Peter Cobbe offers tips on how to build a career that encompasses taking on many different types of work

Experts agree that the time is right for a rapid increase of portfolio careers – especially among baby boomers searching for more challenges at the end of a traditional career.

While many consider the portfolio a phase for the older generation who can make changes without impact on lifestyle, this way of working is not just for seasoned veterans. Since 2000, there has been a 66% increase in freelance workers aged between 26 and 29.

Today, multiple factors encourage the development of portfolio lives. For example, the increasing cost and complexity of travel, the growing technological ease of mobile working, the drive by organisations to reduce overheads and use a flexible workforce, the desire for autonomy and a new lifestyle balance by many people.

A portfolio career is not a simple option or the same as managing three jobs and wishing you had one. Some portfolio careers are mixtures of freelance and voluntary commitments; others are grounded in conventional roles. A real benefit can be that following such a career enables use of a variety of enjoyable skills, whilst aligning with personal values and motivation.

Portfolio lifestyles, carefully thought through and implemented, can suit any age group and are not just the province of semi-retired people

A real benefit (of a portfolio career) can be that following such a career enables use of a variety of enjoyable skills, whilst aligning with personal values and motivation.

Each job adds skills and experience to your portfolio and this type of work allows flexibility and can also be secure. Also, in working this way, a balance can be struck between paid and unpaid work and an improved lifestyle.

Working with several clients I have noticed that some attributes or qualities help to underpin success in holding down a portfolio career, including:

If you are considering a portfolio approach, an effective initial stage is to reflect carefully and consider the following questions:

‘An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory.’ - Engels

Having thought through and settled on at least some initial portfolio components, you are ready to:

A portfolio approach implies an ongoing, flexible and exciting journey. The components of your portfolio can change and evolve.

Some components can be removed if they are not meeting your needs or criteria and new components can be added as you learn more and discover new possibilities. In this sense, it is worth reviewing and evaluating progress at key stages to see what needs to change as well as being constantly curious and actively researching new possibilities.