Recently, I’ve noticed a significant increase in people reaching out to work with me, eager to make a major shift in how they structure their careers. They know they’re ready for something different, something more fulfilling, but they haven’t taken the time to think deeply about the skills they already have, the interests they’d love to pursue, or the ways they could blend their experience into something new and unique.
And why would they?
We’re still conditioned to think that the traditional 9-5 structure is the way forward. The 9-5 system dates back to the Industrial Revolution, when labor was about output on the factory floor. A single, defined career track made sense back then—it was efficient and predictable for a society centered around production. But that’s no longer the world we live in. Today, the notion of one “job for life” is quickly fading. Yet, big companies like Amazon are calling people back into the office, checking badge-ins and outs, and tracking attendance as if we’re shift workers.
So why are we still tied to these outdated structures when most of us are doing work that’s creative, knowledge-based, and digitally connected? This rigid approach often does little more than stifle innovation, restrict career growth, and keep people from exploring what they’re truly capable of.
Thinking Beyond the 9-5: What Is a Portfolio Career?
Enter the concept of a portfolio career—a path to take control by combining multiple roles, skills, and experiences into a dynamic work life that aligns with your interests and strengths. Unlike traditional career tracks, a portfolio career lets you work across different fields or industries, leveraging your full skill set for flexibility, fulfillment, and, often, a broader range of opportunities.
This diversification brings not only freedom and flexibility but also risk mitigation—much like in finance, where spreading investments helps reduce exposure to potential downturns. And with the rapid rise of AI, and the growing concern that certain jobs could disappear, a diversified career approach is more relevant than ever. A portfolio career can provide adaptability and security in an evolving job landscape.
According to a 2020 Deloitte report, 61% of millennials and 63% of Gen Zs see freelancing as a viable career option over traditional employment. And a recent LinkedIn survey found that 45% of employees are more interested in hybrid or flexible work setups than a rigid 9-5, signaling a shift towards career flexibility.
My Personal Experience with a Portfolio Career:
For me, building a portfolio career has meant combining a range of activities and passions. I run my own business and deliver leadership training, 1:1 coaching, and group workshops. I also advise startups, create content, write for magazines, speak at events, and invest in real estate. Teaching Yoga and Pilates keeps me grounded and gives me a way to bring a bit of balance into my own life, and it adds another dimension to the work I do with clients on managing stress and well-being.
I also have clients who are venturing into portfolio careers after years in traditional roles. One of my clients—a retired executive—has started consulting part-time, writing a memoir, and supporting non-profits with her expertise. She’s using her years of experience to make an impact but on her own terms and with the flexibility that lets her pursue new passions.
Another client recently left a demanding corporate role to advise startups, a space where he felt he could make a real difference. He now splits his time between strategic advising, developing an online course for first-time founders, and even making and selling art through a gallery connection he’s made. He’s found a creative outlet he hadn’t anticipated and is able to channel his business acumen into a more balanced, fulfilling career.
How to Start Building Your Portfolio Career
If the idea of a portfolio career resonates with you, here are some steps to help you begin:
Identify Your Skills and Interests Think about your core skills and what you genuinely enjoy doing. What do you bring to the table that others seek out? This can include hard skills (like project management or digital marketing) as well as soft skills (like problem-solving or leadership).
Consider Revenue Streams A portfolio career might include a mix of consulting, freelance work, part-time roles, or even launching a small business. Diversifying your income can provide more security than the traditional one-employer approach.
Network with Intention Start connecting with people across different industries and roles. Your network is one of your most valuable assets, especially when you’re building a career that spans multiple areas. Find mentors, attend industry events, and keep your LinkedIn connections active and engaged.
Develop a Growth Mindset Portfolio careers thrive on adaptability and learning. Make professional development a regular part of your routine, whether through courses, certifications, or simply reading up on trends in various fields.
Embrace Flexibility and Experimentation With a portfolio career, you have the freedom to try new things. Not everything has to be a long-term commitment. Freelance on the side, launch a small project, or test a new skill to see how it fits with your goals.
Create Your Brand When you’re managing multiple roles, your personal brand is what ties everything together. Be clear about who you are, what you do, and how each part of your portfolio fits into the bigger picture. Your brand is your unique selling point, so invest in making it clear and consistent.
Image Credit: Portfolio Collective
The Future of Work Is Fluid
A portfolio career is a step away from the linear career model, embracing flexibility, multiple income streams, and varied roles. It’s an approach that allows you to design a work life that’s both financially viable and personally fulfilling. While companies may still lean on outdated systems, the future of work is here, and it’s yours to shape.
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Hi! I'm Merve. 👋 I help leaders build high performing teams, amplify their business impact, and advance their careers.
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