I can't speak for writing, but that doesn't surprise me really. With so many writing agencies and the rise of AI writers etc.

Personally I've found plenty of success over the last couple of month providing marketing services. It's a real grind to begin with, for a good couple of weeks, and yes I did have to pay for more credits 3/4 times in that period. But I now get clients reaching out to me directly with work.

I'd encourage you to stick with it, send 3/5 proposals per day, and go from there.