Updated , Published at 12:51 PM PHT,
by
Dennis Cabrera
Unlock Polywork Success with AI Upskilling & Smart Gear
The year
, was a date of eye-openers for our family that challenging times are ahead: 5 elders in our extended family died; 2 family friends who were active in the parish apostolate in Kapitolyo, Pasig, also died; and our next-door neighbor also died. If AI were already in our healthcare system, they would have lived longer. was also the year when 6 typhoons consecutively entered the PAR and made landfall in the country in the span of only two months: from and . Resilience and not giving up are Filipino cultural strengths; but it is time to act in new ways [1].
An article by Anna Price in The Daily Tribune, published on , is one way to act in new ways: to be open to a new mode of work and life that easily adjusts and adapts to times of disruptive health epidemics (like COVID-19) and climate change: "Polyworking: the pros, cons, and its growing relevance in the Philippines".
Difficult times can be times for opportunities
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 Chinese character. But it can alert to be aware of the present dangers. It signals awareness in both danger and opportunity; not only in life, but in the job market/MSME business sector of the Philippines. The present crisis calls WFH professionals and those working in Philippine MSMEs to understand:
- How to detect opportunities in the online job market or rising Philippine industries and judge which opportunity can produce that optimal output given a minimum percentage of risk
- How a better grasp of AI's capabilities can help understand how to mitigate risks and work on the probabilities needed to deliver that output.
Single-job paths v.s. the polywork path
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 the polyworking mode due to economic pressures and disruptions. Disruptions and significant advancements in AI technology leading to layoffs, is creating a new landscape for the online job market. These disruptions aren't just about sudden shifts that create dangerous situations; they also create an environment filled with opportunities for those who want to be proactive, adjust, and adapt.
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 in the context of polyworking:
- Some Baby Boomers can adapt to this work model (1.3 million since ) [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].
Overall Percentage of Workers with Multiple Income Streams (Side Hustles/Jobs)
Polyworking allows anyone to leverage different skill sets, explore varied professional interests, and build one's personal brand while managing more than one work commitments. In this multiple job context, awareness is important:
- Seeing, knowing, and understanding well your limits: what is within your control,
- letting go of what is beyond your control.
- And awareness also of others' limits: what is within their control, what is beyond their control.
Working for more income streams is important, but health and energy is priceless.
The benefits of polyworking
Is polyworking difficult? It doesn't have to be. Polyworking, the model of managing multiple roles for diversified income and growth, is actually easy to achieve with the right approach. By fostering self-awareness, 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) or fully remote with on-the-go tasks, you need the right mindset, strategies, and tools. 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 polyworking
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 workflow 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 digital assets 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. Copilot and ChatGPT are excellent choices.
- If you have an acumen for creative professional tasks in business, music, education, gaming, or doodling, there is an AI available for:
- 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 two LLMs - Large Language Models. It provides the skill to quickly derive insights when you work with a Philippine MSME or in your professional project.
- For facial expression, medical images, and music genre analyses: There are AI technologies for these too. 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:
- If you're not yet into polyworking in the Philippines, staying ready for new opportunities is smart and 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.
- To truly capitalize on AI, consider upskilling and expanding your technological abilities in AI, focusing on areas where you can customize AI models by creating AI agents and apply them to your profession or work with MSMEs. Free and paid certification courses are available on platforms like Coursera.org and edX, which can be accessed via their own 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 work in MSME operations or handle online project management tasks, boosting your overall efficiency.
- Check your own mobile phone. Some brands have a Calendar app or an Organizer app where AI is integrated. You can use these for prioritizing tasks.
Ergonomic & Wireless Accessories for Your Portable Setup
For the agile and on-the-go polyworker, you can produce an on-the-go bag packed with gear that maximizes comfort and efficiency.
Core Wireless Accessories:
- Hytac wireless mouse, Silvertec wireless mouse, and MyConcept wireless keyboard: These devices give comfort and productivity, allowing you to maintain a healthy posture and reduce strain, no matter where you set up your online work with an MSME or in other polywork tasks. These three light-to-carry devices are just right for your on-the-go polywork backpack.
- TWS Wireless earbuds: These earbuds give clear sound 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 aim for smart energy management.
- 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 and task management system. The Ivy Lee Time Management Technique can achieve more productive work. This method emphasizes simplicity and focus on priorities, aligning with this Blog's core values.
This disciplines identifies 6 high priority tasks, then focuses on one task at a time, to ensure that in the list the most important work gets done first before the others. This significantly boosts your productivity across all your polyworking commitments. Focusing well is important for both quality and quantifiable output.
Organize Your On-the-Go Backpack with the 5-S Method
For polyworkers who travel a lot, an organized on-the-go bag is paramount to efficiency. The 5-S Method, a Japanese system for organizing a productive workspace, can be adapted to a 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 a polyworking task. If a device isn't used regularly for work, then it doesn't belong in your bag for the present task.
- Seiton (Set in Order): Arrange all essential items systematically for easy 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 in the bag. A clean bag promotes a clearer and focused mind.
- Seiketsu (Standardize): Once you've found an efficient way to organize the bag, standardize the process. Make a basic list of the tools you regularly work with onsite or remote. Always pack your bag regularly, and make it a routine. This consistency helps maintain order.
- Shitsuke (Sustain): Make these 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 bag for a remote workspace, and ready for a productivity gain in polyworking.
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 for a portable setup:
- Prioritize multi-functional devices. Opt for gadgets that serve multiple purposes to reduce the number of items you need to buy and carry.
- Choose good-quality accessories, focusing on cost-effectiveness, and durability for at least 3 years.
- Embrace digital solutions by transitioning to digital storage. It is a "long-term strategy to save money" by reducing reliance on physical paper and related expenses.
- Consider "DIY" fixes. Learn whether to replace a laptop battery or charger, and DIY through YouTube tutorials. And if your Windows 10 laptop still works well, you can still use it because Windows has extended its operations till with their Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. That's a lot of time to prepare for Windows 11.
- By making these practical choices, you can equip your polywork setup efficiently anywhere without breaking the bank. Polywork can give anyone first-mover advantage. See if you are up to it.
What polywork strategy is best in ?
In , integrating disciplined AI productivity and smart energy management is strategic for career success. This involves mastering the oscillation principle in your tasks — alternating intensive effort with energy recovery, leveraging AI & digital tools in ergonomic workspaces, and upholding the self-discipline and determination vital for sustaining your AI dream job in amidst a rising global work environment.
Polyworking is easy to achieve with the right approach.
