Midlife Matters: Linda Butler
The portfolio life. Have you heard about it?
What if midlife isn’t about contraction, but expansion? Imagine saying “yes, and” to merging new possibilities and past experiences.
Our generation is in process of reshaping what success looks like at midlife and beyond. What seasons of life look like are being rewritten and replaced by a more dynamic and inclusive model. This new viewpoint invites women to blend their unique skills, experiences, and passions into a flexible, purpose-driven lifestyle.
It’s time to say good-bye to the “one-size-life-fits-all” mentality. Instead, welcome the “Portfolio Life” – a harmonized approach where your career, passions, and personal growth coexist uniquely for you.
“It’s time to say good-bye to the “one-size-life-fits-all” mentality.“
The Origins Of ‘Portfolio Life’:
When you hear the word “portfolio,” what comes to mind? Perhaps an artist’s case showcasing their work. The word’s stems from the Latin *folium*, meaning “leaf” or “sheet,” representing a portable showcase of talents. Today, we also use “investment portfolio” to describe a collection of assets, where diversification balances risk and reward.
Irish economist Charles Handy coined the phrase “portfolio life” in his 1989 book “The Age of Unreason”. Handy describes it as “a portfolio of activities—some we do for money, some for interest, some for pleasure, some for a cause. The different bits fit together to form a balanced whole.”
Blending Passion And Purpose:
In essence, a portfolio life integrates various aspects of who you are—your professional expertise, personal interests, hobbies, and even side ventures—into a cohesive ecosystem.
Think of it as a colorful mosaic of your talents, interests, and dreams. It’s not about compartmentalizing areas of your life in search of balance. Instead, it creates a life where your various roles complement each other beautifully.
For example, a former marketing executive might combine part-time consulting with teaching yoga and volunteering at a local animal shelter. Each element fulfills different needs – financial stability, personal wellness, and giving back to the community.
The Power Of Life Experiences:
You’re not just a professional, a parent, or a hobbyist. You’re all these and more. Your years of experience? They’re the secret ingredient that makes your portfolio uniquely valuable.
Each challenge you overcome adds a vibrant thread. Every skill you master contributes a unique pattern. Lessons learned create depth and texture. Recognize how your entire journey shapes your story.
“Each challenge you overcome adds a vibrant thread.”
Acknowledge your own expertise. Your experiences become your greatest assets, ready to fuel your next chapter.
Curating Your Own Portfolio Life:
How do you start curating your portfolio life? Begin by reflecting on what truly matters to you. Take stock of your skills, passions, and experiences. Ask yourself: What would a fulfilling life look like if I could weave these elements together?
Next, identify opportunities to blend professional pursuits with personal interests. This might involve:
- Starting a side business.
- Consulting in your field of expertise.
- Dedicating more time to creative passions.
- Exploring new learning opportunities.
- Engaging in meaningful volunteer work.
Remember, you don’t need to have it all figured out from the beginning. A portfolio life is about experimentation and growth. What feels right today might shift in a few years, and that’s okay. The goal is to create a life that reflects all of who you are.
Conclusion: A Life Full of Possibilities:
Curating a portfolio life means finding ways to diversify and expand your vision. It’s about putting the pieces together to create a life fully aligned with your passions, skills, and values.
Midlife offers the perfect time to redefine success and explore new possibilities. Recognize and embrace your full range of strengths and experiences. Incorporate growth opportunities and things that bring you joy. By doing so, you can design a life that is rich, fulfilling, and uniquely yours.
Your portfolio life will evolve, reflecting your growth and changing priorities. Stay open to new experiences and connections. Embrace this evolution as a sign of a life well-lived and continually reimagined.
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About the Author:
Linda C. Butler, a former HR executive turned entrepreneur and coach, is passionate about empowering midlife professional women to become the CEOs of their own lives. After navigating her own transformative journey following a layoff at age 50, Linda now leverages her extensive corporate leadership experience and neuroscience-based coaching expertise to help women redefine personal success on their terms.
She focuses on uncovering and overcoming limiting beliefs, embracing authentic leadership styles, and establishing healthy boundaries. Her holistic approach ensures a harmonious blend of career, family, and personal health and well-being for a more fulfilling second chapter. Linda’s mission is to inspire midlife women to stop settling and become the architects of the future they truly deserve. You can find Linda here, on Linden Lotus Consulting.
