’s closure signals for the freelance ecosystem at large.
“Aw, this is really sad. It feels like a win for Hustle Culture 😭😭😭. Personally, it’s also making me reconsider my own creative career… It’s disheartening to see how the creative industries are becoming less about true creativity and more about just being industries.”
“Nooooo don’t leave us here alone with Fiverr and Upwork! 😭”
Others used the moment to honor what the platform helped build:
“Freelance will never be the same.”
“Wow, this was a really fun ride… from the awesome platform I met so many design studios through, to the parties, to hosting Talking Not Talking… I’m very thankful to have been part of it.”
“WNW changed the course of my life.”
What’s Next?
The WNW team has not announced future plans, but users are encouraged to download their portfolios before the platform sunsets on June 30.
Whether it was a career launchpad, a hiring shortcut, or simply a creative home, Working Not Working leaves behind a legacy that few platforms ever achieve: one rooted in craft, community, and care.
