I've been freelancing for over 25 years, and I've noticed a troubling trend in the job market lately—more ghosting after taking tests. In the past, tests were a serious consideration for job opportunities, and I’ve had my fair share of successes and failures with them. However, now it feels like I’m often left hanging after completing these assessments, with clients either not responding or taking months to follow up, if at all. This situation has led me to consider a new approach: charging a small fee for any tests I take. My idea is to credit this fee towards the job if I get hired. This way, I can ensure that my time and effort are not completely wasted on tests that may lead nowhere. I believe this could be a fair compromise, but I’m also looking for feedback from others who might have faced similar situations. As a seasoned freelancer with a solid portfolio, I still find that clients often request tests, and I’m trying to navigate this challenge.