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.
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Exploring the rise of the portfolio career
Economia, 3 November 2016
Discusses the rise of the portfolio career and the opportunities and challenges it presents to accountancy professionals.
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In 2015, Andy McLean, now principal of his own content marketing consultancy, had a day job with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ). He describes how he piloted his business idea outside work hours, before approaching his employer with his business plans and agreeing a way to trial his business idea by moving to a part-time arrangement.
Article offering guidance for professional employees on how to establish a side hustle.
Advice for accountants considering independent consulting as the next stage in their career.
Article on the role of the non-executive director and how it can form part of a portfolio life. Provides advice for those looking to become a non-executive director including how to gain suitable experience.
With a growing number of US workers earning a living as independent contractors, freelancers and temps, the author discusses the rise of the 'gig economy'. The flexibility and financial gains on offer are discussed together with possible trade-offs.
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Non-executive directors
Information and resources from ICAEW on the role and responsibilities of a non-executive director.
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Bored with nine-to-five? Eight ways to build a portfolio career
With freelance careers becoming increasingly popular, this article by Suzanne Bearne offers tips on how to balance different roles and acquire new clients. Published by the Guardian on 26 September 2016.
What to do when you want to do everything: Could a portfolio career be right for you?
Article from Careershifters providing insight into portfolio careers. Includes the benefits of a portfolio career, potential downsides and how to get started.
Portfolio careers
Article from career coach Denise Taylor which answers common questions asked by those considering a portfolio career.
Portfolio careers (THE)
Article from the Times Higher Education supplement giving more details on portfolio careers as a career option.
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 vacancies available for qualified professionals.
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