One path you should consider is SME consulting, there are multiple entrances such as databases, networking, social media, mobile apps, websites, etc. SMEs have many computer-related needs that they need filled, but can't afford to employ someone full-time for. Certifications may help for some fields but not others. Depending on your local market, it may be expedient to specialize in a particular type of customer (home landscaping businesses, or small value-added food manufacturer's, or graphic design studios, or law firms, etc.) as that will help with both WOM and credibility. At the very beginning, you may have to rely on personal references and introductions, not to mention heavily discounting your services, in order to get work.

If your focus is on helping your clients succeed in measurable ways, you'll go far.

After you've done that for a while, you should have both experience and references that you can use to apply to larger firms (some of them possibly among your larger clients) for full-time positions (assuming that is still your goal at that point).