We've all had those days where we feel like we're just going through the motions. You wake up, go to work, come home, and repeat. It's a cycle that can leave you feeling empty. But what if there was a way to find a deeper sense of purpose and joy in your everyday life?
That's where the Japanese concept of Ikigai comes in. It's a simple, yet powerful idea that can be boiled down to "a reason for being." It's not about finding a single, grand purpose, but rather discovering the sweet spot where different parts of your life come together.
Think of it like a four-way intersection:
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| Image By: Google |
The Four Questions
To find your own Ikigai, you need to ask yourself four key questions. Let's use my experience as a full-stack developer to walk through an example.
- What do you love?
This is your passion. It's the thing that makes you lose track of time. For me, it's solving a tricky coding puzzle, building a beautiful user interface, or seeing an application come to life from scratch.
- What are you good at?
These are your skills and talents. As a developer, I'm good at writing clean, efficient code, managing databases, and making sure an application is stable and reliable.
- What does the world need?
This is your mission. Think about the problems you see around you that you're passionate about solving. I've always felt the world needs accessible, easy-to-use software that helps people and businesses be more productive.
- What can you be paid for?
This is your vocation. It's the skill you have that people are willing to pay for. For me, it's my ability to build and maintain web applications.
How to Start Your Own Journey
You don't need to quit your job or make a huge life change to start this process. You can begin right now:
- Grab a notebook. Start a journal and write down what brings you joy each day. It could be something as simple as helping a coworker or finally fixing that stubborn bug.
- Explore new things. Take a class, read a book, or try a new hobby that's completely unrelated to your current work. This can help you uncover hidden passions.
- Talk to people. Ask friends, family, or colleagues what they find fulfilling about their work. Their answers might surprise you and give you a new perspective.
Finding your Ikigai is a journey of self-discovery, not a one-time event. It's about consciously and continuously seeking that sweet spot where your passions and skills align with what the world needs. It's the difference between just having a job and having a truly purposeful life.
Finding Your Ikigai
True happiness in this framework comes from the intersection of these elements. It's the joy of purposeful living—a life where your daily work is a meaningful expression of who you are. This isn't about chasing the highest salary.
Now YOU might be thinking, "What on earth is this person talking about?"
It's not that chasing money isn't important! I'm not saying you shouldn't earn a lot, but rather that you should do it with a good purpose, a profound "why" that drives you. That's what the world truly needs now: people who are fulfilled and who contribute to a better world through their work.
It's about finding fulfillment in a career where you can use your skills to make a difference in a way that you find deeply rewarding. When you find your Ikigai, the line between work and passion blurs, and your income becomes a byproduct of a life well-lived.
Finding Your Purpose: The Ikigai Framework in 100+ Professions
This list of 100+ professions isn't just about jobs; it's a guide to seeing how a wide range of people, from artists to scientists, can align their passions and skills with a meaningful contribution to the world.
Each example shows a unique path to finding that sweet spot of fulfillment, proving that no matter what you do, your work can be your reason for being.
1. Digital Creator
What you love: Expressing your creativity, building a community, and sharing your passions.
What you're good at: Video editing, graphic design, social media strategy, and public speaking.
What the world needs: Authentic, educational, or entertaining content that helps people feel connected or learn new things.
What you can be paid for: Brand partnerships, sponsorships, merchandise sales, or ad revenue.
Their Ikigai: To create engaging video content that teaches people new skills (like cooking, coding, or gardening), building a supportive online community, and earning a living through brand deals that align with their values.
2. Photographer
What you love: Capturing moments, telling stories through images, and exploring new places and subjects.
What you're good at: Technical camera skills, photo editing, composition, and directing subjects.
What the world needs: Visual stories that evoke emotion, preserve memories, or document important events.
What you can be paid for: Wedding photography, commercial campaigns, selling prints, or freelance photojournalism.
Their Ikigai: To work as a documentary photographer, capturing the stories of marginalized communities in a way that raises awareness and inspires change, earning an income through grants and commissioned work.
3. Traveler
What you love: Experiencing new cultures, meeting people, and exploring different environments.
What you're good at: Planning trips, navigating new places, and communicating across cultures.
What the world needs: Honest and reliable travel advice, insights into responsible tourism, and a broader understanding of global cultures.
What you can be paid for: Creating travel blogs, leading tours, writing guidebooks, or working with tourism boards.
Their Ikigai: To become a sustainable travel blogger and consultant, helping others plan eco-friendly trips that support local communities, while sharing their own authentic experiences and earning through affiliate marketing and sponsored partnerships.
4. Coder (Software Developer)
What you love: Solving complex problems, building things from scratch, and learning new technologies.
What you're good at: Writing clean code, designing system architecture, debugging, and project management.
What the world needs: Efficient, secure, and user-friendly software that solves everyday problems.
What you can be paid for: Working as a developer for a company, freelancing, or creating and selling your own applications.
