Ikigai is a Japanese concept that translates into “reason for being”. It is the intersection of: what you love, what you are good at, what you can be paid for, and what the world needs. Notably, ikigai is not meant to be found “in a vacuum”. There is the crucial aspect of finding something that the world needs.

I have heard people say to me “keep working as long as you can”, “never retire”. Looking back, I think what they mean is to find your ikigai and do not let it go. At home, whenever I have finished the chores and spent time with my family, I can sometimes enter a state of aimlessness. I will lose my way and go lay on the couch and be bored. I can only imagine that if this is what retirement is, how hollow it would feel.

Contrast this state of aimlessness with one of purpose and drive. When I have a list of chores, things to fix, places to go, I am in a driven state of mind. I do not advocate being busy just to be busy. Instead, engaging in a hobby I particularly enjoy, teaching my kids how to do something, or learning something I’ve always wanted to do are more purposeful ways toward my ikigai.

Part of how I was raised was to “get a job” so that I can support myself and contribute to society. I appreciate all of the skills and learning that went into this process, but now I find myself wondering if I am stuck in the “your profession” section of the below diagram. My engineering day job checks all the boxes for creating a lifestyle and providing for my family but does not often leave me fulfilled.

This is my reminder to continually strive toward your ikigai. If you haven’t found it yet, keep going, keep working and keep trying. Certainly part of ikigai is the journey to find it.

Follow your flow