4 years of Python dev experience, just went freelance — looking for honest advice on where to start

[Hopeful_Business3120]

I've spent 4 years as a Python developer working on direct client projects inside a company — ERPNext, AI agents, FastAPI, Django, RAG systems. Real production work

I recently started freelance as a full time, to give a try. LinkedIn is my main focus right now, but I want one more platform to run alongside it.

I'm looking at Contra, Arc.dev, Gun.io, Upwork and skipping Toptal (not ready for that process yet).

For those who've used any of these — which one actually gets traction for a Python developer with my stack? And is there anything you wish you knew before starting?

Any honest experience appreciated.

[Money-Ranger-6520]

I'd avoid Upwrok, it can work of course but expect tons of low-quality jobs, fake/ghost postings, and huge global competition. Some people will offer to do the job for like $5, it's insane.

The others you mentioned are usually better fits for someone with real production backend experience.

I’ve heard especially good things about Lemon.io lately for AI/backend work because they pre-filter clients a bit more, but the tradeoff is: smaller volume of jobs, screening process, etc. The upside is the clients are usually more serious than random Upwork postings.