Many professionals today find themselves juggling multiple roles—consultant by day, lecturer by night, maybe even a part-time yoga teacher on weekends. Sound familiar? If it does, you might already be on the path of a portfolio career—even if you haven’t named it yet.
We often think of careers as linear: school, job, promotion, retirement. But for a growing number of people, that model no longer fits. Instead of climbing a single ladder, they’re building a mosaic of work, weaving together different interests, income streams, and identities. This approach is called a portfolio career—and it’s quietly becoming a powerful and intentional alternative to the traditional 9-to-5.
More Than a Gig Economy Trend
Let’s clear up a common misconception: a portfolio career is not simply about having multiple jobs or hustling between gigs. It’s not freelancing in chaos or stringing together side hustles out of financial necessity.
A true portfolio career is about design and intentionality. It’s a career model where individuals consciously combine roles that align with their strengths, values, and goals. You might be doing consulting, teaching, facilitating workshops, running a small business—or a unique mix of these. The key difference lies in your agency and how these roles fit into a bigger vision of a meaningful and sustainable professional life.
A Concept With Roots—and Fresh Momentum
The term “portfolio career” was popularized by Charles Handy, a British social philosopher who envisioned a future where individuals would no longer work for just one employer but instead manage a portfolio of roles. Handy saw the coming shift from stable employment to flexible, skill-driven work. He also anticipated some of the challenges—like how society and HR departments struggle to accommodate those who don’t fit into conventional career boxes.
Decades later, that shift is in full swing. The gig economy, fueled by platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and LinkedIn, made it easier than ever to find projects outside traditional employment. But unlike gig workers who often take short-term assignments without long-term planning, portfolio professionals intentionally build a blend of roles—often mixing paid and unpaid, creative and analytical, structured and freeform.
This trend aligns with the megatrend of “New Work” recently reframed by the renowned Zukunftsinstitut to “Future of work” —a response to digitalization, globalization, and changing values in the workplace. Younger generations are no longer motivated solely by titles or salaries. They seek purpose, autonomy, and well-being. In this context, portfolio careers are not just a workaround—they are a progressive strategy for modern work and life.
My Journey: From Frustration to Fulfillment
I didn’t discover portfolio careers in a textbook—I lived my way into the concept.
Early in my career, I worked across corporates, NGOs, and startups. Despite the variety of industries, I felt underchallenged and boxed in. I realized that working for one organization full-time didn’t bring out my best. I needed variety, flexibility, and impact!
After earning my MBA, I took a job that was more aligned with my purpose—healthcare—but internal politics and lack of advancement left me disillusioned. It was only after a career setback that I saw it as an opportunity: I started my own company and took on a part-time role elsewhere. I also began teaching as a lecturer—initially a “side gig,” but one that brought me joy.
The result? Work that finally felt like me.
Not one job, but many. Not one identity, but a portfolio of them. That’s when I realized: this wasn’t an accident—it was a career model.
A portfolio career. One of my favorite illustrators, Liz Fosslien, brilliantly captures this shift in one of her illustrations, which shows the mismatch between traditional career expectations and the complex, human reality of modern professionals. It’s a visual reminder that we are not job titles—we are ecosystems of interests, values, and identities.
The Science Behind the Satisfaction
As part of my Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Positive Psychology at the University of Zurich, I researched what makes portfolio careers sustainable and fulfilling. I discovered that they can be deeply aligned with the core principles of well-being.
One key framework is PERMA, developed by psychologist Martin Seligman. It outlines five pillars of human flourishing:
Positive Emotion
Engagement
Relationships
Meaning
Accomplishment
A well-structured portfolio career supports all five. It allows you to:
Choose work that energizes you
Spend time in “flow” doing things you’re good at
Connect with people across diverse fields
Align your work with your values and purpose
Celebrate wins in different domains of life
In short: portfolio careers are not just about income—they are about integration and thriving.
Not Just for Creatives or Executives
One of the myths about portfolio careers is that they’re only for senior consultants that become Board members, artists, or burnt-out corporate execs. In reality, portfolio careers are emerging across all age groups and professions—from teachers and data analysts to coaches and entrepreneurs.
You don’t need to wait until you’re established or have “made it.” You can start now, from wherever you are, by asking:
What roles do I already play professionally?
What skills or passions have I left untapped?
Where could I add value in new contexts?
Often, it starts with a side project—a blog, a workshop, a freelance offer. From there, you can test ideas, refine your strengths, and gradually shape a career that feels fully yours.
You Might Already Be a Portfolio Professional
If you’re combining multiple roles, operating across different sectors, or balancing passion projects with your main income stream—you’re already living a portfolio lifestyle.
The question isn’t “should I start a portfolio career?” but rather:
“How can I design one that works for me—financially, emotionally, and sustainably?”
My coaching and research are designed to help individuals answer that question. Because a portfolio career isn’t a fallback. It’s a bold, creative, and values-based way forward.
✨ Ready to explore your own portfolio career?
Reach out today to learn more about our offerings!