Portfolio Career

by Ebru Admin
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Do you dread each Monday because another boring, same week lies ahead of you? Do you feel like each work day reminds you of the film 'œGroundhog Day' ? Do you wish to work more flexibly ? If your answer to these questions is yes, a portfolio career could be the answer for you.

Portfolio career is suitable for people who do not want to work in a full-time job and who want to have a variety in their work life. Rather than working for one company or doing the same work every day, you use your gifts and skills on a variety of activities and projects. An example of a person with a portfolio career is an interpreter who works two days a week with one employer, teaches language part-time at a local college, and works as a freelance interpreter on the side. They can also pursue their hobbies and interests, for example they can design and sell jewelry at local craft fairs.

Portfolio careers bring more flexibility, variety, and freedom to your work life.

If the idea of portfolio work appeals to you, start with asking yourself the following questions :

1. What's important to you in your career now ? If you need stability, the prestige of a steady position and a guaranteed income, focus on finding full-time work. But if flexibility, variety and freedom are your top work values and you want more control over your time, you might consider a portfolio career.

2. There are higher levels of uncertainty and less stability in portfolio working. Are you prepared for this ?

3. Can you successfully juggle multiple jobs ? Are you self-directed and self-disciplined ?

If your answer to these questions is yes but you're not sure how to go about actually making it happen, here are some tips to get you started :

1. What are your skills and passions ? What are the hobbies or side interests that could become income generators ? List everything that comes to your mind. Ask your friends or colleagues to help you complete your list.

2. How can you market your products, skills, services ? Who are your target markets ? Plan a brainstorming session with a friend to come up with a number of revenue streams.

3. Make a plan. Your plan should include a list of possible jobs and prospective employers/clients, a weekly or monthly schedule, plans for a home office or workspace, and a detailed budget. You should also plan how you will pay for medical benefits, holidays and retirement.

4. Use your network. Your network of personal contacts will be extremely beneficial to you to market yourself and gain new business ideas.

Portfolio work can be very rewarding for people who have a broad range of interests and skills. You can gain work/life balance and pursue your dreams. Most of all, you can achieve personal fulfillment and the satisfaction that your talents aren't being wasted.

Ebru Ulufer
http://www.LifeCoachingZone.com
info@lifecoachingzone.com