Their Ikigai: To develop open-source software tools that help non-profits manage their operations more efficiently, using their technical skills to give back to the community and earning a salary at a socially conscious tech company.
5. Medical Professional
What you love: Helping people, solving complex medical puzzles, and constantly learning about the human body.
What you're good at: Diagnosis, patient care, medical procedures, and communicating difficult information clearly.
What the world needs: Compassionate and skilled healthcare that is accessible to all.
What you can be paid for: Working in a hospital, private practice, research, or public health.
Their Ikigai: To work as a pediatrician in a rural clinic, using their medical expertise to provide essential care to underserved children, driven by their love for helping people and earning a stable salary while making a huge impact.
6. Entrepreneur
What you love: Building something new, taking risks, and having the freedom to shape your own work.
What you're good at: Business strategy, leadership, sales, and networking.
What the world needs: Innovative products or services that solve a problem, fill a gap in the market, or create value.
What you can be paid for: Selling products, providing services, or generating revenue from a business.
Their Ikigai: To launch a sustainable clothing company that uses recycled materials and ethical labor practices, driven by a love for fashion and a passion for environmentalism, creating a profitable business that contributes to a better world.
7. Teacher / Educator
What you love: Learning new things, mentoring others, and seeing students grow and succeed.
What you're good at: Explaining complex concepts, creating engaging lesson plans, and building relationships with students.
What the world needs: Knowledgeable and inspiring educators who can empower the next generation.
What you can be paid for: Working in a school, tutoring privately, or creating online courses.
Their Ikigai: To teach high school science in an inner-city school, using their passion for biology to inspire a love of learning in their students, while earning a teacher's salary and fulfilling a critical need in their community.
8. Social Worker
What you love: Advocating for others, helping people in need, and working to create a more just society.
What you're good at: Empathy, communication, crisis management, and navigating complex social systems.
What the world needs: Compassionate support for vulnerable populations and systemic change to address social inequalities.
What you can be paid for: Working for a government agency, a non-profit organization, or in private practice.
Their Ikigai: To work as a case manager for a non-profit that helps refugees, using their skills to connect families with housing and resources, driven by a deep love for humanitarian work and a commitment to helping others find safety and stability.
9. Architect
What you love: Designing spaces, solving structural challenges, and creating beautiful, functional environments.
What you're good at: Spatial reasoning, project management, technical drawing (both manual and digital), and understanding building codes.
What the world needs: Sustainable, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing buildings that improve quality of life.
What you can be paid for: Designing homes, commercial buildings, public spaces, or working in urban planning.
Their Ikigai: To design and build energy-efficient community centers in developing urban areas, using their architectural skills to create safe, inspiring public spaces and earning a living through a socially conscious firm or as a freelance consultant.
10. Chef / Culinary Professional
What you love: The art of cooking, experimenting with flavors, and bringing people together through food.
What you're good at: Knife skills, recipe development, managing a kitchen, and understanding food science.
What the world needs: Healthy, delicious, and culturally diverse food that nourishes people and celebrates tradition.
What you can be paid for: Running a restaurant, working as a private chef, catering, or creating online cooking content.
Their Ikigai: To open a farm-to-table restaurant that sources all its ingredients from local, sustainable farms, using their culinary talents to create innovative dishes that reduce waste and support the local economy, while building a profitable business.
11. Data Scientist
What you love: Solving puzzles, finding patterns in numbers, and using data to tell a story.
What you're good at: Programming languages like Python or R, statistical modeling, machine learning, and data visualization.
What the world needs: Data-driven insights to make better decisions in business, healthcare, and public policy.
What you can be paid for: Working as a data scientist for a tech company, a research institution, or a financial firm.
Their Ikigai: To work for a public health organization, analyzing epidemiological data to predict and prevent disease outbreaks, using their analytical skills for the greater good and earning a competitive salary while contributing to global health.
12. Athlete / Sports Professional
What you love: The thrill of competition, pushing your physical limits, and the camaraderie of a team.
What you're good at: A specific sport, physical discipline, strategic thinking, and dedication.
What the world needs: Inspiring role models, entertaining competition, and a focus on physical and mental well-being.
What you can be paid for: Professional contracts, sponsorships, coaching, or sports commentary.
Their Ikigai: To become a professional athlete known for their sportsmanship and integrity, using their platform to mentor young athletes and promote a healthy lifestyle, earning a living through their sport and endorsements.
13. Financial Advisor
What you love: Analyzing markets, planning for the future, and helping people achieve their financial goals.
What you're good at: Financial analysis, risk assessment, communication, and long-term planning.
What the world needs: Accessible and trustworthy financial guidance to help people secure their future and avoid economic hardship.
What you can be paid for: Providing financial planning services, managing investment portfolios, or working for a bank.
Their Ikigai: To start a financial advisory service that specializes in helping low-income families and small business owners build wealth, using their financial expertise to empower underserved communities and earning a stable income through their practice.
14. Musician
What you love: Creating and performing music, experimenting with sound, and connecting with an audience.
