Discover the idiom 'irons in the fire' and learn about the concept of a 'portfolio career.' Delve into the world of freelancing and the significance of setting boundaries. Join Emma, a freelancer weighing the pros and cons of returning to a traditional job, as she reflects on the freedom and challenges of her career path. Get ready for quick pronunciation tips and a memory recap that reinforces vital vocabulary for mastering your English!
The idiom "irons in the fire" illustrates the challenge of managing multiple responsibilities in today's freelance-driven work culture.
Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining respect and clear communication in both personal and professional relationships.
Deep dives
Understanding 'Irons in the Fire'
The idiom 'to have several irons in the fire' refers to being involved in multiple activities or jobs simultaneously. This concept highlights the busy lifestyle many individuals lead today, particularly in freelance or creative professions where juggling responsibilities is common. For instance, Anna discusses her own experience, managing a podcast, YouTube channels, and various teaching programs, all while balancing other commitments. While such engagement can be stimulating, it also risks leading to burnout if not managed properly.
Exploring Portfolio Careers
'Portfolio career' describes a work arrangement where a person holds multiple part-time jobs instead of one full-time position. This approach has become increasingly prevalent, especially in high-cost living areas like London, where one substantial income may not suffice. Many professionals, particularly in creative fields, find that a portfolio career allows for varied experiences and income sources but can also drive them toward exhaustion. Freelancers frequently embody this model, thriving off of diverse projects that collectively form their livelihood.
The Importance of Setting Boundaries
Setting boundaries is crucial in both personal and professional relationships, as it involves establishing clear limits on what is acceptable behavior. It fosters an environment where individuals can express themselves while maintaining respect for mutual rules. Anna provides an example of her own boundary by insisting on being addressed by her full name in a work context while encouraging informal interactions. Without clear boundaries, misunderstandings can arise, potentially leading to greater issues in communication and respect in relationships.
E349: 🎙️ Welcome to The English Like a Native Podcast, your go-to resource for enhancing your English listening skills and expanding your active vocabulary. I'm Anna, and you're listening to Week 42, Day 1 of Your English Five a Day.
🔥 We're exploring the world of work today in today's list, as we start with the idiom "irons in the fire". Next up, we explore the nouns "portfolio career" and "rebel". Then, we delve into another noun, "freelancer", before finishing the list off with the phrase "set a boundary".
💻 After some quick pronunciation practice and a recap to test your memory, we visit Emma in today's story, a freelancer with a portfolio career, who is considering returning to a traditional job. She weighs up the benefits of freelancing, reminding herself of the freedom it provides, despite the challenges.
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