2 weeks Ago
Whenever I'm asked what I do, I struggle to find a succinct way of saying I'm a journalist, writer, communications consultant and yoga teacher. I used to think all my work had to fit under one heading, but now I embrace my "portfolio career". It might seem unconventional, but I'm not alone in swapping the 9 to 5 for a more flexible and varied approach.
But why are so many people choosing portfolio careers? Career consultant Lynda Barry says portfolio careers have become popular with people who want to use a wide range of skills. "People have realised that they have multiple variations of skills and knowledge, and also their interests have expanded," she says. Aoife Barry: journalist, writer, moderator and broadcaster.
This variety and autonomy appeals to Aoife Barry, who is a journalist, writer, moderator and broadcaster. She released her first book, Social Capital, in 2023. "I can play to my strengths and do work that I am good at," says Aoife.
"I love being my own boss as I don't have to ask anyone for permission - I'm free to do whatever work takes my interest and take time off when I need it." In March 2023, Aoife left The Journal after 12 years. Changes on a global and personal level made her realise it was time to move on.
"I'd found the covid era very intense – there was absolutely no 'break' for news journalists globally," explains Aoife. "After experiencing two family bereavements in a very short space of time in 2022 I had a new outlook on my life – I knew it was time to leave hard news and work for myself." In some industries, rates of pay mean it's not realistic to have just one role.
"Freelance journalism rates have barely changed since I was last freelance in 2010, which is a big part of why I have a portfolio career," says Aoife. Although it was a big transition, Aoife never looked back. "The Journal had been an amazing place to work and learn, so I was very lucky to immediately start picking up freelance work," she says.
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