For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a portfolio career, juggling two or more jobs at a time.
In the mid-nineties, I founded a baby sling company, creating an over-the-shoulder sling to help soothe my newborn son, who was a terrible sleeper. At the time, I was also running a PR agency with my then-husband, and it was my PR skills that helped secure media coverage for my baby sling.
Over the years, I’ve taken on various freelance PR roles while also building my award-winning app Frugl, which helps Londoners find events on a budget.
Currently, I work on Startup School for Seniors with Mark, host a weekly podcast, sing jazz and blues, and distribute an innovative product designed to support men’s sexual health. I’m also preparing to launch a directory of distilleries that offer tours and experiences, making them easier to find.
Technology—and specifically AI—has made it easier than ever to launch and manage multiple businesses.
AI agents can assist with lead generation.
Tools like repurpose.io and followr.ai automate workflows, such as transforming a single piece of social media content into multiple formats.
Platforms like Grammarly and ChatGPT refine my writing, making it clearer and easier to read.
AI website builders, such as bolt.new and loveable.dev, allow me to create beautiful, code-free websites, particularly useful for information-driven projects.
However, one persistent challenge for those of us with portfolio careers—whether you call yourself a multi-hyphenate, polymath, generalist, or any other term—is describing what we do in a way that feels succinct and authentic.
LinkedIn favours professionals with singular career paths. Business cards present the same issue. I’ve stopped making different ones for each venture because it’s exhausting to decide which to hand out.
Although society is slowly shifting toward a world where having multiple roles is more common, the traditional concept of a “career” as a single pursuit remains deeply ingrained.
This week, I posted on LinkedIn about my struggle to describe myself without sounding pretentious. “Renaissance Woman”? Really? I’m no Da Vinci.
“Multi-hyphenate”? Sounds like a spelling tool.
“Polymath”? Is that a new type of sexuality?
I eventually settled on “Slashie,” borrowed from an article about Gen Z, only to realize later that in the UK, “slash” is slang for a pee…so out went that option.
Then, last night, I came across someone who described themselves as “Professionally Plural.” That resonated. For now, it works.
I suspect that as portfolio careers become more widespread, we’ll eventually settle on a term that feels natural, widely understood, and free of pretension.
Until then, I remain Professionally Plural. If you also wear many hats, I’d love to hear how you describe yourself and your multiple roles!
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I love the phrase “professionally plural”
Really interesting read Suzanne. I lived in the US in my 20’s and most people including myself had more than one job because healthcare and education aren’t as supported as they are here in the UK. When I think of the term ‘professionally plural’ it feels more about expressing different parts of yourself rather than making ends meet. Do you think it’s more about identity and choice than necessity?