@Caleb H. Take jobs that you don't love - but that will pay the bills and get you new skills. Your next job will be better than the previous one, and so on.

@Caleb H. Whatever you make as a full-time designer at a job isn't what you make as a freelancer. You need to account for taxes, expenses, healthcare, etc. Meaning... give yourself a raise. ASAP!

@Caleb H. Like Emmett said, working a job. Most people start freelancing on the side before they go full-time. While you're working, set some money aside for learning and development. Learn as much as you can about freelancing before you take the leap.

@Caleb H. eliminated all the second options, and just focused on freelancing and being consistent

@Caleb H. Hey there! Love this question. I stopped charging per hour and started charging by project/retainer. This changed the game for me completely. Also, started doing 1-3 month commitment with X rate and at the 3 month mark, asked to re-evaluate our agreement based on value...

@Caleb H. Yes and even for experience, little advice goes along way

@Caleb H. I've been in the industry for 10+ years and it is really changing quickly I am finding myself improving my skills, for one it seems adding movement to graphics is key. I am working adding simple motion to my icons. Hope that helps?