Growing up, I used to hear from the women around never to put all my eggs in one basket. At the time, they were referring more to my predilection for sky high, uncomfortable heels. While I recently (finally) started investing in sensible shoes, the advice still holds true, whether it’s diversifying stock portfolios or career choices. Diversifying your career opportunities like you diversify your stock portfolio is not only possible; but it’s also a great alternative to staying stuck in one field, instead affording you the opportunity to expand your knowledge, experience, network , and…streams of income too.
I didn’t consider the possibility of diversifying career opportunities until following some of my favorite business ladies and influencers on social media. Yet, the theme of career diversification has been quite prevalent for quite some time. In an age characterized by utter uncertainty and latent unpredictability, career changes and transitions have become the norm rather than the exception, as shown by research from the U.S. Census Bureau. Stemming from the need to establish multiple income sources and enhanced financial and professional security, career diversification appears to be one of the smartest professional decisions to make.
Here are 7 avenues to consider when diversifying your career:
1- Consulting
Can you serve as a consultant in your area of expertise, or a side area in which you may have developed substantial skills and knowledge? A consultant is defined in the Merriam Webster dictionary as “one who gives professional advice or services”. Depending on your field of expertise, being a consultant may require a professional certification or specialized skills. In most cases however, if you are qualified, like to network, and are organized and efficient enough to manage a clientele, consulting may just be for you.
2- Blogging in your field of expertise or a related one
Blogging basically consists in the production of media self-published online, whether it’s writing, journalism or photography. While it started more or less as diary-style entries published by individuals, it quickly grew into one of the main marketing and advertising tools used by entrepreneurs and businesses alike. Starting a blog is an inexpensive and potentially highly effective way to share information and resources around the area of expertise of your choice, opening the door to diversifying your career in a unique and authentic way.
3- Speaking:
Expanding your area of expertise into a speaking business can establish you as an authority in your field, and earn you additional income and professional opportunities. Serving as a speaker in a particular area requires honing your public speaking skills, gaining substantial expertise and experience in said area, and establishing a solid and trusting client base.
4-Teaching:
Turning your skills into teaching opportunities, whether in formal roles as adjunct professors, tutors or teachers, or into educational businesses and opportunities, is quite rewarding. Not only does it give you the opportunity to give back, but it can also create unsuspected outlets of creativity and innovation.
5- Side hustle:
A side hustle can take many forms. It could be putting a hobby into actual business practice, or leveraging one’s expertise or profession into an alternative source of income. Side hustling has become quite common in most recent years, with the advent of the freelance economy and the rise of entrepreneurship globally. While it requires an additional investment of time, energy and resources outside of your full-time job, it also has the potential of turning into an unlimited supply of income, innovation and creativity.
6- Writing books:
Another common way of diversifying your career is to leverage your knowledge and skills into books. With the rise of self-publishing, , it has become much more common to break into the literary industry and make a name for oneself. In addition, the self-help and advice industry has also been trending upwards, making room for more publishing by experts.
7- Creating products related to your area of expertise:
Last but not least, using your knowledge and insights to create products in your industry is also a valuable way to expand your career opportunities. From simple merchandise such as home and office accessories to more complex products, sky is the limit when it comes to creating consumer and business products.
All in all, we’re living in an age where career diversification is no longer taboo. Women especially have been at the helm of the rise in entrepreneurship, and as such, have been demonstrating the rewards and benefits of diversifying one’s career. From consulting to creating products, not to mention book writing, side hustles, teaching, speaking and blogging, opportunities are numerous.
How are you or will you diversify your career?
The Corporate Sister.
