I agree with you.
It IS much harder than it was, and unfortunately it's only going to get harder still before it gets better.
But like BAJ has stated, it's times like these when small businesses will either flourish or fail. If you can ride this out and make a few quid then the other side is going to look like a bed of roses!!
It's also worth bearing in mind that people with a trade are much better placed during a recession as people will always take the cheaper option of getting things repaired rather than buying new to replace.
You've already said you have enough work to last you until February, so use the time until then to gain more contracts, I guarantee that software engineers will be in demand as computers go tits up and people want them to work again. Failing that can you not look for another job working for someone else during the rough times, become a wage slave again, but at least you'll have regular hours and a regular wage. If nothing else it will serve to increase your contacts for the time you go it alone again.