THE PURSUIT of ikigai isn’t free from struggle. Many find themselves torn between the practicalities of financial stability and the yearning for meaningful work. According to a study by the Asian Development Bank, young professionals increasingly opt for roles that offer purpose and balance, even if it means earning less. The impact of this mindset shift is profound. By aligning our careers with our values, we enhance our well-being and contribute to creating healthier workplaces and communities.
A particular benefit of ikigai is its connection to psychological resilience. Studies in Japan have shown that those with a strong sense of ikigai have lower stress levels and report higher life satisfaction (Fido et al., 2019). Ikigai encourages us to navigate challenges with a sense of purpose and to see setbacks as part of a meaningful journey. In my life, I have come to see that obstacles are inevitable, whether in a religious educational institution or a non-sectarian state university. However, when the work itself resonates deeply, these hurdles feel more like stepping stones. The financial reward, while relevant, becomes secondary to the sense of purpose that sustains and motivates.
kigai also fosters a sense of community and service. Teaching at a state university, I am constantly reminded that education is both a privilege and a responsibility. Many of my students come from marginalized communities but are keenly committed to maximizing the few opportunities before them. They pursue their studies with resilience and hope, reminding me that my role is not just a job but a mission to serve, mentor, and inspire. Working with this awareness — a different kind of apostolate—brings a sense of groundedness that transcends titles or accolades, which feels both humbling and rewarding.
Reflecting on my past career, I realize that my years at Ateneo were also filled with ikigai, yet in a different form. There, I was part of a tradition of service, love, and academic excellence. Here, I serve a broader, more diverse student base, each with unique backgrounds and aspirations. The impact may differ in scope and form, but the depth of fulfillment remains the same. Transitioning roles allowed me to rediscover aspects of myself and my career path that had lain dormant. It is a reminder that ikigai is not about finding the perfect job but about aligning one’s career with a larger purpose.
Pursuing ikigai, however, is a process that takes time. It is a continuous self-assessment process, aligning your work with your evolving values and needs. Career paths are not meant to be linear, nor should they remain static. My own journey confirms that moving forward often requires recalibrating what matters most at each life stage. When we approach work with a mindset of service, curiosity, and growth, we find ourselves achieving goals and fulfilling a life purpose.
In the end, ikigai goes beyond personal ambition. It is about finding joy in serving others while growing within a role that feels uniquely ours. Today, more professionals are choosing roles that reflect their true selves over societal expectations. This is ikigai’s transformative promise — enriching the individual and strengthening families, workplaces, and communities. For me, ikigai has meant a career rooted in service with the freedom to explore passions within and beyond the university walls.
Through ikigai, work becomes part of our life’s journey, not just a means to an end. As we choose our paths, remember that meaning, joy, and purpose sustain us, not just luxuries. After all, life is short, and finding our ikigai is not just about living but living fully.
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Doc H fondly describes himself as a “student of and for life” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with./PN
