What is the real situation of freelance photographers?

There are also many freelance photographers around me, and I also see many interviews with freelance photographers on the Internet. Their actual situation is quite different from what I imagined: at first, it was the most difficult. Like headless flies, they made shooting plans, showed their works were ignored or rejected, and they couldn't find a job after sitting in front of the computer for several months. I often get up before dawn, carry heavy equipment to climb mountains and wade, and spend most of my time on the road. I will constantly update my photos and solve all the expenses myself. If there is no list, I will drink northwest wind.