[rdlecler1]

If you have the spare time, find a solid Github project and start contributing to build up your portfolio. Leverage your extroversion and give a couple of expert talks at meetup to showcase your knowledge. Basically use the talents you have to sell yourself.

PS: If I had to pick a focus area I'd do AI. Supply and demand are in your favor.

[throwaway_374]

I was discussing this the other day with my friends who are consultants and they jump through nowhere near the level of interview hoops we have to go through. As developers we have a far more structured approach with checks and balances - a compile, build and test process. On the contrary a consultant alone on client site is a far riskier proposition.