QA: contact a few local contractor agencies. Some specialize in QA. Or contact a few companies directly and say "I wanna do X." You may have to look longer than you're used to if you want a QA position that pays what you're used to.
How to be a consultant or freelancer: dunno. Just some roles that I know some people do, and some of those do it well.
How to be a consultant or freelancer: dunno. Just some roles that I know some people do, and some of those do it well.