Finding Your Passion and Career: A Review of Ikigai and Its Impact on Career Success

At NUB Coaching, we understand the challenge many job seekers face when trying to align their passion with their career. It’s a journey filled with uncertainty, frustration, and often, a sense of not knowing where to begin. That’s why we’ve taken the time to dive into Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles—a book that offers a profound perspective on how to find purpose in your career, and life, through a concept known as Ikigai.

In simple terms, Ikigai refers to the intersection of four key elements:

1. What you love – your passions and interests.

2. What you’re good at – your skills and strengths.

3. What the world needs – the impact your work has on society.

4. What you can be paid for – the financial sustainability of your work.

When these four elements align, it’s said that you’ve found your Ikigai—your reason for being, and for many, this represents the ideal scenario for a fulfilling career. But how does this relate to today’s job seekers?

The Struggles of Finding the Right Career

Many job seekers today struggle to find the balance between work that brings them satisfaction and work that meets financial and personal responsibilities. In a world where Ikigai encourages living with purpose, the reality can feel far different. Job applications, endless rounds of interviews, and automated rejection emails often fail to recognize the human behind the application. Even when candidates have the relevant skills, experiences, and values, they are passed over in favor of a “perfect CV” that may not always reflect their true potential.

At NUB Coaching, we see the impact this has on people’s self-esteem, confidence, and mental well-being. Job seekers put time and effort into applications, only to be rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that prioritize keywords over human qualities and transferable skills. It’s frustrating, disheartening, and far from fulfilling. It often leads to a feeling of disconnection from one’s true passion and purpose.

Applying Ikigai to Your Career Journey

This is where Ikigai offers a guiding light. By using its framework, we can shift the narrative around career development and job searching. Instead of focusing only on finding “a job” that pays the bills, Ikigai invites you to reflect on the deeper connections between what you love, what you’re good at, and how you can contribute to the world. It helps you view your career path not as a series of disconnected steps but as part of a bigger picture, one where your passion and your skills come together to create purpose.

For example, if you’re passionate about helping others, good at problem-solving, and the world needs more sustainable solutions, perhaps a career in green energy or social entrepreneurship could be your Ikigai. It’s about finding that sweet spot, and once you do, the job search becomes not just about ticking boxes but about creating a path toward a fulfilling and sustainable career.

The Role of Career Coaching in Finding Ikigai

At NUB Coaching, we work with clients to help them identify their Ikigai and leverage that insight as they navigate the often-overwhelming job market. We believe that career coaching can be an invaluable tool in discovering your true passions and aligning your career with your values. Instead of looking at a job as something to endure, we want our clients to see it as an opportunity to thrive.

Whether you’re starting out in your career, seeking a career transition, or simply looking for more fulfillment in your current role, we help you gain clarity on what you truly want. Our coaching process dives deep into your skills, strengths, and motivations, and helps you uncover the work that brings you joy, purpose, and financial stability.

Conclusion: Aligning Your Career with Ikigai

We believe that Ikigai is not just an abstract concept—it’s a practical approach to living and working with intention. By identifying what makes you passionate and ensuring that your career aligns with those passions, you not only achieve personal fulfillment but also contribute positively to the world around you. At NUB Coaching, we are here to guide you through that process.

If you’re ready to explore your Ikigai and find a career path that speaks to both your heart and your goals, we’re here to help. Let’s take the first step toward finding your true calling, where your work not only serves you but also the world around you.

Get in touch with us today, and let’s start uncovering your Ikigai.