Apply for contract work. Ask for it from recruiters who contact you. There's plenty out there in the UK, as long as you look. It's easy enough to get set up with an Ltd in 2-3 business days for everything you need, so don't worry about applying for stuff. Just manage your permanent role's notice period - contracts are generally looking for folks in a short time frame.

You shoulf have a buffer of about 3-4 months money put away. You may not need it but there is always a significant delay between doing the work and actually getting paid.

After that, just have the confidence to push for it, to ignore the recruiters who will tell you you won't be able to - they just want the commission for placing you in perm work - yeah. I waited until I had about 12 years experience. I don't think I needed to wait that long.

I would be happy to give some assistance and guidance if you would like. Get in touch with me, my email is in my profile.

If you're willing then I too would love to pick your brain about this. Can't see an email on profile though.

Sorry about that. I have added it. Feel free to send me an email and I will get in touch asap.