Go for it, Patrick. Yes, Upwork is much easier in terms of competition than Fiverr as you have more room to pitch to people. It requires patience, and mainly handpicking the clients you can work with. But yes, I have seen freelancers who began with $80/hr, it requires more patience, but at the end of the day, clients are looking for someone in specific, you show them you're that person, and you're hired. Regardless of how many years you worked on Upwork.

& Yes, I agree, founders come in different shapes and forms, and they always will.

Best of luck!