People can be fucking horrible thats for sure
Do you got a portfolio? If you're good both at the technical aspects and being on top of meeting deadlines and being clear and forthright with clients, then you can do Upwork and eventually build a good venture from that without needing to network really. If you're not quite there yet in both the tech and client service aspects you can always practice
You can also make your Upwork account hidden so that those fuckers can't find you, while you instead approach potential clients
I hope this Baha'i quote makes you feel ennobled about yourself, and less unworthy, if that helps. Good luck, and feel free to ping me here for any tips or whatnot if you feel up for it
> O CHILDREN OF MEN! Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created. Since We have created you all from one same substance it is incumbent on you to be even as one soul, to walk with the same feet, eat with the same mouth and dwell in the same land, that from your inmost being, by your deeds and actions, the signs of oneness and the essence of detachment may be made manifest.