The Benefit of a “Modular Career”
Several factors make sabbaticals more possible than ever. Sure, we have remote work and widespread broadband connections. But there’s also a cultural component — an acceptance of the modular nature of our working lives. Consider:
The rise of “fractional” executives: part-time leaders who often lead multiple teams across multiple companies. The number of people looking for fractional roles far exceeds the opportunities available.1
Work on Zoom? Or Slack? What is the practical difference between working with a freelancer, a full-time colleague, or someone 12 hours away?
45% of millennials have done freelance work in the past year.
The upside of this is a modular career, one where you can assemble a “portfolio” of jobs, freelance gigs, or contracts to assemble the life and workload you want. That leads to control and flexibility — a career that can better bend to your needs and interests.
Of course, there are downsides, which we’ll address in other issues. But the modular career is like Legos in more ways than one.
Sure it’s more work to build something brick by brick with no guide. But once it’s complete, it’s uniquely you — and a little more satisfying than making something according to the instructions.