What is a portfolio career and is it right for you?

Raise your hand if you often wish that you could have multiple careers, because you’re interested in so many different things that it’s difficult to choose just one to pursue.

Well, here’s some good news for you: portfolio careers (also known as multihyphenate or “slashie” careers) are becoming increasingly popular.

A portfolio career means that you have multiple job titles and skillsets, which may or may not intersect with each other. For example, I’m a program manager in the tech industry, I occasionally do a bit of freelance graphic and web design and of course, I run Quiet Leaders Club (founder, editor, podcast producer, business strategist…). All of those jobs involve skills which come in handy in the others, but they aren’t really related or similar in any way.

It’s no longer necessary to decide on one career and climb the ladder as high as you can to be taken seriously. In fact, many employers embrace those who dabble in other roles, as it shows that you’re a self starter and a quick learner.

But is a portfolio career right for you? The answer is probably yes, if any of the following apply…

You get bored easily

I used to be embarrassed that I was a “job hopper”. I’d work somewhere for about six months before the itchy feet started to kick in and I just felt…bored. Uninspired. Demotivated.

And then off I’d go looking for a new job or new things to learn.

But now I see that this was a gift, because I’ve learned so many skills, and a lot of them are transferrable. I ended up building a career in project management which I absolutely love (no chance of getting bored when there are constantly new projects to plan!) while having my own projects and businesses on the side.

If you get bored easily, chances are you’ll find the constant change of a portfolio career much more fulfilling.

You love learning

If you’re a self-development junkie who’s always looking to master a new skill, you’ll thrive in a portfolio career.

Because not only is managing several roles in itself a steep learning curve, you’ll have so much opportunity for learning and growth.

Not to mention that many portfolio careerists end up with at least some form of self-employment, so you’ll also need to learn the art of self-promotion, marketing, accounting…the list is endless.

In fact, one of them might pique your interest so much that it becomes another string to your bow.

You want to create a career on your own terms

You know what’s not fun? Working yourself to the bone for a promotion that may or may not come to fruition, depending on whether your manager likes you, the economy and whether your company has the budget to accommodate it.

With a portfolio career, you’re charge. You’re responsible for honing your skills, promoting yourself and, if you’re self-employed, pitching for work.

It can be overwhelming, but I’d take it over my career being in the hands of a company that doesn’t give two hoots about me any day.

You can deal with uncertainty

If you go down the freelance, business or consultancy route, there will be uncertainty along the way.

Jobs fall through, invoices get paid late and pitches get rejected.

Some people thrive on uncertainty. It motivates them and makes them even more determined to succeed. If you’re one of these people, you’ll thrive in a portfolio career.

Honestly, I think that in the modern working world, it’s a good idea for all of us to have a skill on the side that we can take advantage of - you simply never know how the economy is going to go, or when your company might go through a round of redundancies.

Have you heard of a portfolio career before? Is it something you’re interested in pursuing?