Not so long ago, there was a time where a typical career followed a neat script. Professions were chosen in your early twenties and you climbed steadily up the ladder. But, as attitudes and priorities have shifted, the ideal career has a different vision entirely. Instead of a single job, many are curating what is known as a ‘portfolio career.’ Coined by Charles Handy in the late 80’s, he theorises about a shift away from traditional jobs towards a more flexible and varied income stream. From working a 9-5 during the day, to social media freelancing or personal training on the side, the way in which we understand work altogether has come to a head.
For many, the appeal lies partly in autonomy. Growing up during an era of economic uncertainty during a global pandemic, Gen Z tends to view traditional 9-5’s with skepticism. Increasing redundancies in a post-pandemic and AI obsessed age has perhaps made people feel as though having one single employer can feel like a precarious move. Whereas, diversifying income streams can offer a sense of control that the former does not. But the portfolio career isn’t only about security, it’s about retaining a professional identity. For a generation largely raised online, personal branding has become synonymous and necessary to one’s professional life. In building a ‘portfolio’ of careers, you build a layered identity. A hobby could turn into a small business and a social media account into a marketing tactic. The portfolio career means that creativity is no longer a thing of the weekend as flexible incomes are becoming woven into everyday professional life.
Moreover, technology has made this fluidity possible. Working remotely has foremost dismantled many of the barriers that once kept jobs geographically isolated. For example, a marketing assistant from London can work with a designer from the States and complete projects without ever having met face to face. Equally important is a shift in values. Where previous generations have often prioritised the longevity of a career at a single company, Gen Z places greater emphasis on flexibility and purpose. In fact, Harper’s Bazaar notes that, “Instead of letting work take over their lives…they’re finding ways to put it in its place.” A portfolio career allows them to experiment, to explore different industries and easily pivot in response to changing interests and opportunities that otherwise might have been unavailable to them.
There is also a subtle rebellion embedded within the trend. For decades, professional success has been defined by promotions, professional hierarchies and business status. Yet, Gen Z seems to be rejecting these values in favour of more personal ones. For example, for many, a fulfilling career isn’t one that pays the highest. Rather, it’s a job that allows the freedom to travel while working, to pursue multiple careers or simply the autonomy to design a workweek that feels sustainable. Of course, it’s not without its challenges. Managing multiple clients and roles can be challenging, not to mention benefits like pensions, sick leave and healthcare traditionally tied to full-time employment are not always guaranteed. Yet, for many, the trade off feels worthwhile. The portfolio career reflects a broader cultural shift as work is no longer forced to be a chore.
All this being said, we should see the rise of the portfolio careers as a change to be embraced, as a new generation reshapes work in a way that suits them. While it has its challenges, it also offers a sense of creativity and independence that conventional careers fail to. By challenging the conventions of a corporate world that has long prioritised hierarchies, Gen Z are redefining what it means to be successful.