Polyworking is a growing trend of managing multiple concurrent jobs rather than relying on a single source of income. It heralds a new phase in what has been known as the "portfolio career" or the practice of "slashers"—a concept introduced by Marci Alboher in her book, "One Person, Multiple Careers." Polyworking can have a major impact on your brand and is one of 9 personal branding trends for 2024. Polyworking is not rare. “Almost half (46%) of workers are polyworking with a side hustle or additional job, and a further 36% plan on starting one in the future,” according to Owl Labs.
Why Polyworking Is Popular
People are engaging in polyworking for various reasons:
Increasing Income and Job Security
Polyworking provides employees with multiple sources of income, which can increase income and offer financial security if one job is lost or if one income stream diminishes.
Building New Skills and Professional Growth
Engaging in different types of work allows for the development of a diverse skill set, which can make an employee more marketable and better equipped for career advancement. Exposure to various industries, roles and colleagues can accelerate professional growth and open up new career paths.
Personal Fulfillment/Reduced Job Burnout
Pursuing different roles can lead to greater personal fulfilment, giving employees an opportunity to explore varied interests and passions in their professional lives. Having different roles and environments keeps work fresh and engaging, helping reduce the risk of job burnout from monotonous routines.
Networking Opportunities
Working in different jobs increases the opportunity to build a broad and diverse professional network. This can be beneficial for future career opportunities and collaborations.
Autonomy and Flexibility
Polyworking often gives employees a greater sense of control over their career trajectory, allowing them to align their work more closely with their personal values, passions, and goals. Polyworking can offer more control over work schedules, allowing for a better work-life balance and the ability to prioritize personal commitments alongside professional ones.
Creativity
Working across different domains can inspire creative thinking and problem-solving skills as you learn to approach challenges from multiple perspectives.
Polyworking became a thing thanks to the vast changes in the workplace since COVID-19 and the mindset of a new generation of workers. Polyworking is possible because:
- The hours once dedicated to commuting are now being redirected to these diverse projects.
- AI and other tech can make work more efficient.
- Some companies are engaging contract resources for some roles rather than hiring talent outright.
How Companies Benefit From Polyworking
It may sound like employees are cheating on their primary employer when they engage in polyworking, but polyworkers provide advantages to employers, too:
Diverse Skill Sets. Employees who polywork often develop a broader range of skills and experiences that they can bring to their primary job, enriching the talent pool within the company.
Innovation. Exposure to different industries and roles can foster creativity and innovation. Polyworking employees bring new perspectives and ideas that can contribute to problem-solving and innovation within the company.
Increased Employee Motivation, Satisfaction and Retention. Allowing employees the flexibility to pursue multiple professional interests can lead to higher job satisfaction, which in turn increases retention. Employees who are engaged in work that they find fulfilling, even if it's outside of their primary job, can be more motivated and energetic in all their roles.
Adaptability and Resilience. Employees who are accustomed to managing multiple responsibilities may demonstrate greater adaptability and resilience, which are valuable traits in a rapidly changing business environment.
Competitive Edge in Hiring. Companies that are open to hiring polyworkers may be more attractive to top talent who value flexibility and autonomy in their careers.
Learning Culture. A workforce that engages in polyworking can foster a culture of continuous learning and self-improvement, which can be contagious and inspire others within the organization to develop their own skills.
Become A Polyworker
To become a polyworker, follow these steps:
- Be Introspective. Evaluate your skills, interests, and passions and identify areas where you can offer value across multiple roles or projects. Think about what’s missing or what would add value to your life.
- Evaluate Options. Consider where you’d like to focus. Start with just one new addition to your work portfolio.
- Create Your Plan. Determine what you need to do to pursue your new activity and establish milestones and a schedule.
- Grow Your Network. Expand your network to include people who are connected to the new activity you’re adding to your work portfolio.
- Execute Your Plan. Act, measure, and evolve your plan until you’ve become a polyworker.
- Update Your Personal Brand. Make your actions and communications reflect the new expanded elements of your work activities. Show how the multiple roles you hold make you a more differentiated and compelling professional.
The number of professionals adopting this work style will increase in the coming years. This shift is likely to be influenced by AI-driven efficiencies and a workforce in search of deeper meaning and joy in their careers.
Are you a polyworker? Do you want to be?
