People don't realise how valuable some time off is. Most people are doing in this time off with a deep introspection of how their life will be like without the rat-race and the results are mind-blowing. Investing (blockchain) in different tech is a very good opportunity nowadays. You others (including me) are going with the flow where rigid rules are not there anymore. It's like breaking the invisible 9-5 chains.
This is it, Iwana. I found you by accident and I can relate to almost everything. We need more testimonials of this reality and trying to change. And changing it while exploring and testing. I've subscribed and I look forward to read and learn more about you and your experience. I may even apply to my own journey. Keep going! :)
Reading your post made me realize I was building my portfolio career since I've quit my Corporate job 4 years ago! At first my intention was to built my startup but I quickly got involved in freelancing jobs and caught the entrepreneurial fever to start many side projects. This looks a bit chaotic for the outside world but this is my best way to create, learn everyday and feel free. Your post resonates with me so much! Congrats on your journey ✨
Thanks, Elodee! Love meeting another fellow on the portfolio career path. For me, framing it this way really helped make my work look a bit less chaotic from the outside. :)
I've been evolving my portfolio of work for 10 years. It's just baked through with me now, a mature set of practices that entirely sustain me fincially yes but importantly intellectually, emotionally, spirtually. I feel aligned. I shudder at the thought of doing differently now. Bravo you!
Are you kidding me!!! This is a term I've been needing to hear for years. Traditional roles just don't make my heart skip a beat the same way - thank you for sharing your journey.
Hi @Iwana - I’d love to hear more about how you’ve used AI to support your portfolio career and where it is most helpful. I’ve been resistant to it for so long but as I’m soon to be a team of one and embarking on a similar exploration journey as you, I know it can probably be very helpful. Any insight you’ve got would be super helpful! And thanks for this article - good to be reminded that it can work and that it takes time. 🙏
Yes, I really recommend starting to use AI as it’s a game-changer. I use it to support almost everything in my life now. Anything I used to google, I ask ChatGPT instead. When working, it’s like my expert colleague: answering questions, complementing my strengths, covering blind spots, and helping me test ideas quickly. I work with it much like I used to work with my team: delegating tasks, giving feedback, iterating together, and getting things done.
I use it for writing but not to generate the article but to edit, challenge ideas, and provide new perspectives. I use it for research, medical questions, identifying plants, figuring out repairs - you name it. Anytime I have a question during the day, I ask.
I think how you can start is this: Don’t overcomplicate learning lots of tools but get the ChatGPT Pro Version (around 22$ per month, but it’s worth it), you can basically do everything with this one. And then just start talking to it. Every question you have during the day, ask it. If something is unclear, ask further. Don’t expect outcome to be perfect at the beginning, tell it what you don’t like, and iterate with it. And you‘ll see step by step how to use it and what to use it best for in your work day but also your life.
I've been building my portfolio career for 2 decades now. No regrets, but it is harder to measure progress without a set career paths, promotions and pay scale. Sometimes I feel like I've achieved so much, and other times so little!
Thanks, Ryan! Not sure if you wanted Anna’s or my two cents 😉, but I really enjoyed your article. Totally agree that AI is a huge boost for solopreneurs, and it’s helped me create my own little team of one. With automation and AI making the job market more competitive, I think many more people will (need to) turn to alternative work models.
In my case, I’m not necessarily focused on earning more or getting more done, I’m using a portfolio career to design work around my values and passions, and to stay more in control of who I work with and how I spend my time.
Love how you’re approaching the change as ‘a year of experimentation.’ I think we all feel like we need to have the right answer or know the right path to go down, but honestly, it’s all just trial and error - and I love seeing this mindset shift! Just hit subscribe 🧡
Yes!! Everyone expects you to always have a plan for what’s next. But if you actually want to pivot, you have to start by asking questions, staying curious, experimenting, failing and eventually stumbling upon your new thing...Thanks for following along! 🫶🏻
I totally feel this. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been told to just pick one thing and focus, because that’s supposedly the fastest way to “get ahead.” But that’s just not me. I’m an “and” person. I don’t want to choose between this or that, I want to do both. It’s really refreshing to see that building a life like that is actually possible and that I’m not off track for wanting it that way.
I know what you mean. People often think I don't 'live in reality' because I'm in Portugal and approach work and life a bit differently. I think it's great that you know what you want versus what’s considered 'normal' and you’ve started questioning the default. Unfortunately it's often hard to see the alternatives to the mainstream in our immediate surroundings. But in terms of work, the world is changing fast and I believe portfolio careers are the perfect way to embrace what’s next! 🙂
It's been so lovely being a small part of your figuring-it-out journey. Big and exciting things for you in the future, I'm sure of it ❤️
Thanks, Anna, very curious what's ahead! But always better to have people with you along the path. 🫶🏻
Didn’t know about this term - love this!
Same! I was really happy to discover it a few months ago 🙂
Likewise! (And thank you, Anna!)
People don't realise how valuable some time off is. Most people are doing in this time off with a deep introspection of how their life will be like without the rat-race and the results are mind-blowing. Investing (blockchain) in different tech is a very good opportunity nowadays. You others (including me) are going with the flow where rigid rules are not there anymore. It's like breaking the invisible 9-5 chains.
