[leifg]

In the meantime I stopped freelancing but I had 5 longer running gigs in total (+ a few shorter term gigs).

All of these gigs I got through different channels.

Only 1 was through a platform, but it was one of those higher playing platforms where you had to go through an application process which included building a project without being paid (I was living in the US while I was working through this platform)

So in essence: I think it's possible but not on all platforms.

[ssijak]

The platform you are talking about is probably Toptal https://www.toptal.com#connect-unmatched-coders-now ?

I work through them and am very satisfied. Though I do not live in the US, rates I can get through Toptal are much higher than local rates. And if you are from US you can set even higher rates. Also there are US only jobs. So I guess if you dont live in the expensive part of the US it is doable.

[ipaddr]

Toptal is not really aimed at the North American market. Last time I applied I could only book interviews at 3-5am.