I'm having quite a lot of trouble, myself.
So off I go to the freelance sites listed here...
http://phpkitchen.com/2005/01/php-freelance/
...and I tell you, this is frustrating. They either have one or more of the following issues:
1.
Exams. They require an exam. Look, I've got enough work on my own working on learning new skills, finishing previous contracts with warranty work,
2.
Free Is Not Free. They require payment from the developer to do anything, even though they claim the service is free.
3.
Escrow Sounds Like S c r e w. They require an escrow, which I believe is a good way for developers to get ripped off because the clients can merely say, "I'm not satisfied." Instead, I wish to get paid on my terms, which are 20% up front on tasks costing $3000 and up, or $2000, whichever is less. Then, I like to get paid every 2 weeks or every $2000, whichever comes first, unless I'm missing milestones. If the task is under $3000, I am flexible and either ask for nothing up front or perhaps only $200 up front. My estimates are free unless I need to request proofs of concept. Proofs of concept are negotiated and usually run in the $50 to $250 range, per task. And I think that's pretty reasonable.
4.
Weak Search. They only have permanent positions and don't give one a way to break out the search in various ways.
5.
Not Enough Jobs. They don't have enough jobs.