I couldn't see where you mention how you are looking for work. The various websites have never worked for me. Too much competition from low living cost places.

I couldn't see where you mention how you are looking for work. The various websites have never worked for me. Too much competition from low living cost places. In my experience if potential clients know that you are working at a day job, then they will try to beat you down. So better not to tell them that. The best rates come from person-to-person contact that comes from networking. The more you understand the clients' area the business the more you can charge. Charging by the project also works well, especially when you translate that into a value proposition that is appealing to your prospective client.