What you're good at: Playing an instrument, singing, songwriting, and performing live.
What the world needs: Art that provides comfort, inspires joy, and gives a voice to different cultures and emotions.
What you can be paid for: Concerts, album sales, streaming royalties, composing for film or television, or teaching music.
Their Ikigai: To create and perform music that blends different cultural traditions, using their artistic talents to promote intercultural understanding and bridge divides, earning a living through performances, album sales, and collaborations.
15. Fashion Designer
What you love: Creating new garments, working with fabrics and colors, and expressing a unique artistic vision.
What you're good at: Sketching, sewing, pattern-making, and understanding trends.
What the world needs: Sustainable, ethical, and size-inclusive clothing that helps people feel confident and comfortable.
What you can be paid for: Launching your own brand, working for a fashion house, or freelancing for clients.
Their Ikigai: To launch a sustainable fashion brand that uses upcycled materials to create beautiful, high-quality clothing. This allows them to express their creativity, use their skills for a greater good, and build a profitable business.
16. Researcher / Academic
What you love: Asking questions, discovering new knowledge, and engaging in intellectual exploration.
What you're good at: Critical thinking, writing papers, conducting experiments, and public speaking.
What the world needs: New insights and solutions to complex problems in science, humanities, and technology.
What you can be paid for: Working at a university, a think tank, or a corporate research and development department.
Their Ikigai: To lead a research team that studies climate change, using their analytical skills to publish findings that influence policy, and earning a salary as a tenured professor while pursuing their passion for discovery.
17. UX/UI Designer
What you love: Solving user problems, creating intuitive interfaces, and seeing a product come to life.
What you're good at: User research, wireframing, prototyping, and graphic design principles.
What the world needs: Digital products that are easy to use, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.
What you can be paid for: Working as a designer at a tech company, freelancing for startups, or consulting for businesses.
Their Ikigai: To design accessible mobile applications for people with disabilities. They use their design skills to solve real-world problems and earn a good living, fulfilling their passion for creating inclusive technology.
18. Farmer / Agriculturalist
What you love: Working with the land, seeing crops grow, and being a part of the natural cycle.
What you're good at: Plant science, operating machinery, managing resources, and understanding weather patterns.
What the world needs: Locally sourced, healthy, and sustainable food to feed a growing population.
What you can be paid for: Selling crops at a market, managing a farm, or running an agribusiness.
Their Ikigai: To manage a regenerative farm that uses sustainable practices to enrich the soil and produce organic food. They love working with the land, are skilled in modern agriculture, and get paid for providing healthy food that the world needs.
19. Film Director
What you love: Telling stories, working with a creative team, and bringing a vision to life on screen.
What you're good at: Visual storytelling, managing a large crew, translating a script into action, and problem-solving on a set.
What the world needs: Stories that entertain, provoke thought, and offer new perspectives on the human experience.
What you can be paid for: Directing feature films, commercials, documentaries, or television series.
Their Ikigai: To direct documentaries that shed light on underreported social issues. They use their storytelling skills to create compelling films that drive social conversation, earning a living through grants, studios, and film festivals.
20. Copywriter / Content Strategist
What you love: The power of words, crafting a compelling message, and shaping how a brand communicates.
What you're good at: Writing persuasively, understanding consumer psychology, and creating a cohesive content plan.
What the world needs: Clear, honest communication that informs and connects with people, cutting through the noise of the digital world.
What you can be paid for: Writing marketing copy, developing brand voice, or creating content for websites and social media.
Their Ikigai: To work as a content strategist for an environmental non-profit. They use their love for writing to craft clear, impactful campaigns that mobilize people to take action, getting paid for their expertise in a field they care deeply about.
21. Therapist / Counselor
What you love: Listening to people, helping them navigate challenges, and seeing them grow and heal.
What you're good at: Empathy, active listening, psychological frameworks, and communication.
What the world needs: Accessible mental health support and guidance to help people cope with the complexities of modern life.
What you can be paid for: Working in private practice, for a hospital, or a community health center.
Their Ikigai: To run a private practice specializing in grief counseling. They use their deep empathy and therapeutic skills to help clients through difficult times, fulfilling a critical need in their community while building a successful practice.
22. Journalist
What you love: Investigating stories, uncovering the truth, and holding power accountable.
What you're good at: Research, interviewing, writing, and meeting deadlines under pressure.
What the world needs: Reliable and unbiased information to make informed decisions about their society and government.
What you can be paid for: Writing for a newspaper or magazine, working as a reporter for a news network, or publishing a book.
Their Ikigai: To work as an investigative journalist for a major newspaper, uncovering stories of corruption and injustice. They love the pursuit of truth, are skilled at research and writing, and get paid for providing a vital service that the world needs.
23. Librarian
What you love: The order of information, the quiet comfort of books, and helping people find the resources they need.
What you're good at: Research, cataloging, information management, and community programming.
What the world needs: Accessible knowledge, a public space for learning and community, and a resource for lifelong education.
