Ikigai and Career Choices

Ikigai and Career Choices – Ikigai is a concept that encompasses the intersection of four elements: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Ikigai guides you with both wisdom and practicality.

By understanding your “ikigai,” you can align your career goals with your values and passions, leading to greater job satisfaction and overall well-being.

“Ikigai” is a Japanese term that refers to the sense of purpose or meaning in life. The word “ikigai” is derived from “iki,” which means “to live” and “gai,” which means “reason.” In essence, “ikigai” is the reason for living.

Incorporating the “Ikigai” concept in determining and shaping your career choices involves identifying your:
Passion;
Vocation;
Profession;
And Mission

1) What activities do you enjoy doing?

What gets you excited and energized?

“Passion” refers to a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for a particular activity or pursuit. In the context of careers, passion represents a deep-seated interest or affinity for a particular field or type of work.

Focusing only on your passion isn’t the answer to a more meaningful life, but it can provide a sense of purpose and meaning to one’s career, as well as drive motivation and engagement.

For instance, someone with a passion for music may pursue a career in the music industry, while someone with a passion for the environment may seek work in conservation or sustainability

2) Can you monetize what you’re passionate about?

Your “Vocation” refers to a sense of calling or inner desire to pursue a particular career or profession. It represents a deep-seated motivation to engage in work that aligns with one’s values, interests, and talents.

To determine what is the market demand for your skills and talents, you may want to consider what is on the High Demand Jobs list for the Future or the current Most Hiring Jobs List.

Unlike a job that is primarily undertaken for financial gain or career advancement, a vocation is seen as an expression of one’s identity and purpose in life. For example, a person who feels a vocation for teaching may find fulfillment and meaning in sharing their knowledge and expertise with others.

3) Next, assess what you are good at- your skills and strengths.

“Profession” refers to a type of occupation that requires specialized knowledge, training, and skills, and is typically governed by a set of ethical standards and codes of conduct.

What are your natural talents? What have you developed through education or experience?

It represents a level of expertise and competence in a particular field, as well as a commitment to serving others through the application of that expertise. Examples of professions include IT, medicine, engineering, and accounting.

4) The next element is to determine what the world needs.

What problems do you want to solve and what is your mission?

“Mission” in the context of careers refers to the overarching purpose or goal that an individual seeks to achieve through their work. It represents a sense of calling or higher purpose that drives one’s career choices and provides a sense of direction and meaning to their work.

For instance, someone who has a mission to improve public health may pursue a career in healthcare, while someone with a mission to promote social justice may pursue a career in advocacy or law.

What kind of impact do you want to make? Your mission makes you want to get up in the morning.

Once you have identified these four elements, you can find the intersection of these areas, which is your “ikigai.”

This intersection represents your sense of purpose and meaning in your career. It is where your passions, skills, and values align with the needs of the world and the opportunities available in the market.

Incorporating the “Ikigai” concept in determining and shaping your career choices can help you make more intentional and fulfilling career decisions.

Ultimately, embracing the concept of Ikigai can lead you to making the best career choices.

To Apply for Jobs:

Follow these steps to Get Hired Fast:

1) Prepare yourself with QUESTIONS and ANSWERS

2) Look carefully at the skills you have that will impress the recruiter.

3) Make sure to add these skills on you FREE CV

4) All Government vacancies must be applied for on the latest Z83