well paid occasional freelance sources - upwork or similar

[IamwhoIsayIam]

I am an ex journalist, author, copy writer and now full time PhD student.
I'm looking for occasional writing or research work that doesn't take hours of pitching to secure. I know, the holy grail, right?

I'm not actually bothered too much about what I do.

I was thinking upwork or similar but open to any ideas. What works for you?

Upwork pay is rubbish. I'd try and get work from departments at the university where you're doing your PhD. Email the HoDs, comms team, HR, student services and say you just wanted to let them know that you're an ex-journo/editor now a PhD student and you're available for writing or editing work and will do reasonable rates for clients within the uni.