Step 1 is not calling yourself a freelancer. That word is tainted by the likes of Upwork and Fiverr. It conjurs an image of someone who's desperate for work. Y

Step 1 is not calling yourself a freelancer. That word is tainted by the likes of Upwork and Fiverr. It conjurs an image of someone who's desperate for work. You're a contractor. Specialize, both in industry and technology. Especially nicheing down on a "boring" industry can give you work until you retire. Experienced devs with domain knowledge will always be sought after.