Is a Portfolio Career Right for You?
Have you noticed more people talking about “portfolio careers” lately?
I sure have — and to be honest, I’ve become a little obsessed with the idea.
A portfolio career simply means creating multiple streams of income and fulfillment instead of relying on one full-time job. It might look like combining part-time work, consulting, freelancing, creative projects, or even volunteer work into one meaningful career mix.
Why it’s gaining momentum
More and more professionals—especially mid-career achievers—are realizing that the “career for life” model no longer fits. Companies are hiring fractional experts instead of full-time employees. Meanwhile, individuals are craving flexibility, freedom, and purpose.
A quick Google search revealed a few eye-opening stats I shared in this week’s podcast episode:
50% of all workers (and 71% of high performers) plan to launch a portfolio career (Forbes).
53% of Gen Z workers are already freelancing full-time hours across multiple projects (Upwork).
36% of U.S. adults earn income beyond their main job (Bankrate).
Nearly 45% of workers have a side hustle.
In short: portfolio careers aren’t a fad—they’re the future of work. And if we are being honest, they’ve been around a while; we just didn’t have a name for it.
The real-life advantages
When I talk about this concept with clients, I see their eyes light up. A portfolio career can:
Let you be more creative and use your natural talents in new ways.
Reduce boredom and reignite motivation.
Provide financial safety through diversified income.
Offer freedom and control over your schedule, clients, and goals.
And here’s the best part—it can be your risk-free path to discovering and building your calling while keeping the stability of your 9-to-5.
Is it right for you?
It’s not without challenges. You’ll need to juggle multiple priorities, stay organized, and market yourself clearly so your work feels cohesive rather than scattered. But if you have a passion or skill you could monetize—and the desire to do more of what lights you up—it might be exactly what you need next.
👉 Listen to the full episode: What Is a Portfolio Career? And Is It Right For You
Inside, I share even more research, personal insights, and stories to help you decide if this path fits your season of life.
And if you’re curious where you stand, take my free Portfolio Career Quiz at DiscoveringYourCalling.com/quiz.
You’ll get an honest snapshot and one simple action step to move forward with clarity, confidence, and joy.
I’d love to know your thoughts on the Portfolio Career concept. Is it something that appeals to you or not? Comment below and let’s keep the conversation going.