A big yes to all of the above. 😉
This is it, Iwana. I found you by accident and I can relate to almost everything. We need more testimonials of this reality and trying to change. And changing it while exploring and testing. I've subscribed and I look forward to read and learn more about you and your experience. I may even apply to my own journey. Keep going! :)
Thank you so much for sharing, Maria! I’m glad that my experience might help others and feedback like yours is what helps me keep going 🙂🙏!
Reading your post made me realize I was building my portfolio career since I've quit my Corporate job 4 years ago! At first my intention was to built my startup but I quickly got involved in freelancing jobs and caught the entrepreneurial fever to start many side projects. This looks a bit chaotic for the outside world but this is my best way to create, learn everyday and feel free. Your post resonates with me so much! Congrats on your journey ✨
Thanks, Elodee! Love meeting another fellow on the portfolio career path. For me, framing it this way really helped make my work look a bit less chaotic from the outside. :)
Yes you inspired me to start structuring it ! Because my LinkedIn looks weird haha
Nice! 👏👏
I've been evolving my portfolio of work for 10 years. It's just baked through with me now, a mature set of practices that entirely sustain me fincially yes but importantly intellectually, emotionally, spirtually. I feel aligned. I shudder at the thought of doing differently now. Bravo you!
Thank you, Ruth! And that's amazing that you have already created something fully aligned with you. 🙂
It happens quick with the intention. Go after it!
Are you kidding me!!! This is a term I've been needing to hear for years. Traditional roles just don't make my heart skip a beat the same way - thank you for sharing your journey.
Haha. I know, that’s the kind of excitement I felt when discovering it. 😂
Hi @Iwana - I’d love to hear more about how you’ve used AI to support your portfolio career and where it is most helpful. I’ve been resistant to it for so long but as I’m soon to be a team of one and embarking on a similar exploration journey as you, I know it can probably be very helpful. Any insight you’ve got would be super helpful! And thanks for this article - good to be reminded that it can work and that it takes time. 🙏
Hi Lara,
Yes, I really recommend starting to use AI as it’s a game-changer. I use it to support almost everything in my life now. Anything I used to google, I ask ChatGPT instead. When working, it’s like my expert colleague: answering questions, complementing my strengths, covering blind spots, and helping me test ideas quickly. I work with it much like I used to work with my team: delegating tasks, giving feedback, iterating together, and getting things done.
I use it for writing but not to generate the article but to edit, challenge ideas, and provide new perspectives. I use it for research, medical questions, identifying plants, figuring out repairs - you name it. Anytime I have a question during the day, I ask.
I think how you can start is this: Don’t overcomplicate learning lots of tools but get the ChatGPT Pro Version (around 22$ per month, but it’s worth it), you can basically do everything with this one. And then just start talking to it. Every question you have during the day, ask it. If something is unclear, ask further. Don’t expect outcome to be perfect at the beginning, tell it what you don’t like, and iterate with it. And you‘ll see step by step how to use it and what to use it best for in your work day but also your life.
That’s a great way to say "I have a multi-passionate career"
Haha, yes, very true!
I've been building my portfolio career for 2 decades now. No regrets, but it is harder to measure progress without a set career paths, promotions and pay scale. Sometimes I feel like I've achieved so much, and other times so little!
That’s amazing! I can definitely relate even though I’m not that far into the game but overall, it’s actually really rewarding.
Really resonated. Thanks for writing.
Glad to hear and thank you for letting me know! 🙂🙏🏻
Great to hear your portfolio career journey, Anna! 🥳 I also wrote an article about this recently that I’d love to get your 2 cents on it: https://open.substack.com/pub/ryanbollenbach/p/building-a-portfolio-career-in-the?r=5vrqm&utm_medium=ios
Thanks, Ryan! Not sure if you wanted Anna’s or my two cents 😉, but I really enjoyed your article. Totally agree that AI is a huge boost for solopreneurs, and it’s helped me create my own little team of one. With automation and AI making the job market more competitive, I think many more people will (need to) turn to alternative work models.
In my case, I’m not necessarily focused on earning more or getting more done, I’m using a portfolio career to design work around my values and passions, and to stay more in control of who I work with and how I spend my time.
I meant your two cents, I got mixed up there! 🥳. Re: values and passions, do you feel like you’ve defined a mission for yourself as well with work?
Love how you’re approaching the change as ‘a year of experimentation.’ I think we all feel like we need to have the right answer or know the right path to go down, but honestly, it’s all just trial and error - and I love seeing this mindset shift! Just hit subscribe 🧡
Yes!! Everyone expects you to always have a plan for what’s next. But if you actually want to pivot, you have to start by asking questions, staying curious, experimenting, failing and eventually stumbling upon your new thing...Thanks for following along! 🫶🏻
I totally feel this. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been told to just pick one thing and focus, because that’s supposedly the fastest way to “get ahead.” But that’s just not me. I’m an “and” person. I don’t want to choose between this or that, I want to do both. It’s really refreshing to see that building a life like that is actually possible and that I’m not off track for wanting it that way.
I know what you mean. People often think I don't 'live in reality' because I'm in Portugal and approach work and life a bit differently. I think it's great that you know what you want versus what’s considered 'normal' and you’ve started questioning the default. Unfortunately it's often hard to see the alternatives to the mainstream in our immediate surroundings. But in terms of work, the world is changing fast and I believe portfolio careers are the perfect way to embrace what’s next! 🙂