What you can be paid for: Working in a public library, a university library, or managing a corporate archive.
Their Ikigai: To manage a local community library, organizing literacy programs and digital training workshops for children and adults. They get paid to share their love of knowledge and organization, while providing a valuable service that empowers the community.
24. Pilot
What you love: Flying, the technical challenge of aviation, and traveling the world.
What you're good at: Operating complex machinery, quick decision-making under pressure, and understanding aerodynamics.
What the world needs: Safe and efficient air travel for both commerce and personal connections.
What you can be paid for: Flying for a commercial airline, freight carrier, or a private company.
Their Ikigai: To fly for an international airline, connecting people and cultures across the globe. They use their technical skills and love for aviation to provide an essential service while exploring the world and earning a solid income.
25. Civil Engineer
What you love: Building things, solving large-scale infrastructure problems, and seeing a project go from a blueprint to a reality.
What you're good at: Mathematics, physics, project management, and structural design.
What the world needs: Safe and resilient infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and water systems.
What you can be paid for: Working for a government agency, a construction firm, or an engineering consultancy.
Their Ikigai: To design and manage the construction of a new bridge that connects two previously isolated communities. They love the challenge of building, are highly skilled in engineering, and get paid for creating a vital piece of infrastructure that the world needs.
26. Human Resources Professional
What you love: Helping people grow, fostering a positive work environment, and solving interpersonal challenges.
What you're good at: Mediation, communication, organizational planning, and understanding labor laws.
What the world needs: Fair, supportive, and effective workplaces where employees feel valued and can thrive.
What you can be paid for: Managing employee relations, recruiting, or leading a human resources department.
Their Ikigai: To work as an HR manager for a company with a strong mission they believe in. They get paid to use their people skills to create a great company culture, ensuring employees are happy and productive in a job they love.
27. Graphic Designer
What you love: Visual communication, solving design puzzles, and creating aesthetic layouts and illustrations.
What you're good at: Using design software (like Adobe Creative Suite), typography, color theory, and understanding branding.
What the world needs: Clear, beautiful visual communication that makes information accessible and brands memorable.
What you can be paid for: Designing logos, websites, marketing materials, or packaging for businesses.
Their Ikigai: To work as a freelance graphic designer specializing in branding for small, ethical businesses. They love the creative process, are skilled in design, and get paid to help businesses with a mission they believe in to visually connect with their audience.
28. Urban Planner
What you love: Shaping cities, thinking about how people interact with their environment, and solving large-scale community problems.
What you're good at: Data analysis, policy development, project management, and understanding zoning laws and demographics.
What the world needs: Sustainable, equitable, and efficient cities that are a joy to live in for all residents.
What you can be paid for: Working for a city government, a planning firm, or a non-profit focused on urban development.
Their Ikigai: To lead a team focused on developing new public green spaces and affordable housing initiatives for their city. They love the challenge of building better communities and get paid to use their expertise to create a more livable and equitable urban environment.
29. Forester / Environmental Scientist
What you love: Being in nature, understanding ecological systems, and working to protect the environment.
What you're good at: Data collection, conservation strategies, resource management, and scientific analysis.
What the world needs: Expert knowledge and action to combat climate change, preserve biodiversity, and manage natural resources responsibly.
What you can be paid for: Working for a national park service, a conservation non-profit, or a forestry company.
Their Ikigai: To work as a conservation forester, helping to restore and manage forests to their natural state. They get paid to use their scientific skills and love of the outdoors to protect a resource that the world desperately needs.
30. Podcaster
What you love: Storytelling through audio, having conversations, and diving deep into a topic.
What you're good at: Audio editing, interviewing, researching, and public speaking.
What the world needs: Authentic, long-form content that educates and entertains listeners without the distractions of visual media.
What you can be paid for: Ad revenue, sponsorships, merchandise sales, or listener donations.
Their Ikigai: To host a podcast that features interviews with inspiring scientists and researchers. They use their love for conversation and storytelling to make complex topics accessible to the public, building a large audience that supports them financially.
31. Marketing Manager
What you love: Connecting a product with its audience, being creative with campaigns, and seeing a business grow.
What you're good at: Market research, digital advertising, content strategy, and analyzing campaign data.
What the world needs: Brands that communicate honestly and provide real value to their customers.
What you can be paid for: Managing a marketing team, running ad campaigns, or consulting for businesses.
Their Ikigai: To lead the marketing team for a company that makes sustainable cleaning products. They love creating compelling campaigns and get paid to use their skills to promote a product that they believe is genuinely good for people and the planet.
32. Veterinarian
What you love: Caring for animals, solving medical mysteries, and helping pets and their owners.
What you're good at: Animal medicine, surgery, diagnostics, and communicating with pet owners.
What the world needs: Compassionate and skilled medical care for all living creatures, from household pets to livestock.
What you can be paid for: Working in a vet clinic, in a zoo, or for an agricultural organization.
