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Article from The Sunday Times, 22nd August 2004
Go For Ad Hoc Jobs
I REFER to the article, 'How older workers bounce back after they've been laid off' (The Sunday Times, Aug 15).
The issue of employment of older workers will be around for a long time. Rather than wait for the day to come when legislation is put in place or when employers change their mindset, we would like to encourage them to adopt a different stance, and take charge of their own future.
Rather than yearn for another regular-paying job, it is perfectly all right to take jobs where the tenure is less than regular. It can be for a contracted period, a part-time role or an interim/project-based job.
Or, one can be a portfolio professional. A portfolio career may involve the use of anywhere from three to 10 (or more) different 'marketable' skills and talents. One can offer one, some or all of these to whoever wishes to 'buy' these services. The best part is one can decide to work as many, or as few, hours in a week as one wants.
Simply defined, a portfolio career manager is a self-employed professional who performs, simultaneously or sequentially, various roles - some of which could even be community-based and unpaid in nature.
Be receptive to alternatives and be ready to look outside the comfort zone. It may turn out to be a more satisfying arrangement, one that allows better work-life balance, in addition to putting food on the table.
PAUL HENG
Founding president of the Asian Association of Career Management Professionals
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