Yes, you read that correctly… The title is “Career Portfolio-ing“. I confess to being amused. Where did this term come from?

First, what it means: (this according to my “informant”, a friend who was recently laid-off and making use of the “outplacement” services being provided by his company): Career Portfolio-ing is the act of establishing multiple streams of income with multiple jobs that may, or may not, overlap the crossover skills you have in your resume; usually done to prevent burn-out or test the waters for a new vocation, or simply to avert the risk of potential lay-offs in large corporations where Last In First Out is the policy in tight times.

Why am I amused? Growing up in a poor financially struggling family, I don’t recall a time when my Dad did not have a FT job and several PT jobs (using his crossover skills, of course LOL) after he got out of the Navy. Mom, too. And as soon as I came of age, I worked too.

It was what we needed to do, to survive. Our big fantasy? For me to grow up and have a good job that had great benefits and that I could retire from. I find it ironic, that the model that I grew up with and hoped to escape – is now a new paradigm. Please note, I do understand that it is what we need to do in this economy, and in this time of constantly shifting career paths.

I do want to point out though, that when you see or hear this term, remember that Mom’s, the poor, and entrepreneurs have been “career portfolio-ing” since the beginning of time. Multiple streams of income helps to diversify the risk… it makes sense. Don’t mistake my observations for derision… I whole-heartedly agree that this is the way to go. I have done it for years… old habits are not necessarily bad habits. Like saying “please” and “thank you”, having a couple of gigs going helps keep you and your family with a roof over your heads, and food on the table.

To those of you  new to the concept, I say Welcome, and those returning to it, Welcome Back.  Good Luck.