Their Ikigai: To own a veterinary clinic that offers affordable care to all pets in the community, regardless of their owners' income. They get paid to use their medical skills to help animals, fulfilling a deep passion while providing a critical service to their community.
33. Curator / Museum Professional
What you love: Art, history, and the stories behind objects. You enjoy organizing and sharing knowledge with the public.
What you're good at: Research, historical analysis, project management, and public speaking.
What the world needs: Spaces that preserve history, celebrate art, and educate the public on different cultures and eras.
What you can be paid for: Working in a museum, gallery, or archive.
Their Ikigai: To curate an exhibit on local history, working with community members to tell their stories. They love the research and curation process, are skilled at it, and get paid to create an educational experience that the community needs and loves.
34. Ethical Hacker / Cybersecurity Professional
What you love: Solving puzzles, thinking like a hacker, and protecting digital systems from threats.
What you're good at: Programming, network security, risk assessment, and staying ahead of new threats.
What the world needs: Experts to protect our data, privacy, and critical infrastructure in an increasingly digital world.
What you can be paid for: Working as a penetration tester, a security consultant, or for a company's cybersecurity team.
Their Ikigai: To work as an ethical hacker for a non-profit organization that helps protect vulnerable groups from online exploitation. They get paid to use their advanced technical skills for a mission they deeply believe in: making the internet safer for everyone.
35. Personal Trainer
What you love: Fitness, helping people achieve their goals, and seeing tangible progress in others.
What you're good at: Exercise science, motivational coaching, and designing workout and nutrition plans.
What the world needs: Guidance on how to live healthier lives, prevent disease, and improve mental and physical well-being.
What you can be paid for: Training clients one-on-one, leading group fitness classes, or creating online fitness programs.
Their Ikigai: To open a gym that focuses on holistic wellness, helping clients not just with physical fitness but also with their mental health. They love motivating people and get paid to apply their expertise to a mission of improving the health of their community.
36. Life Coach
What you love: Deep conversations, helping others find clarity, and empowering people to unlock their potential.
What you're good at: Active listening, goal-setting, communication, and providing structured support.
What the world needs: Professional guidance to help individuals navigate career changes, personal development, and life transitions.
What you can be paid for: Coaching clients in one-on-one sessions, speaking engagements, or running workshops.
Their Ikigai: To specialize in coaching recent graduates and young professionals, helping them find fulfilling careers that align with their values. They get paid to use their coaching skills to help people find their purpose, which is something they find deeply rewarding.
37. Florist / Gardener
What you love: Working with your hands, being creative with plants and flowers, and connecting with the natural world.
What you're good at: Plant knowledge, floral arrangement, and understanding horticulture and design principles.
What the world needs: The beauty of nature in our daily lives, and sustainable practices that protect the environment.
What you can be paid for: Designing floral arrangements for events, running a plant nursery, or offering landscaping services.
Their Ikigai: To run a small, independent flower shop that only sources flowers from local, sustainable farms. They get paid to create beautiful arrangements for their community, using their skills and passion to support local growers and eco-friendly practices.
38. Animator
What you love: Drawing, storytelling, and bringing characters and worlds to life through motion.
What you're good at: Using animation software, understanding movement and physics, and creative direction.
What the world needs: Entertaining and inspiring visual content, from films and video games to educational material.
What you can be paid for: Working for a film studio, a gaming company, or creating content for marketing and education.
Their Ikigai: To work on a video game with a strong narrative and positive message. They get paid to use their animation skills to tell a compelling story, fulfilling their love for the craft and contributing to the art of interactive entertainment.
39. Hotelier / Hospitality Manager
What you love: Providing excellent service, creating memorable experiences for guests, and managing a team.
What you're good at: Customer service, logistics, problem-solving, and understanding cultural nuances.
What the world needs: Places where people can feel welcome, safe, and cared for, whether for business or leisure.
What you can be paid for: Managing a hotel, a resort, or a hospitality chain.
Their Ikigai: To manage a boutique hotel that prioritizes eco-friendly practices and local culture. They get paid to create an exceptional guest experience, using their skills to run a profitable business that also supports the local community and environment.
40. Public Relations Specialist
What you love: Communication, building relationships, and shaping public perception.
What you're good at: Writing press releases, media relations, crisis management, and strategic planning.
What the world needs: Clear, transparent communication from businesses and organizations.
What you can be paid for: Working for a PR agency, a corporation, or a government body.
Their Ikigai: To work as a PR specialist for a non-profit organization advocating for human rights. They get paid to use their communication skills to raise awareness for a cause they are passionate about, helping to build a more just and informed world.
41. E-commerce Store Owner
What you love: Entrepreneurship, discovering unique products, and building a brand from the ground up.
What you're good at: Digital marketing, product sourcing, customer service, and website management.
What the world needs: Convenient access to unique, high-quality products from independent creators.
What you can be paid for: Selling products online, managing a dropshipping business, or creating a niche marketplace.
