I didn't intend to sound entitled. I'm just terrified that I won't find something. I haven't been unemployed since starting my career, and you must admit that the usual line we hear is that "We Can't Find Enough Engineers!" and "Become A Programmer And Never Worry About Finding A Job!". From the comments here I see now that it isn't exactly true.

I have tried to look through the online freelance marketplaces, but it seems the quality is awful and the pay worse. I know most quality contractors work through connections, but don't know how to open that conversation. I'm not a particularly good salesperson.