I feel like you’ve just put into words exactly what I’ve been feeling and trying to explain to friends and family what I want with my career (starting in 2025!). It feels progressive/ scary though, trying to fit outside of the small box you’re told to stay in since graduating
This makes me so happy to read. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks and if you need support the portfolio career community on substack is huge. Would love to hear what you pondered over during the break and how you’re thinking of tackling 2025?
A portfolio career definitely represents a significant shift in how we think about work - it’s not just a rejection of the traditional 9-to-5; it’s an evolution of what meaningful, sustainable employment can look like in a world of constant change.
Your reflection on a portfolio career is both inspiring and insightful, especially in how you articulate its multidimensional nature. The metaphor of a portfolio career as a “platter” where diverse pursuits reflect your unique thread is particularly striking - it captures the essence of weaving varied experiences into a fulfilling whole.
The challenge though lies in the mental and logistical complexities of managing such a career. Unlike traditional work, a portfolio career requires robust self-discipline, clear prioritization, and an ongoing ability to balance competing demands. It’s not just about doing multiple things well - it’s about ensuring those things feed into a cohesive sense of purpose. This is where many struggle, as the absence of a singular focus can create friction between short-term goals and long-term aspirations. Your journey illustrates how intentionality, self-awareness, and leveraging networks can transform what seems chaotic into something deeply rewarding. This is not just a career path - it’s a lifestyle philosophy that requires active cultivation at every step.
Also, with AI tools coming up, managing a portfolio career becomes significantly easier and more efficient. From streamlining tasks and optimizing schedules to generating creative ideas and tracking finances, AI can handle the routine and provide valuable insights, allowing you to focus on the strategic and creative aspects of your work. It’s a powerful enabler for scaling flexibility and freedom in a dynamic career.
This is such a beautiful and thoughtful reply, thanks for taking the time Wasim. I agree, the future of portfolio careers and how we can leverage AI to help build them is extremely interesting.
Relate so much to this. There is something to be said about the power in surrendering to the unknown and trusting it’ll all workout because you believe you are worthy of this. We’re so conditioned to think that a successful career or salary is dictated on a 9-5 that we almost feel like a daily schedule like you beautifully laid out isn’t reality. Well I choose to believe that is my reality and that the 9-5 isn’t realistic. Thank you for your beautiful words! ❤️
✨You so clearly articulated exactly where I’m at! After 20 years in the Corporate world I’ve cut the chains. It’s beautiful and terrifying. This is a wonderful read.
As a disabled woman, I’ve been diversifying my skillset and building my portfolio, not knowing that was what I was actually doing. Thank you for providing these specific steps! I’ll definitely implement them. ✍🏽
I really loved this, thank you. I didn’t really know how to describe myself - serial entrepreneur sounds almost sleazy (and not a reflection of half the work I do!). Thank you so much!
I guess, I’ve always kind of had a portfolio career. It just wasn’t obvious because my main source of work and income is in Apparel design but whether I was freelancing or working in house I was always also working on films or doing custom cake commissions. I think of it more as I’m just a girl with a lot of hobbies some of which happens to pay lol but at this point after all these years it is really my career as an artist.
I love this and I agree so much with the pros and cons. Especially the resilience.
I feel like you’ve just put into words exactly what I’ve been feeling and trying to explain to friends and family what I want with my career (starting in 2025!). It feels progressive/ scary though, trying to fit outside of the small box you’re told to stay in since graduating
This makes me so happy to read. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks and if you need support the portfolio career community on substack is huge. Would love to hear what you pondered over during the break and how you’re thinking of tackling 2025?
So much freedom in a portfolio career and it requires comfort with discomfort. Thanks for this super thoughtful and inspiring piece.
A portfolio career definitely represents a significant shift in how we think about work - it’s not just a rejection of the traditional 9-to-5; it’s an evolution of what meaningful, sustainable employment can look like in a world of constant change.
Your reflection on a portfolio career is both inspiring and insightful, especially in how you articulate its multidimensional nature. The metaphor of a portfolio career as a “platter” where diverse pursuits reflect your unique thread is particularly striking - it captures the essence of weaving varied experiences into a fulfilling whole.
The challenge though lies in the mental and logistical complexities of managing such a career. Unlike traditional work, a portfolio career requires robust self-discipline, clear prioritization, and an ongoing ability to balance competing demands. It’s not just about doing multiple things well - it’s about ensuring those things feed into a cohesive sense of purpose. This is where many struggle, as the absence of a singular focus can create friction between short-term goals and long-term aspirations. Your journey illustrates how intentionality, self-awareness, and leveraging networks can transform what seems chaotic into something deeply rewarding. This is not just a career path - it’s a lifestyle philosophy that requires active cultivation at every step.
Also, with AI tools coming up, managing a portfolio career becomes significantly easier and more efficient. From streamlining tasks and optimizing schedules to generating creative ideas and tracking finances, AI can handle the routine and provide valuable insights, allowing you to focus on the strategic and creative aspects of your work. It’s a powerful enabler for scaling flexibility and freedom in a dynamic career.
Thanks for highlighting this!
This is such a beautiful and thoughtful reply, thanks for taking the time Wasim. I agree, the future of portfolio careers and how we can leverage AI to help build them is extremely interesting.
Relate so much to this. There is something to be said about the power in surrendering to the unknown and trusting it’ll all workout because you believe you are worthy of this. We’re so conditioned to think that a successful career or salary is dictated on a 9-5 that we almost feel like a daily schedule like you beautifully laid out isn’t reality. Well I choose to believe that is my reality and that the 9-5 isn’t realistic. Thank you for your beautiful words! ❤️
Right? We need to unlearn EVERYTHING and then discover this amazing new way of living.
💯
HARD relate on everything you've written here, and thanks for the shoutout as always ❤️
✨You so clearly articulated exactly where I’m at! After 20 years in the Corporate world I’ve cut the chains. It’s beautiful and terrifying. This is a wonderful read.
Welcome to the new rich: rich in time, energy, focus and freedom.
Yes!
Great read! And can't wait to hear more about your journey
Wanting and creating this EXACTLY! ♥️♥️♥️
You just helped me realize that I currently have a portfolio career. Thank you for this piece!
As a disabled woman, I’ve been diversifying my skillset and building my portfolio, not knowing that was what I was actually doing. Thank you for providing these specific steps! I’ll definitely implement them. ✍🏽
I’m so glad it was helpful, I think for women in particular the diversification is empowering.
I really loved this, thank you. I didn’t really know how to describe myself - serial entrepreneur sounds almost sleazy (and not a reflection of half the work I do!). Thank you so much!
Love this take! I wrote about how the future of your work is in designing your life and it feels very aligned with having a portfolio career ✨
i have a lot of clients that actually thrive in those type of careers. some of them do pasta workshops & PR stratgies. gotta love the variety!!
I guess, I’ve always kind of had a portfolio career. It just wasn’t obvious because my main source of work and income is in Apparel design but whether I was freelancing or working in house I was always also working on films or doing custom cake commissions. I think of it more as I’m just a girl with a lot of hobbies some of which happens to pay lol but at this point after all these years it is really my career as an artist.
I love this and I agree so much with the pros and cons. Especially the resilience.
I love this term! It makes so much sense and helps me feel less guilty for wanting all the things I do.
Lots of resonance here!