I am now available for work. Making decisions about which contracts to take, and which opportunities to go for, can be confusing. It is easy to make mistakes, or go down blind alleys. While I don’t know what is round the corner, I am far more clear about what I should say ‘Yes’ to, thanks to Ikigai. Before you make me an offer of work – here is more about me and what I am looking for , but more importantly, here’s how I am choosing: in my search of an Ikigai.
According to Wikipedia “Ikigai (生き甲斐, pronounced [ikiɡai]) is a Japanese concept meaning “a reason for being”. Everyone, according to the Japanese, has an ikigai. Finding it requires a deep and often lengthy search of self”
I recently explored a full time role, but because I was clear about what I wanted from a job, and where I could add most value, I could tell I was getting off the path. Ikigai has been my compass: rather than a set of directions or a destination. I’ve found it a useful tool for making decisions about jobs.
Here are my first attempts at answering the prompts that the Ikigai diagram asks:
What I Love
- Family
- Teaching
- Cooking / Entertaining for family and friends
- Music that move me
What the World needs (IMHO)
- Progressive education that works
- A more socially just, diverse and healthier education workforce
What I can be paid for
- Teaching kids and teachers
- Product Evangelism
- Project and Product Management / Publishing
- Leading change in education
What I am good at
- Ideation
- Business development
- Social media
- Managing teams
My Passion
Igniting kids learning
My Mission
To make learning better
My Vocation
Helping kids learn
My Profession
Educator/Teacher
We are all on a journey, but I’d be fascinated to know what guides you towards your Ikigai. What would you answer to these prompts?
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