Being a freelancer almost always has passed into anyone’s mind as a desired job.  It carries several desired things with it, including but not limited to :

• Work whenever you want

• Work wherever you want

• Manage your own time schedule

In short, it promises to let you be your own boss.  It is only logical then that the adventurous folks move in that direction to try their hands on it.  The question is : should you follow their steps ?

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First, let’s take a look at your current professional position.  People have different motivations that drive them forward.  Some may value money, others may put doing something new above everything.  All are equally valid.  In the context of your current job, do you feel the need to change the direction you are taking now ?  What drives you on ?  Does your current job pay you enough ?  Or has it become a boring, business-as-usual set of tasks ?  If you feel any need to change at all ( whatever your motivation is ), then being a web freelancer may well work for you.
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Second, – and this is the harder question you need to deal with :  Do you have what it takes to be a succesful freelancer ? Since one of the essential factors of freelancing is self-management, do you have the required discipline, perseverance and consistency ? Discipline is required to deliver your job on schedule.  Perseverance is crucial as most of your beginning time will be spent on searching and applying for jobs ( which sometimes feel like they will never come ).  Similarly, consistency is needed for maintaining your online credibility via personal blogs, online resume, or participating in forums.

Of course, there are more useful traits you need to acquire, but I think those are the three that you must absolutely possess to be a successful web freelancer.  Be honest to yourself and examine those characteristics in you closely.
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That being said, it quickly become clear that being a freelancer is not for everyone.  Yet this is not to say that you should not try it.  On the contrary, I encourage you to have a go at it, if only for the experience.  Two of the most trusted and respected sites on the web where you can find freelance jobs are Brighthub and oDesk. I wish you the best of luck !

P.S. :  A good reference of how you should start your freelance career can be read here.