Updated on at 16:33 PM PHT, Published on at 12:51 PM PHT,
by
Dennis Cabrera
Unlock Polywork Success with AI Upskilling & Smart Gear
The year 2024
, was the start of eye-openers for our family that challenging times are here: 5 elders in our extended family died; 2 family friends died who were active in parish apostolate in Kapitolyo, Pasig; and our next-door neighbor also died. 2024 was the year when 6 typhoons consecutively entered the PAR and made landfall between just two months, and . It is the time to act [1].
An article by Anna Price in The Daily Tribune, published on , is another eye-opener to a mode of work and life that adjusts to the times: "Polyworking: the pros, cons, and its growing relevance in the Philippines".
Difficult times can be a time of opportunity
The Chinese word for crisis (simplified Chinese: 危机; traditional Chinese: 危機; pinyin: wēijī, wéijī) is often said to comprise two Chinese characters meaning 'danger' (wēi, 危) and 'opportunity' (jī, 机; 機) [2]. This is not the exact meaning because of nuances in the second character. But it can alert all to be aware of the present times. It makes anyone aware of both danger and opportunity in the job market and/or the small business arena in the Philippines. The present crises calls WFH professionals and MSMEs to understand:
- How to detect opportunities in the job market or small business arena and judge which opportunity can produce that optimal output given a minimum percentage of risk
- How a better grasp of AI's capabilities gives the probabilities needed to deliver that output.
Single-job paths v.s. the polywork path
In today's rapidly changing world, single-job paths are still present and often the norm in highly urbanized cities, especially for professional, skilled, and executive roles. However, highly urbanized cities also represent a fertile ground for polyworking due to economic pressures and disruptions. Disruption, whether from calamities, conflicts, shifts in supply chains, or the significant advancements in AI technology leading to layoffs, is creating a new landscape for work. These disruptions aren't just about sudden shifts that create dangerous situations; it is also creates an environment filled with opportunities for those who are adaptable and proactive.
This is where the polyworker comes in. A polyworker is someone who engages in multiple paid jobs, roles, or income-generating activities simultaneously, often spanning different industries or skill sets [3]. This modern work model is on the rise, driven by the desire for increased flexibility, diversified income streams, enhanced job security, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Below are a few generational statistics:
- Some Baby Boomers can adapt to this work model (1.3 million since 2023) [4].
- More Generation Xers than Boomers are into polyworking (many unretiring) [5].
- But mostly younger generations, particularly Gen Z (47% having three or more jobs) [6]
- and Millennials (52% overall, 43% juggle two jobs, 24% manage three jobs, 33% hold four or more income-generating roles) are at the forefront of this work trend, embracing it for the autonomy and variety it offers [7].
Polyworking allows you to leverage different skill sets, explore varied professional interests, and build your personal brand while managing multiple commitments. Whatever your generation is in the Philippines, what is important is awareness:
- Seeing, knowing, and understanding well your limits,
- seeing, knowing, and understanding well what is within your control,
- and simply letting go of what is beyond your control.
- And not to forget awareness of others' limits, what is within their control, and what is beyond their control.
Working for income streams is important; but health is wealth.
The benefits of polyworking
Is polyworking intimidating? It doesn't have to be. Polyworking, the model of juggling multiple roles for diversified income and growth, is actually easy to achieve with the right approach. By fostering self-discipline and leveraging easy-to-use AI tools for creative, analytical, and time management tasks, you can streamline your workflow and master your multifaceted career effortlessly.
To succeed as a polyworker, working from home (WFH) with on-the-go tasks, you need the right tools, strategies, and mindset. This guide will help you
- craft your ultimate portable workspace,
- boost your productivity with AI,
- master time management with discipline,
- and all these while making smart and money-saving choices.
GEN AI image of two professionals commuting to work
Check sources of Gen AI image in this Post
Better AI-Powered Tools for Better Polyworking Productivity
In the age of AI, integrating smart AI tools into your polywork flow is essential for boosting efficiency and staying competitive. Here’s how you can harness AI to excel across your multiple roles:
AI for Creative Tasks:
- Generating content: Use AI models like DALL-E 3 (from OpenAI) or Google Gemini for generating images.
