Comments on: Career Portfolio, not Path

By: Caroline

Caroline — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:53:17 +0000

When I think of a career, a certain “path” does come to mind. My father joined the Navy when he was 18. He retired at 47 as a Captain. He rose through the ranks his entire life. Although he is retired, he still works for the Navy, as a civilian. From my understanding, his career #2 is just an extension of his first career. On the other hand, my mother graduated from Florida State as a biology major. She soon became a nurse. She quit once she had my older brother and three other children. A few years ago when my youngest brother was old enough to take care of himself, my mom went back to school to get a teaching degree. She now teaches biology at a private school near our home. My older brother just began working for John Hopkins. It makes me wonder if he will work for the company his entire career or if he will jump around. And then where will I be next year? In five years? And what will I have accomplished in 30?

By: Ayers G

Ayers G — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:18:23 +0000

I agree with “career portfolio” instead of “career path”. I dislike the idea of having my life planed out for me. I do not even like the idea of knowing what I want to do in five years; I barely know what I want to do in five minutes! I believe in lifelong learning and continually bettering yourself, and being successful according to your definition of success. Disregard anyone else’s definition of success; you will not be happy if you follow someone else’s.

By: Chelsea H

Chelsea H — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 03:17:15 +0000

I completely agree with changing the term “career path” to “career portfolio.” In my short time of working small part time jobs, I have switched up several times. Looking back on them now I have realized that most of the jobs I have taken have been pretty closely related to one another, as well. I also know through experience that sometimes life will take you through some very unexpected turns, leading to enormous changes that are uncontrollable, but always end up being for the best.

By: Nicole A

Nicole A — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:46:41 +0000

I had heard this in passing years ago and didn’t want to believe it because my parents were in the same career field as when they left college. Like Laurel said the current economy has changed it all.

My mom is in the same field but my dad has sadly had to start looking for jobs outside of his beloved field of advertising. It’s sad when the career change isn’t wanted but it’s nice to see that some people embrace it.

By: Colleen C

Colleen C — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:41:34 +0000

I liked reading some insight about my career “path” and “portfolio”

By: Laurel

Laurel — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 05:12:01 +0000

I couldn’t agree more! The economy is causing many people to add a new career to their career portfolio as they watch their financial portfolios!