You shouldn’t start freelancing if you dont have a client lined up or a network of potential clients. Job boards aren’t great as they typically are low rate contracts of companies looking to get a discount. If you do good work your clients will spread your name for you.

That’s sort of what I thought might be the case, albeit that leaves the question of how you work your way into the space to line them up and/or have a network of potential clients?

If it isn’t obvious already, I’m asking all of this from a position of near total ignorance on the subject, as I’ve only ever been familiar with more structured employment situations. Also asking around here instead of running searches because this is a subject ripe for trash advice articles and tips or scam “courses” or the like. If you (or anyone else) happens to have some informative resources on the topic though, I’d be interested in reading them!

Appreciate all the replies so far!