Their Ikigai: To run an online store that sells handcrafted goods from artisans in developing countries. They get paid to use their business skills to support independent artists, providing them with a global market and fulfilling their love for unique products.
42. Supply Chain Manager
What you love: Solving logistical puzzles, optimizing processes, and seeing a complex system work seamlessly.
What you're good at: Planning, forecasting, negotiation, and data analysis.
What the world needs: Efficient and resilient systems to get goods and services to people around the globe.
What you can be paid for: Managing logistics for a retail company, a manufacturing firm, or a tech company.
Their Ikigai: To work as a supply chain manager for a company that provides disaster relief supplies. They get paid to use their skills to solve complex logistical challenges, ensuring critical resources reach people in need, which aligns with their love for efficiency and problem-solving.
43. Actuary
What you love: Working with numbers, analyzing risk, and predicting future outcomes.
What you're good at: Advanced mathematics, statistical modeling, and data interpretation.
What the world needs: Expert analysis to help businesses and governments make sound financial decisions and prepare for the future.
What you can be paid for: Working for an insurance company, a consulting firm, or in the finance industry.
Their Ikigai: To use their statistical expertise to design insurance products that make healthcare more accessible and affordable. They love the challenge of complex calculations and get paid to apply their skills to a problem that makes a real difference in people's lives.
44. Event Planner
What you love: Organizing, being creative, and bringing people together to celebrate and connect.
What you're good at: Project management, budgeting, networking, and attention to detail.
What the world needs: Thoughtfully organized gatherings that create lasting memories and build community.
What you can be paid for: Planning weddings, corporate conferences, concerts, or festivals.
Their Ikigai: To specialize in planning sustainable and eco-friendly events. They love the creative challenge of event planning and get paid to apply their skills to a cause they are passionate about, helping clients host unforgettable events that also minimize their environmental impact.
45. Corporate Trainer
What you love: Teaching, public speaking, and helping people develop new skills.
What you're good at: Curriculum design, adult learning principles, and engaging presentations.
What the world needs: A skilled and adaptable workforce that can meet the challenges of a changing economy.
What you can be paid for: Designing and delivering training programs for companies on topics like leadership, software, or compliance.
Their Ikigai: To work as a corporate trainer focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. They get paid to use their passion for teaching to help companies build more inclusive workplaces, which fulfills their personal mission of creating a more just society.
46. Financial Analyst
What you love: Working with numbers, analyzing market trends, and helping people or companies make smart financial decisions.
What you're good at: Data modeling, forecasting, risk assessment, and financial reporting.
What the world needs: Expert analysis to guide investment, manage risk, and ensure economic stability.
What you can be paid for: Working for a bank, an investment firm, a large corporation, or as a private consultant.
Their Ikigai: To work as a financial analyst for a company that invests in renewable energy. They get paid to use their analytical skills to help a mission-driven company grow, combining their passion for finance with a desire to contribute to a sustainable future.
47. Welder / Skilled Tradesperson
What you love: Working with your hands, building and fixing things, and seeing a tangible result from your work.
What you're good at: Technical skills like welding, plumbing, or electrical work, attention to detail, and problem-solving.
What the world needs: Skilled labor to build and maintain essential infrastructure, from buildings and bridges to ships and machinery.
What you can be paid for: Working on construction sites, in a manufacturing plant, or as a freelance contractor.
Their Ikigai: To use their welding skills to build custom art installations and public sculptures for their community. They get paid to turn their passion into a tangible contribution, creating lasting public works that beautify their town.
48. Archivist
What you love: History, organizing information, and preserving important documents and artifacts.
What you're good at: Research, cataloging systems, conservation techniques, and information management.
What the world needs: The careful preservation of historical records and cultural heritage for future generations.
What you can be paid for: Working in a museum, a university, a library, or for a government agency.
Their Ikigai: To work as an archivist for a historical society, specializing in the records of a local community. They get paid to use their skills to protect and organize history, ensuring that the stories of their town are not lost to time.
49. Speech-Language Pathologist
What you love: Helping people communicate, solving complex developmental issues, and celebrating small victories with your clients.
What you're good at: Patient and client assessment, therapeutic techniques, and understanding speech and language development.
What the world needs: Professionals who can help people overcome communication and swallowing disorders to improve their quality of life.
What you can be paid for: Working in a school, a hospital, a clinic, or in private practice.
Their Ikigai: To work in a public school district, helping children with speech and language difficulties. They get paid to use their expertise to give children a voice, which is a mission they are deeply passionate about.
50. Technical Writer
What you love: Explaining complex concepts clearly, organizing information, and making technology accessible to others.
What you're good at: Writing, research, understanding technical jargon, and user-focused communication.
What the world needs: Clear and concise documentation for software, products, and complex processes to help people use them effectively.
What you can be paid for: Writing user manuals, help guides, and technical specifications for tech companies or manufacturers.
Their Ikigai: To work as a technical writer for a company developing medical devices. They get paid to use their skills to create clear instructions, which is critical for patient safety and aligns with their passion for making complex information easy to understand.
