It is believed by career forecasters that before long people who work one full-time job will be in the minority. As management guru Peter Drucker put it, "Corporations once built to last like pyramids are now more like tents - You can't design your life around a temporary structure." In this article I discuss "Portfolio Careers" -- what they are, the pros and cons, where to find one, and when to start building one.

What is a "Portfolio Career?" To become a portfolio person, we must stop thinking in terms of having or not having a job. We need to take control of our life, make flexibility our credo, and develop a portfolio of different items. Rather than working for one company, you take on various projects and cultivate several clients. A successful "Portfolio Career" fits together bits of work in our life to form a balanced whole. There are different possibilities and different types of Portfolio Careers which include: Working as an independent contractor for a specified length of time. Then on to another career! Working full time in one career, and adding on another or more part time careers. Having a variety of part time careers.

Why have a "Portfolio Career?" I have pursued a Portfolio Career for more than twelve years and love it. During that time I have had from three to nine different careers in my portfolio at a time.

The pros in my case are the flexibility, the variety of working on many different tasks, being able to pursue careers that I love -- but don't pay enough to do full-time, the excitement that accompanies change and taking risks, and having creative control over my future.

The cons are what every free agent, independent professional, and freelancer face: a lack of the stability afforded by a full-time job, paycheck, and benefits; feast and famine - being so busy it is overwhelming to having no set project lined up; having to deal with constant change and continual marketing and networking; and hearing friends and family say, "When are you going to get a real job?"

Where do I find or search for the careers to fil

l my "Portfolio?" We need to be flexible and confident about trying new careers. Areas of opportunity are all around us! Questions to ask yourself are: What would I like to do or learn to do? Is there an idea or ideas that I have for a home-based business, but have felt would not support me full time? What skills and talents do I have that others would pay for? What career(s) would I like to try, if I knew that I wouldn't have to do it (them) forever or on a full-time basis? When should I start a "Portfolio Career?" I suggest starting a "Portfolio Career” the minute you have any dissatisfaction with your present work life, the minute someone offers you an opportunity that sounds interesting or fascinating, or when there are several career areas you would like to investigate. I don't suggest taking on many different careers at the same time. The key to making the portfolio life work is planning, knowing what you are good at and being able to take risks. Fill in any missing parts by volunteering, trying out new areas, taking classes, listening to tapes, researching and being honest with yourself.

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