If you’ve been freelancing for a while (or even just lurking on OnlineJobs.ph or LinkedIn), you may have noticed a curious pattern: clients suddenly scramble to hire around August and September.
Coincidence? Hindi.
This is what many freelancers call the “hiring season” – a time when businesses abroad, especially in the US, ramp up their operations for Q4 and the holiday rush. And for frugal freelancers in the Philippines, this could mean one thing: more chances to land clients who are ready to pay for your skills.
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The Numbers Behind the Rush
Global job boards consistently report spikes in postings around late Q3. According to data from Upwork and FlexJobs, companies increase hiring by up to 30% in August–September compared to June and July.
Why?
- Holiday Preparation. Retailers, e-commerce businesses, and agencies need content, marketing, and customer support before Black Friday and Christmas.
- Budget Utilization. Many companies are spending their remaining annual budgets before the fiscal year closes.
- Q4 Targets. Teams hire freelancers to hit year-end KPIs without adding full-time staff.
In short: clients are rushing to fill gaps, and freelancers who are prepared reap the rewards.
My Freelance Rollercoaster
When I think about August and September, I don’t just think about data – I think about my own journey.
September 2023: I landed my first direct client. The catch? I was working 10+ hours a day, with extra unpaid hours on blog copywriting – for $1 per hour. When I pushed back for fair pay, I was fired in October. (Yep, been there.)
December 2023: I rebounded with three new clients. Two I ended up firing – one paid so little and demanded endless revisions, while the other ghosted me on payday.
August 2024: Things turned around. I signed my 5th and 6th direct clients, both offering decent hourly rates and fair workloads.
August–September 2025: The trend continues. Two more clients reached out – one from OnlineJobs.ph, another from LinkedIn.
Pattern spotted? For me, August and September have always been months of opportunity.
How to Prepare for Freelance Hiring Season
If you want to ride the wave, here are three practical, frugal-friendly tips:
Update Your Profiles. Make sure your LinkedIn, OnlineJobs.ph, and Upwork bios reflect your most recent skills and projects. Clients love to see fresh, active profiles.
Batch Your Applications. Treat August like enrollment week – send out multiple pitches daily, and don’t stop at one or two platforms.
Know Your Worth. If you’re tempted to accept a $2-an-hour gig because “trabaho na rin,” pause. Remember: undervaluing yourself early leads to burnout and financial stress later.
The Frugal Freelancer’s Edge
Here’s the good news: you don’t need a fancy setup to take advantage of the hiring surge. What you need is strategy + resilience.
If I survived being paid less than a dollar and bounced back to land better clients, so can you. August and September will test your patience, but they will also reward your persistence.
Your Turn
Freelancing isn’t just about timing – it’s about preparation and knowing when the market tilts in your favor. August and September are those months.
So here’s my challenge: before October hits, update your portfolio, pitch at least five clients, and set a minimum rate you’ll never go below.
The hiring season is here. Don’t just watch it pass by – claim your spot.
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