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‘Portfolio Careers’ and the Search for Flexibility in Later Life

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  • Kerry Platman

    (University of Cambridge, UKkp277@cam.ac.uk)

Abstract

Economic activity rates among older men have declined rapidly in recent decades, presenting major challenges for individuals and society. One solution suggested to the problems of a lack of full-time permanent jobs for older men has been more flexible ways of working such as portfolio careers, freelancing and consulting for those nearing retirement age. But there has been a lack of research examining the realities of flexible working for the 50-plus age group. This article examines the experiences of older professionals as freelancers in the UK media industry where such working practices have long been common. By examining this relationship from the employer’s and older freelancer’s perspective, this article aims to discover the true extent of choice, freedom and autonomy experienced by portfolio professionals in late career.

Suggested Citation

  • Kerry Platman, 2004. "‘Portfolio Careers’ and the Search for Flexibility in Later Life," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 18(3), pages 573-599, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:18:y:2004:i:3:p:573-599
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017004045551
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Campbell, Nigel, 1999. "The decline of employment among older people in Britain," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 51401, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    2. Philip Taylor & Peter Urwin, 1999. "Recent Trends in the Labour Force Participation of Older People in the UK," The Geneva Papers on Risk and Insurance - Issues and Practice, Palgrave Macmillan;The Geneva Association, vol. 24(4), pages 551-579, October.
    3. Peter Hicks, 2001. "Public Support for Retirement Income Reform," OECD Labour Market and Social Policy Occasional Papers 55, OECD Publishing.
    4. Campbell, Nigel, 1999. "The decline of employment among older people in Britain," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 6501, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    5. John Mangan, 2000. "Workers Without Traditional Employment," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 1963.
    6. Nigel Campbell, 1999. "The Decline of Employment Among Older People in Britain," CASE Papers 019, Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion, LSE.
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    Cited by:

    1. Serpil ÇİĞDEM, 2019. "Endüstri 4.0 ve Dijital Emek Platformlarının İnsana Yakışır İş Bağlamında Değerlendirilmesi," Journal of Social Policy Conferences, Istanbul University, Faculty of Economics, vol. 0(77), pages 157-199, December.
    2. Joanne Duberley & Fiona Carmichael, 2016. "Career Pathways into Retirement in the UK: Linking Older Women's Pasts to the Present," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 23(6), pages 582-599, November.

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