An increasing number of people are swapping 9-5 jobs for being their own boss. Emer Harrington talks to three women working for themselves
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.
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.
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. “It was absolutely terrifying to take the step, but I don’t regret it for a second.”
Aoife is not alone in building a foundation for freelancing before taking the leap into a portfolio career.
Fionnuala Jones is a content creator, TV presenter and host of the Flop Culture podcast.
She had been freelancing alongside her full time media job, and was struggling to fit it all in. Two years ago, she went fully freelance.
“I feel like it allows for more creativity in terms of how you can schedule your time and structure your day, and to take on more opportunities,” she says.
Having a variety of income streams means Fionnuala isn’t overly reliant on one area of work.
“If one thing is quiet one month, I might pick up other things, so I’m not freaking out about money, even if something is deadly quiet,” she explains.
Some portfolio careers happen more gradually. Niamh Hegarty is the owner of BKultured Water Kefir. She also works in her family business, Hegarty Properties in Midleton, and is a yoga teacher.
While working remotely in a corporate job during the pandemic, she decided she wanted something different.
“I was working online, and I just wasn’t enjoying it at all. So I decided to leave that position,” she says.
Career consultant Lynda Barry says this reflects a wider trend. “During covid, a lot of people were working from home, so it was just them and the job, and they really got a feel for parts that they did like or didn’t like,” she explains.
“They’re trying to pivot out of a function that isn’t what they want, and pivot towards another. That can come in the context of doing a little job here, a little job there, and ending up having a portfolio career.”
Niamh completed a course in Ballymaloe Cookery School, and put her skills to use by making picnic boxes during lockdown.
This led to several other opportunities, culminating in Niamh founding her own food truck and drinks brand. She let the food truck go last year, and now splits her time between the estate agents and her kefir business, as well as running events and occasional yoga classes.
“There’s no black and white with any of it, and I think that suits me as a person,” she says.
A portfolio career enables Niamh to run a business without putting all her financial eggs in one basket.
“It’s a future proof thing,” she says. “I always think, ‘what if BKultured didn’t survive, or what if Hegarty Properties didn’t survive?’ There’s always something that could go wrong.”
A portfolio career is not without its challenges. Freelancers have to deal with a lot of uncertainty.
“I do worry about anything that might stop me working for a period of time, like illness, and I know that nothing is guaranteed in terms of regular jobs and commissions,” says Aoife.
“I really have to balance the precariousness of my job with the huge freedom it gives me, which isn’t always easy.”
Financial security can be a worry. “I’m never not thinking about my finances,” says Aoife.
“My personal circumstances mean freelancing works for me, and I have a supportive partner who works in tech. But it’s definitely not a viable career choice for everyone.”
Fionnuala Jones agrees that being on top of your finances is key. “You need to have your financial ducks in a row, because financially, if it’s not going to work, it’s going to put you under incredible stress long term,” she says.
For anyone planning a family, the flexibility of a portfolio career must be offset against the instability.
“We’d like to have kids at some point. I know that’s a question that’s come up: what are you going to do when and if you do have children and maternity leave, how are you going to figure all that out? The honest answer is, I don’t really know,” says Fionnuala.
“But if it doesn’t work out, I can go back and get a job.” There is a risk of burnout if people in portfolio careers don’t look after their wellbeing. “You have to take time off, because otherwise, your body will decide for you when to take the time off,” says Fionnuala. “
Niamh Hegarty describes the “never-ending to-do list” that comes with a portfolio career. “It’s challenging because you’re juggling priorities and I think that’s the biggest thing, because each role has a priority,” she says.
This busy workload can mean personal life takes a backseat. “Juggling a personal life and a work life is really tricky, because unfortunately, the work life usually takes priority,” says Niamh.
However, Aoife Barry believes that finding work/life balance is essential. “I don’t buy into the ‘you have to work all the time’ mentality as a freelancer,” says Aoife.
“Our work suffers if we push ourselves too much, and nothing is worth burnout.”
Freelancing can be a solitary career, and building a supportive network is key to longevity.
“One thing that’s been so helpful is having friends who are also freelancers who I can turn to for advice,” says Aoife. “If you’re freelance, finding pals in the same position can help you feel less alone.”
For anyone considering a portfolio career, Lynda Barry recommends research and planning to set yourself up for success: “It’s about doing your research, doing your mapping around time and financials, mapping your own feasibility and making sure that the perception that you have gets as close to the reality as possible.”
