Ask Is it better to start freelancing on a platform or go independent from the start?

[Brendan]

Starting freelancing on a platform means joining a website like Upwork or Fiverr where clients already come looking for help. Going independent means finding clients on your own without that kind of system behind you. Platforms make it easier to get your first few jobs, but they also take a cut of what you earn and can limit how you work. Going independent gives you more control, but it takes longer to get started. Which do you think is the smarter way to begin?