How I Found My Lifelong Passion and Career Path

My journey to finding my lifelong passion and career path began with a childhood filled with ambitious dreams. Like most kids, I aspired to be a wide variety of professions, including a doctor, surgeon, barrister, movie star, Armed Forces officer, astronaut, and even a chef or a government official. These ambitions were a reflection of my young and aspiring mind.

However, as I grew into my late teens, I faced a harsher reality. My academic performance plateaued, and I left school with limited qualifications. Although I managed to secure an HND course in Business and Finance, it didn’t lead to my ideal career. My first job as a till operator in a retail outlet wasn't fulfilling, and I quickly became unhappy due to the repetitive nature of the work and the challenges of dealing with customers who didn't respect store rules. This experience led me to explore multiple industries, eventually finding my niche as a teacher. This position allowed me to leverage my skills and personal qualities effectively and was a turning point in my career journey.

Key Factors in Choosing a Career Path

There are several important factors to consider when deciding on a career path. Here are some of the most significant ones:

Skills and Qualifications

Identify your skills and the jobs you are capable of performing. For instance, I discovered that working in telecommunications was the right fit due to my process-oriented nature and methodical approach to work. Understanding your capabilities is crucial in determining the jobs you are best suited for.

Personal Qualities

Your personal qualities also play a critical role. My stickler for process and methodical approach made me unsuitable for customer care work, but the repetitive nature of work in telecommunications was more aligned with my strengths.

Work Location and Mobility

Consider where you want to work and how flexible you are about relocating. For me, my suitability for my role as a teacher in a specific location was crucial, and it was a factor that helped me find my ideal job.

Financial Needs

Evaluate your financial requirements. When deciding on a career, it’s important to consider how much money you need to live on. This will help you ensure that your financial goals align with your chosen profession.

Passion and Interests

Determine what you truly enjoy and are passionate about. My love for creating new things, interacting with people, and taking on leadership roles led me to discover my enduring passion for entrepreneurship.

Job Benefits and Environment

Consider the benefits that come with a job, such as a pension scheme, holidays, and the working environment. A positive and supportive work environment can greatly enhance your overall job satisfaction.

Working Hours and Qualifications

Look at the working hours and required qualifications. These factors will influence your decision and ensure that you can manage your work-life balance effectively.

My Journey to Entrepreneurship and Ikigai

As a young adult, I explored various career options, but none resonated with me until one day, at around 12 years old, I came across the term ‘entrepreneurship.’ Intrigued, I began to delve deeper into the concept. Gradually, I fell in love with the idea and found that it aligned perfectly with my strengths and interests. Entrepreneurship allows me to create, lead, and contribute positively to society, all while bringing financial rewards.

Entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business; it's about achieving a sense of purpose and finding your ikigai—the Japanese concept that represents the connection between what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

The book Ikigai provided a profound diagram that illustrates how to find your ikigai. This involves aligning your passions, your strengths, what the world needs, and your source of payment. The diagram is a powerful tool for identifying where these elements intersect, and it can guide you in finding your personal purpose.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on a career path that aligns with your lifelong passion and ikigai is no easy feat, but it is certainly worth the effort. By considering the key factors mentioned above and exploring your own strengths, interests, and goals, you can find a fulfilling career that brings you joy and meaning.

Wishing you the best on your journey to discovering your ikigai. Remember, the process of finding your purpose is a continuous one, and it's never too late to start.