work life balance

10 pros of a career portfolio

October 24, 2014 By // by DigitalJenIPC

Portfolio careers are growing fast – because of need and want. More information below if this is a new concept for you.

http://liberateyourtalent.wordpress.com/2014/05/25/could-a-portfolio-career-make-you-dance/

A career portfolio or portfolio career has many pros. I have thought of over 70. Here are 10 of mine for now:

1. Doing what I want
2. No week ever the same
3. Always learning
4. Planning my own tasks around the sunny weather
5. The ability to be spontaneous
6. Taking a day off if I feel like it
7. Avoiding rush hour
8. Avoiding queues and busy times in shops
9. The variety and stimulation of varied work
10. Getting better value train fares from travelling off peak

What would be your biggest pro?

For more insights and tips, follow us on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/talentliberator

Below are two analogies for managing your career portfolio:

Comparing a portfolio career to Doctor Who:

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/comment/columnists/doctor-who-and-the-portfolio-career/2016469.article

Managing a portfolio career like investments

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/manage-your-career-just-like-an-investment-portfolio/articleshow/44913756.cms

Are you plural or singular?
http://www.harveynash.com/uk/news-and-media/publications/portfolio_careers_the_business_of_pluralism.asp

Working Mums Job Satisfaction?

November 14, 2011 By // by DigitalJenIPC

I have noticed a trend emerging in the ether in the last few weeks. It has been simmering in the background for a while, but its temperature is definitely hotting up. The theme is paradoxical, because the ‘fixed grin, thank goodness I have a job’ has been nudging the ‘I want job satisfaction and to feel engaged at work’ off the top slot, so there is likely to be a trend that is a bit hidden at the moment. I have noticed the trend to be especially prevalent amongst working Mums.

If they are doing grunt work or where they get treated like second class citizens, the wrench of being away from their kids is magnified.

After all, if you are going to have to fork out not insignificant sums of money to pay for an au pair, nanny or nursery, you at least want to feel that the sacrifice is worth it, and work is rewarding, and for many it seems it isn’t and maybe never has been.

There is such a huge waste of female talent amongst working mothers. Why don’t employers do more about flexibility?

Could working mums be the key to keeping the ‘fixed grin’ brigade happy through these challenging years, with the very resilience and patience that their dual role gives, an asset to share in the Boardroom? What is your view?

Did you know we do gift vouchers? They make a great practical and thoughtful Christmas present or leaving gift. E mail me for info rachel@liberateyourtalent.com

Time or money? What would you choose?

June 23, 2010 By // by DigitalJenIPC

New research by The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) shows that there is a hidden and growing trend of ‘under-employed’ people stuck in part time unemployment or temporary work. It is the highest figure on record, an increase of 45% since the recession began and likely to stay at these levels for 5 years. The world of work has changed forever, and yet I find from my career change Steer your career workshops for executives who have been made redundant, that not many people realise.

Isn’t life ironic? Do you find that? When I do executive or personal coaching, people complain about never having enough time. Then when they have more time, they want more work. Of course people need to have enough money to have peace of mind and give themselves permission to pursue interests for example. Planning time in first for interests would make them feel more resourceful and positive to focus on job search for example, but they don’t let themselves. Aren’t human beings good at giving themselves a hard time?! We chain ourselves to our desks and work harder and ‘do’ more when what most really want is a better work life balance and to ‘be’ more.

I did a workshop in a woman’s prison once and was racking my brains re how to engage them as I haven’t had that particular experience yet, you’ll be glad to hear. Closest I got was setting light to a beer mat in a nightclub on my 20’s and being thrown out. “The one thing you have that people outside lack” I said “is time. Time to think. And that is precious. “ Their home, an open prison, was a converted stately home with stunning grounds. I might move in for some more time to think. If it’s quiet on my blog, you know where I am.

Energise – The Talent Liberation Company

0845 22 55 010

info@liberateyourtalent.com

www.liberateyourtalent.com

Twitter: talentliberator

Linked in profile: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/rachel-brushfield/0/143/66