IN TODAY’S career landscape, the Japanese concept of ikigai — finding one’s “reason for being” — has become more than just a trend; it’s a refreshing guide to building a fulfilling life and career. Finding a job that combines your passion and skills with what the world needs, and what pays justly is the essence of ikigai. It provides a personal, meaningful path that can be both liberating and difficult to follow in a culture where jobs frequently match family expectations. But it’s transformative for those who dare to step off the beaten path.
My own journey with ikigai began on trips to Japan, where conversations with colleagues revealed its true impact. It wasn’t simply about pursuing a passion or maximizing one’s skill set. Ikigai, as I learned, is about nurturing a blend of purpose and practicality, allowing one’s work to serve both personal fulfillment and societal needs. This concept became a lifeline when I shifted my career paths after 21 years at a private basic education school. I embraced a new role as a college professor at a state university and a regular practicing columnist in various newspapers. While the transition wasn’t easy, it felt smooth. I sought a role that combined service and sustainability, with enough space to pursue personal projects. Today, I have no regrets. Though the rhythm is different, my new environment’s level of purpose, spirituality, and depth remains equally profound.
However, the choice to pursue ikigai can sometimes appear impractical or idealistic, especially within the parameters of our society, where career stability is often prioritized and options are limited. Pakikisama (or harmonious relationships) and utang na loob (debt of gratitude) are keenly felt in our career choices. Many are encouraged to enter high-earning fields or family businesses for personal gain, family stability, and honor. Yet, as generations evolve, younger ones have a growing curiosity and insistence to explore paths that not merely fill pockets but also feed their purpose. A recent survey by JobStreet revealed that more young professionals are seeking “work-life balance” and “purpose in work” over high salaries, reflecting a shift toward ikigai as a viable career path.
In my case, the move from basic education to higher education was rooted in the need for something new that was more professionally challenging and meaningful in another dimension. The state university environment allowed me to balance academic and administrative roles while offering a different kind of recognition. Colleagues and bosses value my expertise and experience on another level, and the financial rewards, while modest compared to corporate roles, are meaningful in a way that extends beyond the paycheck. Here, I have the freedom to contribute to a larger community mission, one that is grounded in inclusivity and public service. Working here, I am reminded daily that no path is flawless, but as long as it resonates with a deeper purpose, it is worth every step.
For many of us, embracing ikigai can mean recalibrating traditional career values, where financial success and security often overshadow the pursuit of fulfillment. Career coach Joseph Liu mentions how ikigai emphasizes exploring roles that align with what brings you joy and energizes you. This outlook not only reframes success but also mitigates burnout and dissatisfaction. Instead of viewing work solely as a means to survive or gain status, ikigai positions it as a means to thrive. In a local context, this might mean teachers who choose to remain in public service rather than migrate for better pay, or healthcare workers who find their calling in rural areas despite urban temptations. (To be continued)/PN
