Yudu - Ex PA Magazine Aug September 2010

PORTFOLIO CAREERS

“If you have very contrasting work needs, it could be well nigh impossible to find a single job that will enable you to satisfy them all. Having more than one job gives us greater opportunities to play

and ‘try on’ the different aspects of ourselves”

working. However from his own research and from speaking to the many portfolio workers who comment on the site and his blog it seems that few would ever go back to the traditional 9-5. He says that workers cite a number of benefits, including the ability to decide when and when not to work, having freedom from corporate agendas and company politics and the chance to imple- ment the unique combination of strengths and skills that only they have. Hopson adds: “If you have very contrast- ing work needs, it could be well nigh impossible to find a single job that will enable you to satisfy them all. Some psychologists argue that each of us has a number of ‘selves’ that co-exist, sometimes harmoniously, some-

better than one...

times in competition. Having more than one job gives us greater opportunities to play and ‘try on’ the different aspects of ourselves.” This is something Veronique Jaquard, who is restau-

rant maître d’, shopkeeper, bookkeeper and administra- tor for a family business, as well as being a patisserie chef agrees with. She says: “The different elements mean that you push yourself and you learn more things than if you just have one job. Having a range of jobs means that you can find out which you are most comfortable in doing.” But it’s not all plus points – there will be, says

Hopson, huge pressures on you to manage your time and workload, you will have to say goodbye to sick-pay, com- pany pension schemes, paid holidays and even childcare. Also it can be quite lonely if your work means that you are based at home all day – you may even miss your work colleagues and your boss!

To find out more about portfolio working and for details on Barrie Hopson and Katie Ledger’s book: And What Do You Do?: 10 Step to Creating a Portfolio Career (£12.99) visit: www.portfoliocareers.net.