The typical situation is that employers need techies LOCALLY and can’t find them in the sort of numbers they’d ideally want which drives rates up: +1 techie.
Issue with freelancing sites is that it flips the demand/supply around. The supply is global and outstrips demand (ie people actually compete for contracts): rates are driven down, +1 employer
IMO:
1. Try and contract locally if the pay is best there. Further you’ll be creating contacts to get you into new gigs.
2. If that’s not available look for remote positions direct with employers. If you’re v good you might get one.
3. If you can’t do that consider a freelancing site but really all it’ll be good for is portfolio . You’ll probably find the “next step” remains just as far away if you already have s portfolio.