As a former freelancer the lesson I learned from others was to assume you'd spend 1/3 of the year on the bench doing interviewing/conferences/vacation/professio

As a former freelancer the lesson I learned from others was to assume you'd spend 1/3 of the year on the bench doing interviewing/conferences/vacation/professional development/searching for the next gig. So perhaps plan 35-40 hours over 35 weeks. Then set your rate at or above the market rate for your speciality. Don't set it on your cost of living. If the market rate is too low to live, you'll need a plan on how to upgrade your stature or find a more in-demand speciality.