51. Forensic Scientist
What you love: Solving puzzles, using scientific methods to find answers, and contributing to justice.
What you're good at: Chemistry, biology, data analysis, and meticulous attention to detail.
What the world needs: Objective, scientific evidence to help law enforcement and the justice system solve crimes.
What you can be paid for: Working in a crime lab, for a police department, or as a consultant.
Their Ikigai: To work as a forensic scientist for a cold case unit, applying their scientific skills and love for problem-solving to help bring closure to families and get justice for victims.
52. Park Ranger
What you love: Nature, being outdoors, and teaching others about the environment and wildlife.
What you're good at: Public speaking, outdoor survival skills, environmental education, and law enforcement.
What the world needs: Stewards to protect natural resources and provide a safe and educational experience for visitors.
What you can be paid for: Working for a national, state, or local park service.
Their Ikigai: To work as a park ranger in a national park, leading guided hikes and educational programs. They get paid to share their deep love of nature and their knowledge with visitors, fulfilling their personal mission to inspire a love of conservation in others.
53. Interior Designer
What you love: Arranging spaces, working with color and texture, and creating environments that feel comfortable and beautiful.
What you're good at: Spatial planning, project management, and an eye for aesthetics and design principles.
What the world needs: Thoughtfully designed living and working spaces that are both beautiful and functional, improving people's well-being.
What you can be paid for: Designing residential homes, commercial spaces, or offering virtual design services.
Their Ikigai: To work as an interior designer who specializes in creating accessible and supportive spaces for people with specific needs. They use their design skills to make a tangible difference in people's lives and earn a living by creating beautiful, functional, and inclusive environments.
54. Urban Farmer
What you love: Growing food, working with your hands, and connecting with your community.
What you're good at: Gardening, plant science, business management, and community organizing.
What the world needs: Local, fresh, and sustainable food sources in urban areas to promote health and community resilience.
What you can be paid for: Selling produce to restaurants, running a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, or teaching workshops.
Their Ikigai: To run a community-supported rooftop farm in a dense urban neighborhood. They get paid to provide fresh produce to a local food desert, using their skills and passion to improve the health and well-being of their community.
55. Financial Planner
What you love: Helping people manage their money, plan for the future, and achieve their financial goals.
What you're good at: Financial analysis, investment strategies, client communication, and long-term planning.
What the world needs: Accessible and ethical financial guidance to help people of all income levels build a secure future.
What you can be paid for: Working for a financial firm, a private practice, or a large corporation.
Their Ikigai: To run a financial planning service that focuses on helping young families manage their money, budget for major milestones, and save for retirement. They use their financial expertise to help others achieve long-term security, which is a mission they find deeply rewarding.
56. Occupational Therapist
What you love: Helping people regain independence, celebrating small victories, and designing creative solutions to daily challenges.
What you're good at: Therapeutic techniques, patient assessment, and understanding a wide range of physical and cognitive conditions.
What the world needs: Compassionate professionals who help people of all ages overcome physical or mental challenges to live full and independent lives.
What you can be paid for: Working in a hospital, a rehabilitation clinic, a school, or a private practice.
Their Ikigai: To work with children with developmental disabilities in a school setting, using their compassionate and creative skills to help a child with a profound disability learn to feed themselves, making a profound difference in a child's life while earning a stable income.
57. Hydrologist
What you love: The science of water, solving environmental puzzles, and working to protect a vital natural resource.
What you're good at: Data analysis, field research, environmental policy, and a deep understanding of water systems.
What the world needs: Experts who can manage water resources responsibly, predict the impact of climate change, and ensure clean water for all.
What you can be paid for: Working for a government agency, an environmental consulting firm, or a non-profit.
Their Ikigai: To work for a government agency focused on managing water resources for a drought-prone region. They get paid to use their scientific skills to solve a critical, real-world problem, which aligns their passion for the environment with their professional expertise.
58. Voice Actor
What you love: Telling stories, using your voice to create characters and emotions, and working in a studio.
What you're good at: Vocal range, creative interpretation, audio recording, and editing.
What the world needs: Creative performances that bring stories to life, from audiobooks and video games to animated films.
What you can be paid for: Narrating audiobooks, voicing characters in a video game, or doing commercial voiceovers.
Their Ikigai: To narrate audiobooks of classic literature, using their love of storytelling and their vocal skills to share great stories with a wide audience. They get paid to bring their passion for the spoken word to life, which they find deeply fulfilling.
59. Dietitian / Nutritionist
What you love: Food science, helping people improve their health, and educating others on the power of nutrition.
What you're good at: Nutritional analysis, meal planning, empathetic communication, and understanding the science of health.
What the world needs: Professional guidance on how to eat well, prevent chronic disease, and live a healthier lifestyle.
What you can be paid for: Working in a hospital, a private practice, for a sports team, or as a consultant.
Their Ikigai: To specialize in sports nutrition, helping athletes of all levels optimize their performance through diet. They use their knowledge of food science to help people achieve peak physical performance, which combines their love for health with a practical, needed service.
