Let’s Start With the Obvious Question: Why Stick to One Job?
Be honest, when’s the last time one job gave you everything? The growth. The money. The flexibility. The creative spark. The sanity?
Exactly.
That’s why more and more high performers are turning to portfolio careers, not because they’re confused, but because they’re done pretending one job can do it all.
So if you’ve been hearing the term thrown around and you’re wondering what it actually means (and whether it’s just a fancy way of saying “freelancer”), you’re in the right place.
Let’s break it down. Clearly, casually, and without the consultant-speak.
So… What Is a Portfolio Career?
At its simplest, A portfolio career is when you build your professional life from multiple work streams instead of a single full-time job.
Think:
- Consulting + part-time teaching
- Freelancing + board seat + speaking
- Running your own business + contracting with companies
- Coaching + writing + strategic advisory
Each role or revenue stream is like a “stock” in your personal portfolio. Together, they form a career that’s diversified, flexible, and often way more satisfying.
And no, you don’t need to quit everything tomorrow to start one. Many portfolio careers are built gradually, quietly, and strategically on the side of a full-time role.
Who Is This For?
Here’s the thing: not everyone thrives in a portfolio setup. But for the right person, it’s game-changing.
You might be a portfolio-career-in-the-making if you:
- Get bored doing just one thing
- Crave freedom over formality
- Have a range of interests and talents you can’t box into one title
- Want more control over your time, income, and identity
- Keep thinking, “I want to do more, but I don’t want to burn out again”
Sound familiar? You’re not flaky, you’re multifaceted. And in 2025, that’s an asset.
Why It’s So Popular Right Now
Let’s talk numbers:
- Over 45% of professionals under 50 say they’re building a career that doesn’t follow a traditional ladder
- The term portfolio career has surged in global Google searches over the past 2 years
- The rise of AI, contract work, and remote teams has reshaped how companies hire and how professionals build careers
The world of work is shifting. Job security doesn’t come from loyalty anymore — it comes from optionality.
But Wait. Doesn’t That Sound… Stressful?
Not gonna lie: it can be. Especially if you try to juggle five different things with no structure or financial strategy.
But the high performers who make portfolio careers work? They’re not doing more, they’re doing what matters.
Here’s how it plays out:
The Smart Portfolio Career Model:
- Core Anchor: Your main income driver (e.g., consulting)
- Growth Layer: Projects that build visibility, IP, or future income (e.g., podcast, online course)
- Passion/Impact Layer: Creative or value-driven work (e.g., non-profit board, art, mentorship)
It’s not chaos. It’s an ecosystem, one you design on your terms.
Dr. Kerstin Brehm’s Take
As a former cardiac surgeon, I know what it means to be locked into one path and how suffocating it can be for high-capacity individuals.
When I transitioned out of medicine, I didn’t “retire”, I restructured.
Now my portfolio career spans:
- Executive coaching
- Global speaking
- Corporate strategy workshops
- Her own podcast (Have It All)
- Advisory roles in health innovation
The result? More impact, more autonomy, and yes, more energy.
“A portfolio career didn’t dilute me, it focused me. I stopped squeezing into a title and started building something that actually fits.”
Common Myths About Portfolio Careers
Myth 1: You’ll look scattered.
No, not if your career has a clear theme. Your identity becomes your umbrella.
Myth 2: You’ll never make a steady income.
Wrong again. Many portfolio professionals earn more by diversifying their revenue streams.
Myth 3: It’s only for creatives or freelancers.
Nope. Lawyers, consultants, engineers, and C-suite execs are building portfolios too.
Signs You Might Be Ready
- You’ve plateaued in your current role but still want to grow
- You crave more autonomy without starting a company from scratch
- You want to monetise underused skills or explore multiple interests
- You’re quietly thinking, “I want to create my own version of success”
If that sounds like you, you’re probably closer than you think.
Final Thought: This Isn’t a Backup Plan. It’s a Braver One.
Portfolio careers aren’t for people who can’t commit. They’re for people who are done settling and ready to lead with curiosity, creativity, and clarity.
So if the idea of wearing just one hat for the next 15 years makes you itch, maybe you’re not broken. Maybe you’re just ready to build something more you.
Book a Discovery Call. Let’s design a career that grows with you, not one that cages you.
