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I just returned from a conference that was both stimulating and scary. At a gathering where premier journalists typically congregate to talk about craft and their commitment to accurately and artfully write and report true stories, most of the talk at the bar was about the carnage in the media industry. While I was there to speak about career advice, I wasn't immune to the concern. Last year I lost a regular gig blogging for the New York Times with very little notice.
But unlike most journalists who are panicking about what they'd do next if they lost a steady paycheck, I quickly replaced that work with high quality work that I enjoy--coaching other writers, teaching, and public speaking. As an experienced freelancer, I also knew how to find writing opportunities even in a shrinking market.
Way back in pre-recession 2007, I wrote a book about people who pursue multiple careers by choice. I call these folks "slashers" because--like me--they need a slash or two to define what they do. Think of our almost-Surgeon General Sanjay Gupta, the surgeon/television journalist. These days my slashes are: journalist-author-blogger/speaker/writing coach.
Some of us work this way because we have too many interests to be confined to one job. Bryn Chernoff, who works in communications for Digital Divide Data, a nonprofit that provides technology training to young people in South East Asia, falls into this category. She is passionate about her work, but in her free time, she was consumed with calligraphy, which had captured her attention. She negotiated a part-time schedule with her employer and now she divides her work between DDD and Paperfinger, her calligraphy business. others--like these lawyer/filmmakers--combine practical pursuits with more high-risk artistic ventures. Still others craft careers at the intersection of fields, like Gupta has done.
When the economy started to tank, slash careers were all over the news but the focus was on those who were slashing by necessity rather than by choice. Those with established second careers were some of the grateful ones. Like having a diversified financial portfolio, having a slash career can come in handy when everyone is looking for extra income.
So how do you get started on a slash career? And how do you find something that you appreciate for more than its ability to pay the bills?
1. First, figure out what you're interested in. It's trite, but true. You'll probably do better at something that you're good at than something you're doing because you've heard it's a quick way to make a buck. Try this excellent exercise to get objective input on your talents from people who know you best.
2. Start learning about fields that interest you. Read blogs, trade journals, and follow experts on Twitter to see what people in the industry are buzzing about and where opportunities might be. (This is a cool tool to find people to follow on Twitter) Go to a conferences, trade shows or seminars. Set up some informational interviews. Consider an adult internship.
3. Aim for flexibility in at least one of the things you do, so think about work that lends itself to hourly or freelance arrangements. Childcare, massage therapy, fitness training, tutoring, life coaching, virtual assisting all fit in this category. If you need training or extra skills, consider online learning or find classes you can take in your off time.
4. Consider upgrading a hobby to a side career. Has anyone ever raved about your design sensibility, your brisket, your ability to tame an unruly terrier, your photography skills? If so, those might signal areas where you have the ability to go from amateur to pro. Try it out. Offer a workshop and see if anyone signs up to work one-on-one with you. Barter services with someone to get experience and build your reputation. Work for free in exchange for a testimonial.
5. Explore the four slashes that go with anything -- writing, teaching, speaking and consulting.
These are ideas I've seen work, but I don't have all the answers. I want to hear from you. Have you crafted a satisfying slash career or other custom arrangement that works in this economy? If so, share your story in the comments.
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