Freelancers, how did you start?

I haven’t had a job for a few months, save for some temp work here and there. Not a lot going on at the agencies where I’m signed on right now. I’m going to see a career counselor tomorrow to tease out transferable skills from my past experience.

Here’s the rub: I’m loathing a return to the 9–5 world and using my skills to make someone else rich.

How did you figure out what to do with the skills you enjoy using? I’m sure I can find the nuts and bolts stuff, like how to handle taxes, elsewhere. I figure I have an opportunity to opt out, but I don’t know where to begin. Suggestions?