What really is a ‘portfolio career’ and is it for you?

Have you heard of the term ‘portfolio career’ before? Do you know what it really means to you?

Over the past few years, I've coached and supported 100’s of professionals looking to re-work their careers in some form. Running ten cohorts of an online course in this space, I've come to a few key conclusions on the 'portfolio career' that I would encourage consideration.

1. It’s not so much a new thing, but a new term

For years aspiring actors have had side-gigs to support themselves. Parents have juggled the job of parenting with something else that allows for flexibility, and board members dabble in a range of companies.

Doing multiple things is not new, but with the rise of tech and social media, the opportunity and desire to do this has dramatically increased.

The term ‘portfolio career’ is really just a label to help people identify with the notion of doing multiple things, essentially giving more language to life or career design.

2. Its often sought after for flexibility and/or multi-passions

The primary driver for people wanting a portfolio career tends to be either creating more flexibility in their life or a desire to satisfy different professional interests in their work.

A key distinction I want you to consider: Is this a stepping stone OR an intentional life design?

For the actor or aspiring entrepreneur, a portfolio career is likely to be a means to an end. For the paddleboard instructor slash software engineer, it's a more intentional set-up to get the best from both of those worlds and fulfil different needs.

Finally…

A 'portfolio career' is currently seen as quite cool, but keep in mind that without explanation it is a vague term and I personally don't feel it should be pursued as a career path for its own sake.

Pursue flexibility yes, pursue different passions yes or pursue a particular mission yes please; and then let us make a format - be it portfolio style or not - work however you need.