I'll be blunt and say that networking abilities are necessary in an industry like this. It obviously depends on the type of stuff that you want to be working on, but you need to be able to forge decent connections and have some level of affability because otherwise you're not going to get recommended for jobs, or people aren't going to remember you. Skill is important, but the social aspect of work applies even in the freelancing sphere. You can keep to yourself once you've proven yourself and have consistent clients, but before then you need to stretch your limbs a little and get noticed. If you ever want to reach out directly I could help give you a leg-up or point you in the direction of some companies that would give you a chance if you pass their tests, but the well is definitely drier than it used to be.