On upwork you are competing with people from third world countries who can offer vastly lower prices.

Also the quality of the work is bottom of the barrel.

What you want to do is look for small to mid sized companies in your area and solve problems for them. You gonna build up your network and reputation.

There is a good reason many people don't go freelance, it is not for everyone. You need some really good social and business skills and it can be stressful. But the money is sure there.