And Why Doing What You Love Is Not Selfish—But Essential
International study is generally regarded as life-changing—but what kind of life do you really want to change into?
Because there are so many programs out there in the world, making your decision based on rankings, location trends, or what your friends are doing is easy. But what if this isn’t always the right answer? What if, instead, the best way to make your decision about your path abroad is making a decision based on yourself?
In other words, instead of chasing someone else's idea of success, what if you made a decision about what actually works for who you are?
That's where ikigai comes in to help.
Before making this important decision of where and what to study, it’s essential to first learn about this powerful Japanese idea, so that its simple, yet profoundly meaningful questions can guide you further in life, and towards success.
Ikigai: Your Inner Compass
Ikigai is a Japanese word that means "reason for being." It lies at the intersection of four big questions:
- What do I love?
- What am I good at?
- What does the world need?
- What can I get paid for?
Applying the “Ikigai” philosophy to your program choice means selecting the path that aligns with your true passions (what you love), your innate strengths (what you’re good at), the needs of the world (what the world needs), and viable financial opportunities (what you can be paid for).
Finding an answer that connects all four of these elements means making a choice about your future that is truly aligned with your authentic self, while also being pragmatic and realistic about the world we live in.
Having this sort of foundation is perhaps one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your future is successful.
So, let’s take a closer look at what each Ikigai question represents, and how you can apply this amazing piece of Japanese wisdom into your life.
Doing What You Love
The idea of choosing to study and work in a field that you are truly passionate about can sometimes be discouraged in society. We are often told that we have only two choices in life: one in which we follow our passion but struggle, and another in which we do something we don't care about but pay the bills.
That’s why many students, when deciding what and where to study, often wonder: Isn’t it selfish to choose a program just because I love it? Shouldn’t I be more strategic and practical, and pursue something that’s proven to pay well, even if I’m not particularly interested in it or don’t know much about it?
From an Ikigai point of view, the answer is a big no.
Doing what you love isn’t some sort of a selfish, immature escape from reality. It's the essential, irreplaceable building block of happiness.
So, when choosing what to study, take a deep breath, and look deep inside of you. Take a moment to ask yourself some of these questions:
- What’s something you could talk about for hours, and when you do, you light up?
- What’s something that feels meaningful, fun, or important in your life right now?
- What drains your energy, stresses you out, or feels like a waste of time?
As you ask yourself these questions, some answers will surely emerge. You will find things which bring you joy and make you feel right. Stick with them.
Doing What You Are Good At
Discovering what you love is a wonderful start. However, with Ikigai, passion alone doesn’t get us to the finish line. Therefore, the second Ikigai question invites us to ask: what am I good at?
The answer to this question isn’t about perfection. This is about the unique skills and talents that you naturally have, or have worked extra hard to develop over the years. Maybe you are great at solving challenging problems, listening to others, working with others, organizing events, or learning new languages. Maybe your mind gets excited when examining numbers and statistics, or maybe you're the kind who inherently knows how to get people together.
To get closer to becoming mindful of your talents, you can ask yourself some of these questions:
- What are things people have often complimented me on or asked me to help them with?
- When do I feel "in the zone"—focused, competent, and engaged?
- What activities or skills do I feel confident doing?
Doing What the World Needs
The third aspect of ikigai asks us to step back and ponder an even more profound question: What does the world need now?
It's not about rescuing the world single-handedly. But it's about connecting what you learn to something larger than yourself—something meaningful that affects others, society, the future.
Think of the causes you care about. Is it climate change? Inequality? Mental health? Ethical tech? Education accessibility? There are so many intersections between your interests and strengths and a real need in the world.
And here's the best part: when your work is connected to something bigger, it makes your everyday life feel significant.
To think about this piece of the puzzle, ask yourself:
- What kind of world do I want to contribute to?
- Whose lives do I want to improve with my work?
- What issues get me mad, hopeful, or inspired?
Choosing a major that serves the purposes of the world does not mean sacrificing your interests, but rather lifting them up. It means taking what you love and using it to make a difference, for yourself and for others.
Doing What the World Will Pay You For
The fourth and final element of ikigai is one that most people notice first—but in this model, it comes last for a reason. An adequately paying job only feels most rewarding when it's also full of meaning, passion, and capability.
Still, it's an important ingredient in the mix. You need to be able to live a life in which you're comfortably compensated, in which your efforts are respected and rewarded.
So how do you get paid and pursue what you love?
Start by doing your research: What kinds of jobs exist in the area that interest you? What are the long-term opportunities? Are there new industries tied to your interests and strengths?
For instance, a person who enjoys telling stories and has strong people skills could end up being satisfied in public relations, media, or even brand strategy—all areas of work that were not there 20 years ago. Another who cares about climate justice could see openings in sustainable design, clean energy, or environmental policy.
Ask yourself:
- What are a few careers that match my interests and strengths?
- Where is there increasing demand for my skill set?
- What kind of jobs would be both my purpose and economic stability?
You don't necessarily need to have everything mapped out at this point.
You just need to put yourself up to the Ikigai test, and start the process of getting to know yourself better.
Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone.
Here at Global Admissions, our team of world-class admissions consultants and career coaches are here to guide you through this process, ensuring you get the best support possible and set yourself up for a bright future. Book a call with our student advisors today and get ready to start your life-changing journey.
