Yes, it's extremely challenging for that reason. If you have another option please let me know. I just don't really have a network of people to ask and generally don't have time or know how to build one. So I would be happy for another site like Upwork without so much competition.

Although I think if you are willing to work for relatively low rates like me, being in the US makes you stand out and possibly easier to get hired.

Upwork does have an option to post jobs that only allow US contractors. And you can search for only those types of jobs if you are in the US. But often I take that off because it restricts the search quite a bit.

I think the reality is that since more and more people are working remotely, it's a global talent pool and kind of a race to the bottom in terms of rates.

I just wish that there was more competition in terms of sites like that.