Animator looking to go Freelance - Any advice? (UK based, but any advise welcome!)

Hey Guys, So after about 8 years of being in the animation industry, I am now considering going freelance, 

My question is for those animators who are freelancing at the moment:

1. How competitive is the market?
2. How regularly do you find yourself without work?
3. What ratio of work-from-home and in-studio work do you tend to get?
4. Where is the best place to look for freelance work, or the best place to advertise your skills?
5. What are the current day rates for freelance animators?

As mentioned, any help would be appreciated!

my showreel can be found at the link below
https://ozdurose.com/animation/showreel/

Cheers