What’s a ‘Portfolio Career’ and Is this Trend Something You Should Try Out?

Career paths are no longer linear. It's becoming more normal to see professionals move on quickly from businesses to pursue other passions and gain new skill sets. It is clear that the 2021 Great Resignation largely contributed to the trend of a portfolio career as it allowed professionals to reconsider how happy they were at work. For some, this reflection birthed a desire for something new and challenging. Something their current company could not offer.?

What Is a Portfolio Career?

A portfolio career is a professional journey marked by diverse contract roles and temporary positions. As opposed to a linear career path where your progression at one company is vertical, a portfolio career is a non-linear journey where a professional works in a variety of different roles with a diverse set of organizations.

What are the benefits?

• Growth and Diversifying Your Skill Set: Working in a variety of job functions exposes you to a range of digital tools, systems, software, and other in-demand tools you may not have had to learn at one company. Different teams use different systems depending on their workflow.
• Multiple Income Streams: Taking on a diverse set of projects often allows you to set your hours, which makes supplementing your income easier. Without the restriction of a 9 to 5 schedule, there is no cap on how many additional gigs you can take on.

What are the drawbacks?

• Lack of financial stability: Having a portfolio career can feel like you're always in a job search, keeping an eye out for the next opportunity. Individuals supporting a family may find this strain impractical. Due to contract work varying in length and pay, your earnings will not be identical each month. You may have four months of consistent pay followed by three dry months. This uncertainty is tolerable for some but anxiety-inducing for others. Discerning where you fall on that spectrum will be paramount.?

So, is the Portfolio Career for you? If jumping from project to project, taking on new challenges, meeting new people, and diversifying your skillset appeals to you, this trend may be for you. Maybe you are a junior professional hungry for diverse challenges and accelerated growth or a seasoned professional looking to shake up their career. Which ever the case, the portfolio career is sure to enrich and add variety to anyone's career.

Ready for Something New in Your Career?

Submit Your Resume Today