I was talking to an old friend recently who asked me what I was doing these days. I told her I had several small jobs and projects including volunteering. She corrected me and told me that I had a ‘portfolio career’. We laughed about this at the time but afterwards it got me thinking – what is a portfolio career and is it a good thing that I have one? 

In the context of today’s ever-changing job market, alongside the post-pandemic re-evaluation of work-life balance undergone by many, it is the unsurprising that people are seriously considering alternatives to traditional 9-to-5 jobs. 

The Portfolio Collective defines a portfolio career as “a working style that encourages you to make money several different ways (and focus on projects you’re passionate about).” A portfolio career often involves juggling several roles, projects, and freelance activities, creating a diversified career path that offers both flexibility and variety. This approach to career development can be highly rewarding and is worth considering for anyone looking to enhance their professional situation. 

So how might your portfolio career look in practice? The key is assembling a collection of diverse yet complementary professional experiences. One day you might be working as a freelance writer, the next you’re designing websites, and on weekends perhaps you’re teaching a course or consulting for a startup. This variety not only keeps your work life interesting but also enhances your skill set, making you more adaptable and resilient in an ever-evolving job market.

One of the most important advantages of a portfolio career is its inherent stability via diversification. Relying on a single job for income in an uncertain job market can be risky. By spreading your professional efforts across multiple ventures, you mitigate the risk of income loss from any single source. If one stream dries up, others can help fill the gap, providing an element of a financial safety net.

Additionally, a portfolio career allows you to pursue multiple ambitions and incorporate existing skills simultaneously. If you have a hankering for the autonomy of self-employment, for example, you could slowly build your own bookkeeping practice alongside a part-time employed role and decide as the practice grows whether you want to go it alone eventually.

Flexibility is another key benefit of a portfolio career. Without the constraints of a fixed schedule, you can design a workday that suits your lifestyle and personal preferences. This independence can lead to better work-life balance, reducing burnout and increasing job satisfaction. Working from different locations, whether it be a home office or a favourite café, adds to this sense of freedom and control over your work environment. 

However, it’s important to acknowledge that a portfolio career requires careful planning and good time management. Balancing multiple roles and projects can be challenging and made lead to periods of uncertainty. Developing a robust organisational system and setting clear boundaries between different aspects of your career are essential to maintain productivity and avoid overwhelm.

In conclusion, a portfolio career offers a dynamic and diversified approach to professional life, combining flexibility, stability and personal fulfilment. By embracing this model, you can utilise your varied skills and talents, creating a career path that is both resilient and deeply rewarding. For those seeking a more versatile and adaptable work life, a portfolio career is an attractive and viable option.

Here at Ideal Schools, our experiences of working with thousands of people who’ve embraced new career paths and different professional models, make us uniquely well-placed to support you in this journey, especially if your career evolution involves bookkeeping, payroll or accounting. 

Just in recent months, we have worked with students who have been building portfolio careers featuring their own bookkeeping practice or employed finance role alongside dog-walking, holiday lets, caring responsibilities, tutoring, volunteering, home-schooling, writing and more.

We offer several qualification routes, including, AAT courses, CPD courses and ICB courses. These organisations are highly regarded in the bookkeeping sector, and you can rest assured you’d be gaining qualifications which will open doors for your new career in the future.

With our flexible training and support, you too can thrive in your portfolio career. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly advisors to discuss your options and find the perfect course for you.
Contact us for a chat if you’d like more information or advice – hard sell not included.