How To Find And Do Work That You Love (Ikigai)
Ikigai, the age-old Japanese ideology that’s long been associated with the nation’s long life expectancy. A combination of the Japanese words “iki” (生き), which translates to “life,” and “gai” (甲斐), which is used to describe value or worth, ikigai is all about finding joy in life through purpose.
This purpose is found at the intersection where your passions and talents converge with the things that the world needs and is willing to pay for
For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt a certain existential frustration that originated from the conflicting desires. On one hand, I wanted to live a life of meaning and consequence. On the other, I wanted to enjoy the lifestyle that came along with money, a life of luxury and comfort.
As a result, I was compelled to choose between things that made money and things that I actually cared about.
Ikigai, I believe, is the perfected version of the idea I was searching for.
“Ikigai is what gets you up every morning and keeps you going.”
Discovering your Ikigai
One of the many misconceptions I’ve had in my life was assuming that money equals happiness. That’s one of the main reasons I went into software engineering in the first place.
It never felt right, but I believed that if I had enough money, I could make a difference in the world.
To figure out your Ikigai, you should first figure out what you are most passionate about. Then, you find a way which you can express that passion.
I will be lying if I say I’m passionate about making money. What I’m truly passionate about is fine craftsmanship and careful attention to detail. It gives me immense satisfaction when creating something incredible.
The software engineering degree program I’m currently following helps me channel this passion and apply them to the things that the world needs, and make a profit in the process.
Ikigai is about finding joy, fulfillment, and balance in the daily routine of life. When your passion, mission, vocation, and profession meet, at the intersection is an oasis of serenity and lasting happiness that can sustain us throughout our entire lives.
