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| Mia and Dana share their freelancing journey and career growth at the She Talks Asia Summit 2026. |
Earning through freelance work has never been more accessible. With a stable internet connection and various job platforms, opportunities can come from anywhere—and for many Filipino women, they certainly do. A 2020 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) showed that an increasing number of women are engaging in online work because it allows them to earn an income while balancing home responsibilities.
However, accessibility does not always equal ease. Freelancers often face challenges like inconsistent income, unpredictable clients, and a lack of clear guidance on how to navigate the industry. For seasoned freelancers Mia Juan and Dana Novales, building a sustainable career online meant learning valuable lessons through experience. As more women enter this field, they share the top three insights that helped them succeed:
1. Build real relationships, not just transactions
Freelancing can sometimes feel purely transactional: you get assigned a task, submit the work, get paid, and move on. But the most successful freelancers don’t treat work this way. In such a competitive field, being remembered matters.
According to Dana, “Real relationships are built on service, not strategy.” Every positive interaction—from a job well done to clear communication—can open doors to new opportunities. Don’t waste them. Instead, go the extra mile to establish a genuine connection with your clients: check in regularly, truly understand their needs, and find ways to make the process seamless for them.
2. Set up systems that work for you
Juggling different clients with varying work styles can get overwhelming quickly. For Mia, having organized systems in place makes everything easier and helps manage client expectations effectively.
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| A look into Mia’s workstation, where she manages her daily freelance tasks and projects. |
This can be as simple as being clear about your scope of work. “It’s basically defining what you can offer and setting clear boundaries on what you do not do,” she shares. “That way, there is no miscommunication regarding responsibilities, which is a common issue in freelancing.” It also helps to have a proper onboarding process—ensuring contracts, timelines, and payment terms are finalized before you start working, not halfway through the project.
3. Find solutions that protect your peace of mind
Some challenges only become apparent once you are already in the thick of things. For many freelancers, the stress begins when they realize that receiving foreign payments often comes with hidden fees, long delays, and uncertainty.
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| A closer look at Dana’s work routine, which includes various creative projects for her clients. |
“Earning in USD sounds exciting—until fees, forex charges, and delays eat into your income,” Dana points out. She shares that this is something she wishes she had known earlier in her career. “That’s why having the right structures in place is important, especially if you are a mom managing a household, paying bills, and juggling many other responsibilities.”
This is why Mia and Dana now use the new GCash Virtual US Account. This feature within the GCash app allows freelancers to receive USD payments from US clients directly, without the usual surcharges. Once you create an account, you get your own ACH and Wire Routing Number, which you can provide to your clients for direct deposits.
You also have the freedom to convert your USD to PHP whenever you want, based on live forex rates visible on the platform—giving you full control over how much you actually receive. Once the funds are in your wallet, you can use them to send money, pay bills, or save.
Creating a GCash Virtual US Account is easy:
1. Open the GCash app and tap US Accounts in the Explore section.
2. Tap Continue and verify your information.
3. Complete your account creation.