- Short video and audio presentations: Tools like YouCut (video editor) and Adobe Express are easily downloadable mobile apps that provide AI capabilities for creative web content production. These can help you create compelling visual and audio content for various projects without needing complex software.
- Text generation: For drafting emails, social media posts, or blog content across your different roles, any AI app can be a powerful assistant.
- If you have an acumen for business or a talent in music, AI is also available for creative jobs and businesses working on:
- Product naming & branding strategy,
- ad copy generation,
- music composition (melody and lyrics),
- quiz and game-based learning content,
- design game concepts,
- and comic book creation
AI for Analytical Tasks:
- Data and text analysis: For tasks requiring specialized analysis of text or data from uploaded files, website URLs, or videos, explore tools like NotebookLM and TextCortex.com. Mastering prompt engineering is key to getting the most out of these AI tools (LLMs - Large Language Models), allowing you to quickly derive insights for any of your businesses or projects.
- For facial expression, medical images, and music genre analyses: There are AI technologies for all these. Easily search online if your analytical work is in the business of art or drama, medicine and health services, or music production.
AI for Job-Seeking Tasks:
- Even if you're already polyworking, staying ready for new opportunities is smart and being proactive. AI can help you create effective résumés or curriculum vitae. Platforms like Google Docs can be used for drafting, and resources from sites like Livecareer.co.uk and LinkedIn can provide templates and guidance. LinkedIn itself is a powerful tool for professional networking and exploring job prospects. Just check the features and pricing models of these platforms as information can change fast. Always "look before you leap" in your online work.
- To truly capitalize on AI, consider upskilling and expanding your technological abilities in AI, focusing on areas where you can customize AI models and apply them to your current jobs or planned small businesses. Free and paid certification courses are available on platforms like Coursera.org and edX, which can be accessed via mobile apps.
AI for Time and Task Management:
- Managing multiple roles means prioritizing and organizing. AI-powered tools like Monday.com and Trello can help you streamline business services or handle project management tasks, boosting your overall efficiency.
- You don't have to look elsewhere online all the time. Check your own mobile phone. Some brands have a Calendar app or an Organizer app where AI is getting integrated. You can use these for prioritizing tasks.
Ergonomic & Wireless Accessories for Your Portable Setup
For the mobile and on-the-go polyworker, your on-the-go bag needs to be packed with gear that maximizes comfort and efficiency.
Core Wireless Accessories:
- Wireless mouse and keyboard: These are crucial for ergonomic comfort and productivity, allowing you to maintain a healthy posture and reduce strain, no matter where you set up your MSME and/or polywork tasks. Select small, compact, and light to carry devices in your on-the-go polywork backpack.
- Wireless earbuds: Essential audio devices for clear communication and focus, especially during online meetings or when working in bustling environments.
Multi-Device Charging Solutions:
- A 3-in-1 foldable wireless charger is a "hero" accessory for polyworkers. It's designed for multi-device functionality (charging phones, watches, and earbuds) and is incredibly portable, saving space and reducing clutter in your on-the-go backpack.
Portable Digital Storage:
- Consider compact external hard drives or cloud solutions. Find ways to systematically upload files as a long-term strategy to save money and reduce the need for printing paper.
Enhanced Communication Tools:
- For better Zoom meetings and online interactions, an external webcam with clear focus and a digital webcam with a built-in microphone are valuable additions. A multipurpose MC-307A Microphone can also ensure clear audio.
Mobile Phone Accessories:
- A Bluetooth thermal mobile printer is a portable wireless solution for printing invoices and other documents on-the-go.
- Phone fitness armbands can free your hands, allowing for more dynamic work or exercise breaks to attain work-life balance.
- A mobile phone stand with an LED ring light can significantly improve the quality of your selfies and videos for online content creation or virtual meetings.
