So creativity or enjoyment was never the primary focus with this pursuit, the goal was financial independence. Most people told me writing was not for me if that was my goal, but I did it anyway because I simply didn't think there was anything else I could do. I tried for a few months, but it feels like a dead-end path for me.

I made samples and never really got any offers, whatever came on the listings always ended up being something I didn't have any appropriate portfolio samples for, and it seemed like most of what was "in" were topics I wasn't willing to do.

I tried upwork for a month and never got any offers.

I never really tried fiverr or other spaces, and maybe I could make it work possibly, maybe I'm throwing in the towel too quick, but I wonder if it's best to invest in a different skill set that pays more?

The thing is - I'm in Asia, and people would normally recommend to do "part-times" or jobs at a restaurant etc instead, which isn't helpful at all where I'm at. Part time jobs don't exist here, and most of these kind of jobs run on a 9-9-6 model (9 to 9, 6 days a week) with marginal pay.

Ideally I wanted something I could develop basic hireability in six months at most in, to support myself for my uni studies (I'm a high school grad).

I might have to take the L and switch to something like coding, which also isn't an ideal option for me since it's going to take a year minimum according to most people I see. I'm looking to see if there are better options before finalizing and committing again.

Also - I find it ridiculous how people keep telling me how XYZ path isn't for me if I'm not already doing it as a hobby or for fun. Nothing I do for "fun" is a good financial option. Does that mean I just sit and do nothing to sustain myself now?
I just do art for fun. It's not exactly the most marketable interest, and while it's (eventually) possible, I don't even want to make it my job.

I am just looking to develop a skill so I can be financially independent.

What do you guys think?