Are you tired of playing by the rules, ticking all the boxes, and still feeling like your career is going nowhere? You’re not alone. Let’s be really honest, the traditional career system is broken. It was designed for a world that no longer exists, and many of us are trapped in a cycle that no longer serves us. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to stay stuck. You can create a career that makes sense for you, one that aligns with your values, plays to your strengths, and gives you the life you actually want.

In this article, I’m going to break down why the career system is broken, the hidden costs of staying in it, and how to escape by building your own portfolio career. This isn’t about fluffy theory or pie in the sky thinking; it’s based on years of personal experience, hard lessons learned, and actionable insights that can help you take ownership of your career. Let’s dive in.

The Problem: A System That Was Never Built for Us

Let me ask you: Have you ever done everything right, got the qualifications, worked the long hours, played the office politics, and still felt stuck, undervalued, and underpaid? That’s the reality for too many professionals today. And it’s not just a feeling; the stats back it up.

I’ve been there myself. Early in my career, I was chasing promotions, working overtime, thinking that if I just kept my head down and worked hard, I’d eventually get the recognition and rewards I deserved. But that’s not how the system works. It’s designed to keep you in a loop, one where you trade your time for money, only to end up feeling burnt out, undervalued, and wondering where your potential went.

The reality is, the career ladder is a relic of the past. The old deal, work hard, stay loyal, and you’ll be looked after, is dead. We’re in an era of mass layoffs, automation, and uncertainty. And if you’re not adapting, you’re getting left behind.

The Hidden Costs of Staying Stuck

Here’s something people don’t talk about enough: the longer you stay in a broken system, the more it chips away at you.

Think about it: You’re working 40+ hours a week. That’s 25% of your life, gone. And it’s not just the hours. It’s the energy drain, the missed family moments, the feeling that you’re not living up to your potential. I’ve seen it in my own life and in the lives of countless professionals I’ve worked with. You miss your kid’s football match. You’re too tired to go out with friends. Your creativity, your spark, starts to fade.

And it doesn’t stop there. Lack of clarity from leadership? It makes you doubt yourself. Toxic work culture? It erodes your confidence. Discrimination and bias? It makes you feel like you’ll never get ahead. And over time, that seeps into every part of your life.

So let me ask you: Can you really afford to stay in a system that doesn’t serve you?

The Path Forward

If the system is broken, you can’t just play the game better. You have to create your own game.

That’s where the portfolio career comes in. A portfolio career isn’t just about juggling side hustles. It’s about creating multiple income streams, working on projects that align with your strengths and values, and building a career that you control.

I’ve done this myself. Today, I’m an independent consultant working on digital transformation programs for the public sector. But I’m also a Career & Leadership Coach, Trustee for a charity, a Content Creator on YouTube, and an Author. Each of these roles feeds into my purpose and gives me energy.

It didn’t happen overnight. I focused more on one thing: independent consulting. I built my expertise, developed a network, and added more layers over time. That’s the key: focus on one thing first (or the most), get good at it, and then expand.

How to Get Started: A 3-Step Framework

Here’s how you can start building your own portfolio career:

1. Deep Understanding
Get crystal clear on your skills, values, and what you’ve achieved. Use the PAR model (Problem, Action, Result) to articulate your value. Ask yourself: What problems have I solved? What actions did I take? What were the results? Get feedback from others. Do a self-inventory. This is your foundation.

2. Strategic Preparation
Build your resilience. Strengthen your mental, physical, and spiritual health. I aim to pray daily, practice gratitude, and (try to) stay disciplined with exercise. It’s also about practical prep: build a financial buffer, gain relevant experience through volunteering or side projects, and learn the basics of business and admin. Tools like ChatGPT, Toggl, or Project Management frameworks can help you stay organized.

3. Active Launch & Management
Start putting yourself out there. Build a client pipeline, update your CV and LinkedIn, and create a simple website. Network, apply for roles, and pitch your services. Don’t overthink it, take action, reflect, and adjust.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Wait for Perfect

Perfectionism is a trap. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Take small steps. Focus on progress, not perfection. That’s how I built my own career, one imperfect step at a time.

The Bottom Line

The career system is broken, but you don’t have to stay stuck. You have the power to create a career that works for you. It’s not easy, and it won’t happen overnight. But if you’re willing to do the work to reflect, to plan, to act, you can build a career that’s fulfilling, flexible, and aligned with who you are.

So let me leave you with this question: If you don’t take action now, where will you be in 5 years?

Understand, reach, and expand. Peace.

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