A Portfolio Life

I recently read a book my father suggested called "Portfolio Life: The New Path to Work, Purpose, and Passion After 50" by David D. Corbett (available here). I'm neither 50 nor near retirement age, but my father suggested I read it after coming to him for career advice.

I've spent most of my 20's searching for purpose, direction and focus in my work-life. It seemed like everyone knew the one singular thing they were going to spend their lives doing, but I struggled to put my energy and focus into one area. With interests ranging from music and singing, to athletics and fitness, to business and marketing, my seeming inability to focus on one area created a lot of doubt and insecurity. By my late 20's I thought I had a serious commitment issue. That, coupled with what society (or what I've experienced) emphasizes as THE narrative for our work selves was unsettling to me. Was it true that a happy and rewarding career focused on only ONE particular area of expertise? How in the world would I choose?

The one thing I did know was that I would have to narrow my focus. Spreading yourself too thin takes away the satisfaction of following through and finishing tasks, which however big or small is important to your overall self-growth and confidence. However, I also knew I didn't want to sacrifice things I sincerely valued and found fulfilling. But finding that one unicorn position that encompassed it all was proving difficult, so when my dad presented me with the idea of a "portfolio life" I was intrigued.

While a portfolio life can be interpreted in different ways, I look at it through a work/career lens - what activities or jobs, that when combined, provide a satisfying work-life and allow me to be self-sustaining and independent? Some people can be singular in their work like a banker or doctor, while others put together a variety of actives that take up various amounts of time. For example, an artist who creates and sells their own work online while running a gallery and sells at seasonal farmer's markets. 

I soon realized I couldn't be the only one feeling this way and connected with my cousin who was feeling similarly. We chatted and realized there was more information out there on the topic than we thought. The below Ted Talk by Emilie Wapnick resonated with both of us and kick started a new line of thinking. I started to break free from some of the stereotypical ideas of what success meant and felt empowered to do what was right for me and me alone. The new notion that I didn't have to choose just one thing was extremely freeing and empowering - I could combine a portfolio of activities to build the work-life I wanted.

Take a look at the video above and meditate on it. If you're on a path that feels right then more power to you. But if you're questioning things just know you're not alone and your feelings are real and legitimate. Everyone deserves a fulfilling career, even if it looks a little different than the mainstream.

PS - Do YOU. Always.