The Rise of 'Portfolio' Careers: A perfect fit for sustainability

I've always grappled with the question, "What do you do for work?" For me, the conventional 9-5 career path has never quite fit the bill. Instead, I've often found myself juggling two or three different "jobs" or roles, whether they involve external companies or my own personal projects. In recent years, I've noticed that this multi-faceted approach to work is becoming increasingly common. What's more, I've come to realise that this approach enables me to take a holistic approach to my work, particularly in driving best practices in sustainability.

Whether I'm serving as a Sustainability Manager or Consultant in a corporate setting, running educational programs, offering policy advice, or conducting research, my varied career (so far) has allowed me to approach sustainability from numerous angles, even in my personal life. Far from suggesting that I can't commit to one thing, this diverse approach has actually made me highly adaptable to change and perpetually eager to learn. Inadvertently I've learnt the skills that someone working in sustainability needs!

Adapting to the Shifting Labor Landscape

The labor market has undergone a significant transformation. In the past, it was common for employers to invest in upskilling their workforce over extended periods. However, today, the onus has shifted to individuals, who must continuously upgrade their skill sets. This shift is primarily due to the fact that many people change jobs every few years, giving rise to what we now call portfolio careers.

In this new landscape, job roles are fluid and ever-evolving. As a result, professionals must adapt rapidly to keep up with these changes. The ability to learn, evolve, and embrace change has become a crucial asset. Jobs are no longer static but constantly changing, particularly in response to the challenges posed by the climate crisis.

The Connection Between Portfolio Careers and 'Green Skills'

The synergy between portfolio careers and the development of 'green skills' is evident. Portfolio careers not only equip individuals with versatile and adaptable skillsets but also encourage a holistic approach to addressing sustainability challenges. The capacity to connect with different industries and continually learn and innovate makes portfolio professionals valuable contributors to the ever-evolving field of sustainability. Embracing a portfolio career showcases one's ability to adapt to change, foster cross-sector collaboration, maintain a commitment to learning, and effectively solve problems.

A Shift in Educational Focus for Sustainable Development

So, how do we prepare our future workforce for this shifting landscape? The traditional model of education, which focused on preparing individuals for specific roles, is becoming increasingly inadequate. Our educational approach needs to shift towards long-term thinking, anticipating the skills required over the next 20 years, rather than just planning for the upcoming year or two. This transition is crucial in tackling the monumental challenges presented by the climate crisis.

The climate crisis isn't just an environmental concern; it's also an economic and social issue. To effectively address it, our workforce must be equipped with the capacity to adapt, learn, and reprogram themselves. This entails moving away from niche, short-term skill development and towards cultivating versatile individuals capable of problem-solving, adapting to change, and driving innovation—what we refer to as Fusion Skills. As I discussed in a previous article, Fusion Skills encompass a range of abilities that transcend job-specific knowledge. They are the foundation for creating change-makers who can lead sustainability initiatives and adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the job market.

The rise of portfolio careers signifies not just a change in how individuals approach their work lives but a paradigm shift that aligns well with the demands of working in sustainability. The dynamic, adaptable, and problem-solving nature of portfolio professionals contributes to the advancement of green skills and the promotion of sustainability. The rise of portfolio careers is a timely and beneficial trend that can help shape a more sustainable future.