Why 2025 is the perfect time to start your portfolio career
Post on April 1, 2025
What is a portfolio career – and why should you consider one?
The traditional career ladder is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Gone are the days of sticking to one job for decades. Instead, professionals today are embracing a more dynamic, fulfilling way to work – one that combines multiple income streams, diverse skill sets, and flexible working arrangements.
In Singapore, this shift is happening faster than ever. According to the 2025 Hays Asia Salary Guide, 57% of professionals in Singapore plan to change jobs this year, a significant jump from previous years. Meanwhile, a survey by Human Resources Online found that 58% of workers have observed a rise in individuals holding multiple jobs over the past five years. These trends reflect a growing preference for career flexibility and financial diversification — two key pillars of what’s known as a “portfolio career”.
If you’ve ever considered stepping outside the traditional 9-to-5, 2025 is the perfect time to start your portfolio career. Here’s why.
But first, what is a portfolio career?
A portfolio career is a work style where individuals juggle multiple professional roles instead of relying on a single full-time job. It could mean combining part-time work with freelancing, consulting, passion projects, or even launching a small business. Unlike a traditional career path, a portfolio career allows professionals to diversify their skills, income, and experiences, offering a level of freedom that conventional employment simply can’t match.
Portfolio career vs. Freelancing vs. Full-time jobs
A portfolio career is often mistaken for freelancing, but there are key differences:
- Portfolio career: A mix of part-time jobs, consulting, freelance work, passion projects, and business ventures. It prioritises variety, skill development, and financial diversification.
- Freelancing: Typically focuses on offering one specialised service (e.g., writing, design, coding) to multiple clients.
- Full-time job: A traditional career path with a single employer, offering stability but often lacking flexibility.
The beauty of a portfolio career is that it blends aspects of all three, allowing professionals to create a career that suits their lifestyle, goals, and financial needs.
Also read: Forget quiet quitting: Is 2025 the year of “revenge quitting”?
Why portfolio careers are trending in 2025
The workforce has been evolving for years, but 2025 presents a unique moment for professionals to pivot into portfolio careers. Here’s why:
1. The rise of flexible work and on-demand talent
Remote and hybrid models have become the norm, and businesses are shifting away from traditional full-time hires in favor of on-demand specialists. This trend creates a wealth of opportunities for portfolio careerists to work across industries, take on diverse projects, and shape careers on their terms.
2. Economic uncertainty is driving income diversification
From global economic shifts to the rise of AI automation, professionals are realising that placing all their financial eggs in one basket isn’t the safest bet. A portfolio career mitigates risk by diversifying income streams – if one revenue source slows down, others can pick up the slack.
3. The “side hustle” boom
In a similar vein, millennials and Gen Z professionals are leading the charge in monetising their skills beyond the 9-to-5. Recent surveys reveal that 63% of millennials and 59% of Gen Zs in Asia-Pacific have taken on side jobs, such as selling products online, content creation and freelance writing, to supplement their primary income. Whether it's launching an online business or teaching digital courses, a portfolio career enables professionals to turn passion projects into profitable ventures.
Benefits of having a portfolio career
So why are more professionals ditching the traditional career path? Here are some key benefits of a portfolio career:
- Financial diversification: Relying on a single paycheck is risky, especially in uncertain economic times. A portfolio career spreads income across different streams, offering greater financial security.
- Holistic skill-building: Instead of being boxed into one job title, a portfolio career allows you to expand your expertise across multiple fields, making you more adaptable in a rapidly changing job market.
- More freedom and flexibility: Portfolio careers put you in control of your time. Whether you want to travel, spend more time with family, or pursue passion projects, you can design a work schedule that fits your life.
- Higher earning potential: By combining multiple revenue streams, many portfolio professionals earn more than their full-time counterparts. The ability to set your own rates, take on high-paying projects, and work with multiple clients boosts earning potential significantly.
- Greater career fulfillment: Rather than being stuck in a job you dislike, a portfolio career lets you pursue projects and roles that align with your passions, values, and strengths.
Also read: Mental health tips: For freelancers, by freelancers
How to start a portfolio career in 2025 – without quitting your day job
Thinking about making the leap? Follow these five steps to start a portfolio career:
1. Identify the intersection of your skills, interests and market demand
Start by assessing your strengths, expertise, and passions. What are you good at? What excites you? Just as importantly, what skills are in demand? The best portfolio careers align your interests with market needs, ensuring both fulfillment and financial viability.
2. Start small and validate your ideas
You don’t have to quit your job overnight. Begin by freelancing on the side, consulting, or launching a small-scale project. This allows you to test different income streams, build credibility and gain experience without financial pressure.
3. Build a strong network & community
Success in a portfolio career often comes from who you know. Attend industry events, coworking community gatherings and networking sessions to connect with potential clients, collaborators, and mentors. A strong network can lead to more referrals and opportunities.
A flexible and professional workspace can also help set the foundation for success. With a coworking membership like workbuddy, you can access top coworking spaces across Singapore, ensuring you always have a dedicated, inspiring place to work.
4. Be visible – develop your personal brand and online presence
Your portfolio career thrives on visibility. Build a professional LinkedIn profile, launch a portfolio website, and leverage social media to showcase your expertise, attract clients, and establish yourself as a trusted expert in your field.
5. Master time and financial management
Managing multiple roles requires structure. Use productivity tools (like Notion, Asana or Trello), set clear work boundaries and track your income streams. Plan for taxes, savings, and reinvestments to ensure long-term stability and growth.
Is a portfolio career right for you?
If you value flexibility, financial independence, and personal growth, a portfolio career could be the perfect fit. With the professional landscape evolving rapidly, 2025 is the ideal time to break free from the traditional job mould and design a career that truly works for you.
Take the leap with workbuddy
A portfolio career thrives on flexibility, and so should your workspace. With workbuddy, you get access to the best coworking spaces in Singapore – whether you need a quiet space to focus, a vibrant community to network, or a professional setting to meet clients. Try workbuddy today and build your portfolio career on your terms!
Enjoy a free trial here.