Diversification And Multiple Income Streams Are A Must In Today's Economy - Welcome The New Deal: A Portfolio Career. But Is It Suitable For Everyone? With traditional employment continually evolving, the gig economy on the rise and, most importantly, flexibility, autonomy and lifestyle (with the ever so popular hashtag work-from-anywhere #workfromanywhere) as the new priorities, a career portfolio provides options, like:

• one main reliable source of income + consultancy and/or freelancing;
• a mix of different types of part-time jobs;
• a mix of different types of seasonal gigs

Can anyone do it? Of course, and here are some popular questions on the topic.

THE NEW DEAL

Q1. Do I need to leave my job? A1. Not necessary, you can build a part-time and/or freelance job on the side - develop a hobby into a side hustle during free times/ downtimes. And, depending on the main goal - income diversification and/or pursuing a dream - find an option that is right for you, including an internet hands-off business. Q2. I am in my fifties, can I do it? A2. It is never too late to build the life you want and pursue your dreams/interests or improve your lifestyle with more options than you have now. Q3. Do I have to travel? A3. If you want to. A career portfolio is about having flexibility and more options - options to do what you want to do, whatever that is. Q4. I am not a consultant or an artist: how does it work for me? A4. Many jobs do not require artistic abilities or defined specialisms -the main thing is to identify the main reason you want to have a portfolio and then choose accordingly. Q5. Do I need to have a degree? A5. Not at all. The gig economy, the digital economy is full of opportunities for all skill levels and tendencies - you need to find 'your gig'. I know these Q&As may sound simplistic, but that's all there is to it:

• identify your purpose for a career portfolio:
  • are you looking for extra income/diversification, looking to move into a different field or pursue a lifelong passion?
• make a list of what you can do:
  • other skills do you have besides your job?
  • what hobbies could you turn into side hustles?
  • what else could you learn?
• identify times when you can commit
  • a couple of hours in the evenings?
  • a part-time job at the weekend?
  • a seasonal job during your holidays?

Always remember your WHY and the HOW will come, YOUR new deal.