New comers cant expect to work for 20$+ perhour because they wont have the experience or skills. However its unlikely they will get hired at all, when theres so many other talented pixel artists out there, all looking for work. I think it would be great to work as a freelance designer - if you dont like your boss, you find another one
. The pay may not be that of a brain surgeon, but anyone with a love of designing would probably rather work as a designer than something with a higher salary. And with freelancing, its a lot more "free" and less pressurised. The work will always be different and interesting. The work may also be hard but if your happy it shouldnt really matter.