Person juggling multiple career orbs

The Rise of the 'Slashie': Navigating Multiple Careers in the Modern World

Avery Sinclair in Culture & Society June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Is juggling various jobs the future of work, or a sign of economic unease? We delve into the complexities of polyactivity."

In an era defined by rapid change and evolving work landscapes, the concept of a single, lifelong career is increasingly becoming a relic of the past. The modern professional is often a multifaceted individual, juggling various roles and responsibilities in a phenomenon known as 'polyactivity.' But what does it truly mean to live a polyactive life, and is it a choice or a necessity?

Bernard Lahire, in his work 'The Plural Man,' highlights the duality of the actor in career theories: the unified actor versus the fragmented one. Today's hypermodern society seems to favor the latter, celebrating the 'Subject of its Time'—an individual capable of navigating the impermanence of contemporary institutions with a penchant for change. This has led to the rise of the 'slashie,' someone who is a writer/designer/consultant all in one.

This article delves into the reality of polyactivity, questioning whether the prevailing narrative of the 'plural Subject' is genuinely empowering or merely a reflection of economic and social pressures. Drawing on an empirical study of 'intermittent workers,' we examine the experiences of individuals who have consciously chosen to navigate the complexities of multiple jobs and explore whether they are, in fact, freer or more constrained than their traditionally employed counterparts.

The Intermittent Worker: A Case Study in Polyactivity

Our research focuses on a group of former corporate employees, primarily consultants and engineers, who have abandoned traditional careers in favor of a more flexible, albeit precarious, lifestyle. These 'intermittent workers' sought to escape the confines of corporate life, trading stability for the freedom to pursue diverse interests and activities. Their experiences offer valuable insights into the realities of polyactivity and its impact on individual well-being.

The initial motivation for this shift was often disillusionment with the corporate world. Many participants reported feeling that their work lacked intellectual stimulation and offered limited opportunities for personal expression. Faced with long hours and a perceived lack of meaning, they began to explore alternative ways of living and working.

The Allure of the Coast: Many intermittent workers gravitated towards coastal regions, drawn by the promise of a more relaxed lifestyle and access to outdoor activities.
Embracing Flexibility: They embraced temporary and part-time employment, often in roles unrelated to their previous qualifications.
The Importance of 'Making Do': This involved accepting a lower income and developing a resourceful approach to finances.

This initial phase of polyactivity often involved a period of experimentation, as individuals explored various opportunities and sought to define their new identities. However, this freedom was not without its challenges.

Is Polyactivity a Path to Freedom or a New Form of Constraint?

Ultimately, the question remains: is polyactivity a liberating force that empowers individuals to shape their own destinies, or is it a reflection of a precarious economic landscape that leaves them with little choice? While the intermittent workers in our study found a degree of fulfillment in their chosen lifestyles, their experiences also highlight the challenges and trade-offs involved. Moving forward, it is crucial to recognize the diverse motivations and experiences of polyactive individuals and to address the systemic issues that may drive them towards this increasingly prevalent way of working.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What defines a 'slashie' in the context of modern careers, and how does it relate to the concept of polyactivity?

A 'slashie' is an individual who embodies polyactivity, meaning they juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. This term signifies a departure from the traditional single-career path. Instead of a single job title, a 'slashie' might identify as a writer/designer/consultant, showcasing their diverse professional pursuits. This aligns with the broader trend of polyactivity, reflecting a fragmented approach to career as the modern professional navigates multiple ventures simultaneously. This lifestyle is very dynamic and requires adaptability.

What were the primary motivations for former corporate employees to become 'intermittent workers', and what lifestyle changes did they embrace?

The primary motivations for former corporate employees to become 'intermittent workers' stemmed from disillusionment with the corporate world, feeling the work lacked intellectual stimulation and personal expression. They sought escape from the confines of traditional careers. These 'intermittent workers' embraced changes such as: gravitating towards coastal regions for a relaxed lifestyle, embracing temporary and part-time employment, often in roles unrelated to their prior qualifications, and accepting lower income while developing resourceful financial approaches. They prioritized flexibility and diverse interests over the perceived constraints of their past.

How does Bernard Lahire's concept of the 'Plural Man' relate to the rise of 'slashies' and the broader trend of polyactivity?

Bernard Lahire's work, specifically 'The Plural Man,' highlights the shift from a unified to a fragmented understanding of the individual in career theories. The rise of 'slashies' directly reflects this shift, as they embody the 'Subject of its Time,' capable of navigating the impermanence of contemporary institutions. The 'slashie' represents the modern professional who embraces multiple roles and responsibilities, rather than adhering to a singular career path. This supports the idea that the individual is not just one thing, but a composite of different experiences and skills.

What challenges did the 'intermittent workers' face when embracing polyactivity, and how did they seek to overcome them?

While the 'intermittent workers' found fulfillment in their chosen lifestyles, they also faced challenges. These challenges often included financial instability, the need to constantly seek new opportunities, and the absence of traditional workplace benefits. The intermittent workers sought to overcome these challenges by: developing a resourceful approach to finances to manage fluctuating incomes, embracing flexibility in their work, and exploring various opportunities to define new identities. They adapted to the inherent precarity of their lifestyles by prioritizing adaptability and diverse interests, which demanded acceptance of lower income.

Is the rise of polyactivity a sign of empowerment, or is it a consequence of economic and social pressures, and what are the implications?

The rise of polyactivity presents a complex duality. It can be seen as a liberating force, empowering individuals to shape their destinies by pursuing diverse interests and escaping the constraints of traditional careers. However, it may also reflect a response to economic pressures, such as job market instability and the need for multiple income streams. This complexity highlights the need to recognize the diverse motivations and experiences of polyactive individuals. The implications include a shift in how careers are perceived, the need for adaptable skills, and a reevaluation of work-life balance. The implications for those who follow a polyactive life may also face challenges related to financial planning, personal branding, and managing multiple streams of income.