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An average career span lasts 40 years. But humans are living longer and the idea of work years and retirement are getting challenged. Some want to work longer for money and others to keep themselves occupied. Whatever the reasons, more and more people are opting to work for a longer time.
In an interaction with ET Careers, Somdutta Singh, Founder and CEO of Assiduus, explains the changes in this landscape and how people would start having multiple careers during their working life. Edited excerpts:

How common is this phenomenon of people having many jobs in their work life?

A recent study by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics found that individuals born between 1957 and 1964 held an average of 12.4 jobs between the ages of 18 and 54. In India, the landscape is equally dynamic, with significant shifts in workforce behaviour and preferences. I am sure this trend is only expected to accelerate, with experts even predicting that the average person will have 15-20 jobs over the course of their career.

But changing jobs may not mean multiple careers, right? How will that play out?

When we talk about having multiple careers, we necessarily do not mean just changing jobs. It also means embracing a diverse range of experiences and skills. It involves combining a full-time position with maybe one or more part-time or freelance roles, often in vastly different fields. This approach is known as a ‘portfolio career’, and allows individuals to explore their passions, develop new competencies, and create a more fulfilling and dynamic professional life.
In practicality, the single most key advantage of having multiple careers is the ability to build a strong foundation of transferable skills. For example, a background in business can provide valuable insights and strategies for an entrepreneur, while a creative pursuit like writing can enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. By leveraging these cross-functional skills, you can seamlessly transition between roles and industries, opening up a world of opportunities.