Ikigai: A Japanese method to (re)find your professional path

 

 

Are you questioning your professional future? Do you feel like you're chasing jobs that don't really suit you? It may be time to take a break... and refocus.

The Japanese concept of Ikigai literally means "reason for being". It's a simple yet powerful method to align your personal aspirations with your career.

It rests on 4 pillars:

  1. What you love to do

  2. What you are good at

  3. What the world needs

  4. What you can be paid for

The intersection between these 4 elements is your Ikigai - that famous balance between passion, mission, vocation and profession.

Read also: Continuously applying is not an obligation

Why is it useful?

  • To take stock of your orientation or career change,

  • To give meaning to your job search,

  • To target companies or professions that truly motivate you.

Bonus:
Create your own Ikigai diagram (you can find many models online), then compare it to the offers available. You will be surprised to see how many positions can tick more boxes than you imagined!