Ask HN: Out of IT for 3 years. How to get back in after working for self?

Skill set was C++ but also web tech such as React / Angular. Javascript. Current side projects are node/react/flutter.

I worked for myself. So I have no current experience. Ordinary employers seem to see this as red flag. No callbacks.

Are portfolios still a thing or should I go for non-profits and rebuild a network that way? Portfolios got me work back when I was contracting.

How would I transition back in? I'm in 40s.