So far with what I know, you do not need to be working to file H1B. Once you find an employer who is willing to file you a H1 and given that you are granted, you can start working on h1b visa from October. If there was any scenario of person having a need to be in working status in US, or even working for some international IT companies, there would never be any H4's in US filing for H1. Remember H4 cannot work on any kind of circumstances, and they have their H1 approved.

So, good luck finding the employer!!!!!