The average career span is 40 years. However, people are living longer, raising questions about how long we work and how we think about retirement. Some people want to work longer for money, while others want to work longer to focus on themselves. For whatever reason, more and more people are choosing to work longer hours.
In an interaction with ET Careers, Somdutta Singh, Founder and CEO, Assiduus, explains this changing landscape and how people are going to have multiple careers during their working lives. I am. Edited excerpt:
How common is this phenomenon of people having too many tasks in their working lives?
A recent study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that people born between 1957 and 1964 held an average of 12.4 jobs between the ages of 18 and 54. In India, the situation is similarly dynamic, with significant changes in employee behavior and preferences. We believe this trend will only accelerate in the future, with experts even predicting that the average person will hold 15 to 20 jobs over the course of their career.
But changing jobs doesn’t mean multiple careers, right? What will it be like?
When we talk about having multiple careers, we don’t necessarily mean changing jobs. It also means embracing diverse experiences and skills. This involves combining a full-time position with one or more part-time or freelance positions, sometimes in very different fields. This approach, known as a “portfolio career,” allows individuals to explore their passions, develop new abilities, and build a more fulfilling and dynamic professional life.
In fact, the most important benefit of having multiple careers is that you can build a strong foundation of transferable skills. For example, a business background can provide valuable insight and strategy for entrepreneurs, and creative pursuits like writing can improve communication and problem-solving skills. These cross-functional skills allow you to seamlessly transition between roles and industries, opening up a world of opportunity.
Additionally, pursuing multiple careers can increase job satisfaction and provide personal growth. A Harvard Business Review study found that people who work on side hustles or second careers report higher levels of happiness and fulfillment than those who focus solely on a single job. By devoting time to activities you’re passionate about, you can find a greater sense of purpose and balance in your life. India’s job market reflects this trend. 80% of professionals are considering a career change, and 88% of professionals aged 18-24 are considering a career change. This shows a strong desire among young employees to explore diverse career opportunities. Additionally, the 43% year-over-year increase in professionals adding skills to their LinkedIn profiles highlights the importance of continuous learning and adaptability.
Choosing multiple careers requires a combination of introspection, exploration, and strategic planning. How can you assess which skills you are good at and how can you apply them in different situations?
Once you have a clearer idea of your passions and abilities, start exploring potential career paths. Conduct informational interviews with experts in fields that interest you, attend industry events, and participate in online courses and certifications to better understand requirements and opportunities.
When narrowing down your options, consider how you can combine your interests in unique ways. For example, a background in technology and a passion for education could lead to a career in edtech, while a love of travel and a knack for writing could lead to a successful travel blogging business. there is.
The Indian job market is characterized by a strong trend towards career change, with 51% of professionals preferring part-time or online certification courses to improve their skills. Additionally, 54% of professionals are actively expanding their network and seeking feedback to align their skills with business priorities. This proactive approach to career development, coupled with the rise of the gig economy, where more than 15 million Indians engage in freelance work, signals a shift towards more flexible and diverse career paths.
As professionals adapt to these changes, a focus on resilience and lifelong learning will be critical to navigating the future employment landscape.
Remember, having multiple careers isn’t about doing everything at once, it’s about creating a fulfilling and sustainable path that aligns with your values and goals. Prioritize your time and energy and be willing to adapt and evolve as your interests and circumstances change.
