How many of you would say that collecting Unemployment Insurance and being without a job has been the best part of your career? Has it empowered you? Has it changed how you think about managing your career? What will you do differently? Is it about taking control? Try and Get a Job the Right Way by Barbara Stafani talks about search
and maintenance of your career.

Many job seekers have learned how important it is to network. They proclaim they will continue to network after they secure a new job. So sadly, life, work, obligations get in the way and their commitment to networking sometimes fizzles out.

Absolutely, networking is one form of "career insurance". However, there may be an even more pro-active productive way of doing this...and the best time to start on this path is while you are employed.

I am talking about a portfolio career. BNet defines a portfolio career as:

"a career based on a series of varied shorter-term jobs at either concurrently or consecutively as opposed to one based on a progression
up the ranks of a particular profession. The portfolio worker is
frequently self-employed, offering his or her services on a freelance or
consulting basis to one or more employers at the same time. However, a
portfolio approach can also be taken to full-time employment with a
single employer, if the employee chooses to expand his or her experience
and responsibilities through taking different roles within the
organization."

How do I get started, you may be asking? It starts with assessment. What do you really enjoy doing? What are your core competencies? This is the best place to start.

I came across The Launch Coach. 7 Steps to Creating Multiple Income Streams is a free downloadable .pdf with great questions to get you started. Honestly, it really gets you thinking (and I am not getting paid to say this).

The Employment Digest has written Is A Portfolio Career Right For You? This post has references to other resources and things to consider before jumping into this arena.

Another valuable resource comes from my friend, Barry Hopson, who has co-authored a book "And What Do You Do" and maintains a blog on the topic of Portfolio Careers. .

Right now, portfolio careers are an option. With the changes in how employers are doing business and the types of jobs they are hiring for, being a contractor or working on short term projects may be the only option in the future.

Will you consider diversifying your portfolio today?