There's a lot of recession angst around these days, so it helps to remember there is such a thing as a "portfolio career". The term means doing a variety of things to earn a living and putting your skills to different uses. So, if you lose your job, don't despair. We all have a variety of marketable skills, and if you're involved in a portfolio career you'll learn plenty of new ones.

During the past year I've had assignments as a temporary secretary and receptionist. I have also worked as an extra in a TV drama and an ad, and I've pretended to be a judge in a training video. I've written many freelance articles and given writing workshops. An ad on a website led to very occasional work as a PA to a fun, creative fellow. And I've loved writing and recording radio talks for various programmes on RTE.

I haven't tried professional dog walking yet ... but it does sound quite tempting, as does selling items on eBay. In the past, I've also recorded voiceovers for software training products, and I'd like to do more voiceover work. Yes, I'd like to be a lass who says things such as: "The rhino is a misunderstood creature" on wildlife documentaries.

flexibility

I have a long list of other possible projects. Like yoga, a portfolio career requires flexibility. And a sense of adventure makes it more enjoyable.

Here, I should probably admit that a portfolio career means different things to different people. Richard Branson, for example, has a portfolio career. He is a master of diversity and he's also hugely rich. A stellar entrepreneur. I'm far from financially rich and some of the Christmas presents I've purchased are charity shop "finds". But through networking and assignments I have met a huge range of people and had some wonderful and enlightening experiences. I have also had some less pleasant ones.

There are indeed times when I'd like a 9-5 job instead of what someone I know calls a "mixed grill" career, but it's a competitive job market out there.

And the great thing about having many strings to your bow is that it helps your morale and it's very varied and entertaining.

Though we live in thrifty times, diversity helps adversity. So brush up on the skills you have and develop new ones. Learn to spot opportunities. To think outside the box.

google

Are you great at sums? Someone may need extra help with book-keeping. There are people who will pay you good money to update websites. And market research companies need freelancers to ask the general public loads of questions.

If you Google "portfolio careers", you'll get lots of advice.

Your portfolio career may just be a temporary measure. But, as one of my spiritual teachers says, one needs to nurture a sense of possibility rather than probability. I probably would never have written four novels if I'd listened to the many people who said how difficult it was to find a publisher. And, OK, I'm no Marian Keyes. But the books have provided some extra income and I had wonderful imaginative adventures writing them. They have also allowed me to give writing workshops.

If you can make money doing something you enjoy then that is a huge bonus and incentive. During a recent lunch break I turned on Oprah and learned about a New York banker who was made redundant and is now making fabulous chocolate in New York.

How's that for a credit crunch munch!

- Grace Wynne-Jones