Newsletter Archives /Today's Career Voice - April 2009
Portfolio Careers are on the Rise
Why have just one career when you can have several? That’s the idea behind portfolio careers, an option that lets you have several part-time jobs. Portfolio careers can include several very flexible work scenarios including temporary jobs, regular part-time jobs, freelancing, and self-employment. While this type of career requires solid organizational skills and tolerance of some risk, it can also offer a great deal of flexibility, variety, and freedom.
Explore a little.
Most people have a variety of interests, and portfolio careers allow for a lot of flexibility. You can not only have more than one job and more than one employer (possibly including yourself), but you can even be involved in more than one profession. Think carefully about your skills, talents, interests, background, and education. What do you really enjoy when you’re not working? Make lists of these things and consider whether they could become revenue-producing.
Get organized.
If you decide a portfolio career could be for you, begin composing a plan of action. List possible jobs, prospective employers or clients and create a schedule for following up as well as for when you are available to work. Make a detailed budget and think about whether you will need a home office and what you will need in that space. Many problems that people have with portfolio careers are due to a lack of organization, so getting your professional life in order will help you stay on top.
Secure your financial portfolio with a portfolio career?
With a volatile economy, many people are worried about losing their jobs. However, with a portfolio career, if you lose one position you will probably still have others as backup until you fill that time with something new. In some ways, a portfolio could be more reliable than a regular corporate job. With more flexibility, you could be better able to adapt to changing conditions.
Keep in touch.
If you decide to start a portfolio career, make sure you have the support of friends and family. Since some people tend to feel isolated without having the stability of a full-time position, it’s important to have a core group who can help you stay motivated and in touch.
Sometimes in a down economy where people are worried about losing their one job, the answer could be to replace it with several.
