An increasing number of people build their careers by combining several paid activities at the same time. This offers the opportunity to carry out different kinds of work, use a variety of skills or combine paid and voluntary work. A portfolio career can also give you the flexibility you need to balance work and family responsibilities. Use our guides, books, articles and links to find out more about portfolio careers as a career option.
Online books, guides and publications
eBooks
The library provides full text access to a selection of key business and reference eBooks from leading publishers.
Balance your life and work: How to get the best from your job and still have a life
(A & C Black, 2006)
This book offers practical advice on how to regain your equilibrium and keep work in its place. It helps you work out your own priorities, reduce your stress levels, and take positive action to make your life easier. The book includes a chapter on working more flexibly.
The good non retirement guide
Kay, Frances (23rd ed. Kogan Page, 2009)
This book ‘is packed with information, suggestions and advice on every aspect of retirement and beyond.’ It includes chapters on starting your own business, looking for paid work and volunteering.
Manage your time: How to work more effectively
(Bloomsbury Publishing, 2004)
This book provides structured advice on how to take control of your desk and prioritise your work. It gives practical guidance on organising your time, avoiding information overload, delegating tasks, managing meetings and keeping on top of e-mail. The book contains a quiz to assess strengths and weaknesses, and step-by-step advice on how to avoid common mistakes.
You will need to be logged-in to the website to read these eBooks.
Browse more eBooks on career and personal development
Briefings
Directors' Briefings and Start-Up Briefings are four-page guides written for the busy practitioner, director and entrepreneur providing concise, practical advice on core business issues.
View the full list of briefings.
Checklists
The How to do it guides from BHP Information Solutions are a collection of checklists providing a step by step approach to key business issues.
View all checklists.
Disclaimer: These publications from BHP Information Solutions Limited are for general guidance only, for businesses in the United Kingdom governed by the laws of England. BHP Information Solutions Limited, expert contributors and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (as distributor) disclaim all liability for any errors or omissions.
Online articles
The library provides access to a range of articles in full text from leading business, finance and management journals.
You will need to be logged-in to the website to gain full access to the range of articles available online.
Useful links
Portfolio careers
Article from career coach Denise Taylor which answers common questions asked by those considering a portfolio career.
10 portfolio career tips
Article by career and job-search expert Randall S. Hansen which provides guidance for those interested in building a portfolio career.
Portfolio careers (Careershifters)
Articles from the the Careershifter website which share experience from career coaches and practitioners and offer tips for creating a portfolio career. The article Portfolio careers for people in their 20s and 30s provides advice for those considering a portfolio career at an early stage in their working life.
The Portfolio Careerist
A blog about portfolio careers that gives insights, tips and further reading on creating a portfolio career which may be a good starting point for those considering this option. The author Helen Wiles combines owning a digital media agency with a variety of education and communications roles.
Portfolio careers (THE)
Article from the Times Higher Education supplement giving more details on portfolio careers as a career option.
Voluntary jobs (ICAEW Jobs)
Search the ICAEW recruitment portal for current voluntary vacancies.
Accounting for International Development (AfID)
Voluntary organisation which offers qualified accountants the opportunity to use their professional skills during voluntary international placements. Assignments last between 2 weeks and 12 months and form part of an ongoing strategy to build the financial management capacity and long-term sustainability of non-profit organisations around the world.
Reach
Reach is a skilled volunteering charity which matches qualified professionals with suitable voluntary opportunities that will utilise their career skills. You need to register to see a list of volunteer opportunities available. The charity also runs TrusteeWorks which helps skilled professionals to find challenging and rewarding trustee opportunities.
VSO volunteer
The Voluntary Services Organisation website provides information on how to volunteer and lists current opportunities available for qualified professionals. Volunteer placements are available for accountants and financial managers overseas.
See also
The Library & Information Service also maintains dedicated subject pages on:
Articles and books in the Library collection
To find out how you can borrow books from the Library please see our guide to book loans.
You can obtain copies of articles or extracts of books and reports by post, fax or email through our document delivery service.
Can't find what you're looking for?
If you have any difficulty in finding the material you are looking for please contact the enquiry team by phone on +44 (0)20 7920 8620, by fax on +44 (0)20 7920 8621 or by email at library@icaew.com.
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