Finding one’s ikigai

By Herman M. Lagon

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.

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.

Ikigai 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.

***

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.