The trick is to do a killer job for a decent client on a non-trivial problem. Then you're set. Finding a decent client can be hard if you're going through sit

The trick is to do a killer job for a decent client on a non-trivial problem. Then you're set. Finding a decent client can be hard if you're going through sites like elancer or guru - but they're there. There are even ones with nice, interesting projects. Ones that are willing to pay you a much better rate once you've been in communication with them for a while. It's an uphill battle, but if you produce quality work, and can explain the methods you use, you will be viewed as just as much of a "professional" as the "big boys". Once you have that bit of word-of-mouth and good reviews / feedback, you pretty much have your pick of work, although you may not be rolling in the dough.