a Portfolio Career - Pros & cons
So what is a portfolio career?
Essentially, it is a term given to those who have worked in a variety of roles, or functions and built a wide ranging understanding and knowledge base. It involves engaging in multiple, often diverse, professional pursuits simultaneously, for either one or more employer. No mean feat!
As someone with a varied background with Local Government, I have heard the term “Portfolio Career” mentioned a few times when describing my experience and it’s something I am personally very proud of.
I, like others, have had to be diverse and adaptable in order to achieve the challenges of a wide ranging career, multiple functions and often conflicting demands. In an era marked by dynamic career landscapes and evolving work structures, the concept of a portfolio career has gained prominence and many employers can see the raft of benefits that come with the breadth of business understanding that can be offered.
In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of a portfolio career, shedding light on whether this multifaceted journey is the right fit for you.
Pros:
Diversification of Skills - A portfolio career allows individuals to diversify their skill sets. Engaging in different roles and industries can foster adaptability, resilience, and a broader range of competencies.
Increased Job Satisfaction - Pursuing multiple passions or interests often leads to higher job satisfaction. The variety inherent in a portfolio career can prevent monotony and keep individuals engaged and motivated.
Adaptability to Economic Changes - In an ever-changing economy, if one sector faces challenges, other sources of income can help cushion the impact and provide financial stability as you can often apply your skills to multiple sectors or business models.
Entrepreneurial Spirit - A portfolio career embodies an entrepreneurial spirit. Those with a diverse range of roles often develop a business mindset, learning to navigate various industries and markets.
Cons:
Balancing Act - Juggling multiple roles requires effective time management and organisational skills. Striking a balance between various commitments can be demanding and may lead to burnout if not managed properly.
Limited Specialisation - A portfolio career may lead to a broad skill set, but it can come at the cost of deep specialisation. In certain industries, employers may prioritise experts with focused expertise over generalists.
Embarking on a portfolio career is a journey filled with both opportunities and challenges. The decision to pursue such a path depends on individual preferences, career goals, and the ability to navigate the complexities of a diverse professional landscape.
While the pros of skill diversification, job satisfaction, and adaptability are enticing, the cons of balancing multiple commitments, and potential limitations in specialisation should be carefully considered.
Ultimately, whilst a portfolio career can be slightly harder to market, many employers will see the substantial benefits of a resilient and adaptable individual.
So is it right for you?
Do you enjoy a challenge and being kept on your toes? Do you thrive on being busy and working under pressure? Do you have a desire to soak up as much information as possible?
If so, building a portfolio career might be the right path for you!