The Effective Ivy Lee Time Management Method in Polywork
To juggle multiple roles effectively, you need a robust time management system. The Ivy Lee Time Management Technique can achieve more productive work. This method emphasizes simplicity and focus, aligning with this Blog's core values.
Here’s how to apply it daily for your polywork:
- At the end of each workday, list the six most important tasks you need to accomplish the next day. Don't list more than six tasks.
- Prioritize these six tasks in order of their importance.
- At the start of your workday, focus only on the first task. Work until the first task is completed before moving to the second task.
- Approach the rest of your list in the same order.
- At the end of the day, move any unfinished tasks to a new list for the next day, re-prioritizing as needed.
This method forces you to prioritize, focus on one task at a time, and ensure that the most important work gets done, significantly boosting your productivity across all your polyworking commitments. Focusing well is important for quality output.
Organize Better Your On-the-Go Backpack with the 5-S Method
For mobile polyworkers, an organized on-the-go bag is paramount to efficiency. The 5-S Method, a Japanese system for organizing a productive workspace, can be perfectly adapted to your portable setup for any on-the-go task. This method "eliminates waste of time and energy" and increases productivity.
Here's how to apply the 5-S Method to your on-the-go bag:
- Seiri (Sort): Go through all items in your bag. Remove anything that is not essential for your polyworking tasks. If you don't use it regularly for work, it doesn't belong in your bag.
- Seiton (Set in Order): Arrange all essential items systematically so they are easy to find and access. Use pouches, compartments, or cable organizers to keep everything in its designated place. This saves precious time when you're quickly setting up or packing away.
- Seiso (Shine): Keep your bag and its contents clean. Regularly wipe down devices and clean out any debris or forgotten items. A clean workspace, even a portable one, promotes a clearer and focused mind.
- Seiketsu (Standardize): Once you've found an efficient way to organize your bag, standardize the process. Make a basic list of the tools you work with. Always pack your bag the same way, and make it a routine. This consistency helps maintain order.
- Shitsuke (Sustain): Make this 5-S principles a habit. Regularly review and maintain the organization of your list of on-the-go backpack items. This ongoing discipline ensures long-term efficiency and sustained productivity.
By applying the 5-S Method, you'll create a lean, efficient, and stress-free portable workspace, ready for any polyworking opportunity.
Smart Money-Saving Choices for Essential Polywork Gear
Making smart, cost-effective choices for your polywork gear is crucial. Cost-efficiency remains highly relevant, especially during economic fluctuations.
Here’s how to make wise investments in your portable setup:
- Prioritize Multi-functional Devices: Opt for gadgets that serve multiple purposes. This reduces the number of items you need to buy and carry, making your polywork practical and simple in approach.
- Choose Durable, Good-Quality Accessories: While focusing on cost-effectiveness, don't compromise on durability. Investing in good-quality so they last longer, saving you money on replacements in the long run.
- Embrace Digital Solutions: Transitioning to digital storage can be a "long-term strategy to save money" by reducing reliance on physical paper and related expenses.
- Consider "DIY" Fixes: There are many guides for simple repairs, such as determining whether to replace a laptop battery or charger, which can save time and money. And if your Windows 10 laptop still works very well, you can still use it because Windows has extended its operations till with their ESU program. That's a lot of time to prepare for Windows 11.
- By making thoughtful and practical choices, you can equip your polywork setup efficiently without breaking the bank, aligning with the values that our blog, Rosauro's Legacy Archive, promotes for sustainable success.
Final Thoughts: Your Polyworking Success Mindset
Navigating the uncertainties of polywork amidst AI's ongoing disruption can be challenging. To overcome these challenges, cultivate a positive, goal-oriented mindset. Recognize that current shifts, like past challenges, are ripe with new opportunities. Seek stability and clear direction through readily available information and by applying smart strategies to thrive and succeed in your remote work or MSME endeavors.
Polyworking is easy to achieve with the right approach.
