Freelancers/Contract work in UK - I have some Q's for you!

Hi all,
So I want to become a contractor but not 100% sure how to approach it and not sure if I have enough experience. I certainly have some good experience and the right mindset but maybe not enough technical exposure.

I've been in networking for just over 3 years now, my first role was working for a Cisco Partner in UK, implementing, designing and supporting solutions (predominantly Meraki, hence the reason I left) and now I live and work in France as a Network security Engineer (external consultant), working on varying security vendors. My aim is to move back eventually as the work culture is completely different to crack here and i'm restricted by my poor French language skills.

I have a CCNA R&S but I am currently studying CCNA SEC and AWS solutions architect certs.

I've tried my hand at 'freelance' websites but not a lot of luck so far - even offered a number of contracts for free in return for reviews but little response. It is made more difficult by the fact that I usually work until 7pm CET.

How did you find that first lucrative gig - both financially AND for technical experience? For me, I want my CCNP but finding it difficult to get the right role.