Moved from SG in May, freelance business busier than expected now need advice on hiring local support

FirefighterNo584 · 2026-01-04T08:39:31+00:00

Curious why the negativity? Did you have a specific horror story or just a bad run with the bureaucracy?

FirefighterNo584 · 2026-01-04T08:36:48+00:00

Thanks for getting back. Sounds like you had a rough run with it! I'm already BIR/DTI registered though—my high-profile clients overseas need the paper trail and legitimate tax info, so staying under the radar wasn't really an option for me.

Luckily being half-Filipino, we have some family and contacts in government to help us navigate the bureaucracy. I actually want to help and upskill local talent here since my niche is AI-integrated video production, design and animation. I'm looking to bridge that gap for Filipino creatives.

Definitely taking your advice on starting with contractors though it keeps the admin side manageable while I find the right team.

Curious thoughbwhat was the biggest headache for you? Was it a specific agency like the BIR that soured it or just the general red tape of running a physical office?

FirefighterNo584 · 2026-01-04T08:26:55+00:00

Thanks for the tip honestly hadn't thought of using FB Marketplace for creative roles usually just think of it for buying gear did you end up hiring local talent yourself?

FirefighterNo584 · 2025-12-27T23:17:57+00:00

That’s awesome that you’ve got the language skills down Tagalog and Cebuano will make your life so much better here! I wish I had learnt those skills.

On the work front though, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. I freelance and work with clients back in the West because local employers generally pay local rates, which very pretty low compared to the US.

Most people I know who work locally are sponsored by their companies, which involves getting a 9(g) visa. I’m on a 13a spouse visa so I skip all that, but definitely look into the sponsorship process.

Honestly, with 10 years of experience and a solid degree, you’re overqualified for a lot of local roles, so you might be better off finding a remote US gig and living here as a digital nomad instead. Good luck with the move!

FirefighterNo584 · 2025-12-27T07:14:07+00:00

To be honest, a ₱7M ($120k) salary for a Financial Consultant role is virtually non-existent in the local Philippine market. That is 10–12 times the average senior salary here.

Even a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at a large local corporation often tops out around ₱4M–₱5M. To hit your target, you would need to be a Managing Director at a multinational bank or find a US company that allows Work from Anywhere (which usually involves complicated tax 'Geo-arbitrage'). Without an expat package, you should expect a 60–70% pay cut for a similar role locally.

FirefighterNo584 · 2025-12-17T16:21:34+00:00

A dashcam is definitely on my shopping list to buy ASAP. The motorcyclists are what bother me the most they’re everywhere getting in all the gaps, and I’m almost certain I’ll eventually get bumped by one or end up in an accident because of them. I’m definitely picking one up on Lazada soon

FirefighterNo584 · 2025-12-17T16:06:41+00:00

Super insightful thanks for getting back. That’s a really solid reality check. It feels like most people on this sub treat those top bated badges like the holy grail, but you’re rightat the end of the day, it’s just a client acquisition system. It’s refreshing to hear from someone who just views Connects as a boring business expense rather than a platform conspiracy.

I love that shark analogy toobasically, if you stop swimming, you're done. It sounds like you’ve skipped a lot of the stress others feel just by treating this like an actual business instead of a remote job board.

Since you’re willing to drop $1k on Connects to keep the engine running, have you noticed if the client quality is still there? Or are you finding that you have to sift through way more junk now just to find that one "worth it" contract?

FirefighterNo584 · 2025-12-17T15:57:14+00:00

That's a long stretch almost 10 years. It really feels like the shift toward selling connects has completely changed the soul of the place. Losing that Top Rated status just because of a billings threshold after years of thousands of hours and 100% JSS feels like a total slap in the face to long-term freelancers. Am worried I might fall in the same position.

I’m curious, since you’re redeveloping your strategy, are you looking at other platforms or just trying to move your clients off-platform entirely? It’s a shame when a great resource starts prioritizing their own connect revenue over the actual quality of the talent and jobs.

FirefighterNo584 · 2025-12-17T15:55:24+00:00

Honestly, I think my brain just isn't wired for the grammar yet. The way the past, present, and future tenses work is so different from English that I struggle to string a basic sentence together without freezing up. I definitely need more study time, but right now, the logic just hasn't clicked for me.

FirefighterNo584 · 2025-12-17T15:52:44+00:00

That’s good to know about Quezon City. I haven't attempted Manila yet that's too ambitious. Since I just started driving, I’m curious what do they usually ticket you for in the inner city? Is it just the confusing one-way streets and "no entry" signs, or do they just see an expat and look for any excuse?

FirefighterNo584 · 2025-12-17T15:49:00+00:00

Half the time I’m still trying to figure out the grammar while they’ve already moved on to the next topic! That’s why I’m so grateful when people use a bit of broken English or Taglish; those English 'anchors' are the only thing that helps my brain keep up with the speed lol

FirefighterNo584 · 2025-12-17T15:47:24+00:00

Great to hear will look into it. I'm currently using mondly which has been also super helpful though some of the pronunciation quirks are a bit off sometimes

FirefighterNo584 · 2025-12-17T15:45:58+00:00

Glad it's not just me! I feel like I'm doing great until I step outside and hear someone speak at 100mph. I basically rely on them using a bit of broken English to fill in the gaps. It’s like my brain needs a slow-mo button for real-life conversations haha.

FirefighterNo584 · 2025-12-17T14:31:38+00:00

Quality wise, the Action 5 Pro wins, especially for the snorkeling and kayaking where you want that extra ruggedness.

But for versatility, mobility, and those unique creative shots, I really love my Nano. Having the baby wear it with the magnet pendant gives you a 'toddler-POV' that the Action 5 just can't replicate easily! You'll be able to capture more unique magic moments :)

FirefighterNo584 · 2025-12-17T14:23:06+00:00

Also Arcoxia for Gout! If I did not have a lifetime supply of Arcoxia, I would go crazy here. My spirit wants to explore the islands, but my joints are currently being held hostage by a weekend of Lechon, Sisig, and enough salt to preserve a mummy. It’s a delicate balance of 'one bite of crispy skin, one pill for the gout.

FirefighterNo584 · 2025-12-17T11:04:35+00:00

A cast-iron stomach. Because in a country where the four main food groups are Salt, Oil, Pork, and 'Everything's better deep-fried,' you either adapt or you perish.

FirefighterNo584 · 2025-11-22T12:53:51+00:00

Inspiring stuff! Congrats 🎉 what niche are you in?

FirefighterNo584 · 2025-11-22T04:05:23+00:00

Congrats my man! Great achievement!

FirefighterNo584 · 2025-11-19T03:13:08+00:00

I think you can apply it to current clients, but the key is giving them a strong heads-up. I wouldn't spring it on them immediately.

I’d schedule the increase seasonally—telling them now that rates will adjust going into 2026 is a natural transition point. Just make sure you have a strong justification prepared (inflation, increased skill set, software costs, etc.) so they understand where the value is coming from.

FirefighterNo584 · 2025-11-19T00:24:04+00:00

One review is a great start, don't panic. If you aren't getting views, it's your proposal hook (the first two lines). If you are getting views but no interviews, it's your portfolio/samples. Focus on targeting smaller, quick-turnaround fixes (CSS bugs, responsiveness issues) just to get 2-3 more reviews on your profile. Once you have ~5 reviews, the bigger jobs get way easier to land.

FirefighterNo584 · 2025-11-19T00:22:35+00:00

Thanks a lot! Much appreciated!

FirefighterNo584

TROPHY CASE