A portfolio career has many positives, especially if you find the hierarchical nature of working in a corporate frustrating and limiting, or are a creative person with multiple interests and pursuits.
There are some cons to a portfolio career, but these can be managed and the risks mitigated with careful planning.
Research shows the top four things that people look for in work:
1. Freedom and flexibility (79%)
2. Using my talents to the full (54%)
3. Meaningful work (44%)
4. Control (37%)
The main reason to become self-employed:
1. To have more freedom (55%)
2. To be creative and make the most of a good idea (30%)
3. To escape a bad workplace (15%)
Pros of a portfolio career
- Freedom
- Autonomy
- Fulfilment
- Flexibility
- Choice and control
- Safety net to spread risk
- Work-life balance
- Build skills & marketability
- Follow multiple passions
- Evolve and edit to suit
- Time to study and travel
- Politics & hierarchy free
- Self discovery, learning & growth
- Safely explore self employment
- Variety and stimulating challenges
- Scheduling to suit your needs & family
Cons of a portfolio career
- Financial uncertainty
- Disciplined self-management needed
- Unpredictable work
- More things to juggle
- Must monitor changing trends
- Need to market yourself
- Regular networking essential
- Fund own holidays
- Fund own benefits eg pension
- Fast learning curve
- Personal change can have an impact
- Can be hard to switch off
- Possible loneliness & isolation
- Reduced employment rights
- Responsibility for own decisions
- Need a distinctive personal brand
Get in touch for your free 20 minute consultation to find out if a portfolio career is for you: https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/contact-us/
What is Energise founder Rachel Brushfield’s portfolio career consist of? https://www.linkedin.com/in/energiseliberateyourtalent/