60. Astronaut
What you love: Space, science, and the adventure of human exploration.
What you're good at: A variety of scientific and engineering disciplines, physical and mental resilience, and the ability to work in a high-stress, team-based environment.
What the world needs: Scientific research, the expansion of human knowledge, and inspiring humanity to reach for the stars.
What you can be paid for: Working for a government space agency or a private space exploration company.
Their Ikigai: To lead a scientific mission to the International Space Station, conducting experiments that expand our understanding of the universe. They get paid to use their technical skills to push the boundaries of human knowledge, which is the ultimate fulfillment of a life dedicated to science and exploration.
61. Personal Shopper / Stylist
What you love: Fashion, working with people, and helping others look and feel their best.
What you're good at: An eye for style, understanding body types, and empathetic communication.
What the world needs: Guidance on how to build a wardrobe that reflects their personal style and makes them feel confident.
What you can be paid for: Working for a department store, a fashion brand, or as an independent consultant.
Their Ikigai: To work with clients who are re-entering the workforce or have undergone a major life change. They get paid to use their love for fashion and people to help others rebuild their confidence and take a positive step forward in their lives.
62. Physicist
What you love: The fundamental laws of the universe, solving theoretical puzzles, and the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake.
What you're good at: Advanced mathematics, abstract reasoning, and a passion for deep intellectual inquiry.
What the world needs: Breakthroughs in science that can lead to new technologies, a deeper understanding of reality, and solutions to some of humanity's biggest problems.
What you can be paid for: Working at a university, a government research lab, or a tech company.
Their Ikigai: To work on a team at a research lab, using their deep scientific knowledge to search for new particles or a new understanding of the cosmos. They love the intellectual challenge and get paid to contribute to humanity's ongoing quest for knowledge.
63. Biomedical Engineer
What you love: Technology, biology, and using engineering principles to improve human health.
What you're good at: Engineering design, data analysis, and a deep understanding of human anatomy and physiology.
What the world needs: New medical devices, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic technologies to combat disease and improve quality of life.
What you can be paid for: Designing medical devices, working for a pharmaceutical company, or conducting research at a university.
Their Ikigai: To design and build new medical implants that improve the mobility and health of patients. They love the challenge of engineering and get paid to apply their skills to a mission that has a direct, positive impact on people's lives.
64. Mediator / Conflict Resolution Specialist
What you love: Communication, helping people find common ground, and resolving disputes peacefully.
What you're good at: Active listening, negotiation, empathy, and understanding different perspectives.
What the world needs: Professionals who can help individuals and communities navigate disagreements without resorting to conflict or legal action.
What you can be paid for: Working in family law, corporate HR, or running a private mediation service.
Their Ikigai: To run a local mediation service that helps neighbors resolve disputes over property lines or noise complaints. They get paid to use their love for communication to foster understanding and peace in their community.
65. Quality Assurance Analyst
What you love: Attention to detail, solving puzzles, and ensuring that a product works flawlessly.
What you're good at: Creating test plans, finding bugs, and a deep understanding of a product from a user's perspective.
What the world needs: Reliable and user-friendly products, from software to consumer goods, that work as advertised.
What you can be paid for: Working for a software company, a tech manufacturer, or a video game studio.
Their Ikigai: To work as a QA analyst for a company that develops educational software for children. They get paid to use their attention to detail to ensure the product is bug-free and intuitive, which aligns with their desire to help children learn and grow.
66. Marine Biologist
What you love: The ocean, marine life, and the science of our planet's largest ecosystem.
What you're good at: Field research (diving, boating), data analysis, and a deep understanding of marine ecology.
What the world needs: Scientific research and conservation efforts to protect our oceans, combat pollution, and understand the impact of climate change.
What you can be paid for: Working for a research institution, a government agency, or a conservation non-profit.
Their Ikigai: To lead a research team on coral reef conservation, using their scientific skills and love for the ocean to help protect a vital ecosystem. They get paid to do work they are deeply passionate about, which is also a critical need for the planet.
67. Music Therapist
What you love: Music, helping people, and understanding the profound impact of sound on the human mind and body.
What you're good at: Playing an instrument, understanding therapeutic frameworks, and empathetic communication.
What the world needs: Creative and non-traditional therapeutic interventions to help people of all ages cope with trauma, illness, and developmental challenges.
What you can be paid for: Working in a hospital, a nursing home, a school, or a private practice.
Their Ikigai: To work with children with developmental disabilities, using music to help them improve their communication and motor skills. They get paid to combine their love of music with a mission to help others, which they find incredibly fulfilling.
68. Prosthetist / Orthotist
What you love: Working with your hands, solving complex physical puzzles, and helping people regain their mobility.
What you're good at: Technical skills in design and fabrication, a deep understanding of biomechanics and anatomy, and empathetic patient care.
What the world needs: Innovative and accessible prosthetic and orthotic devices to help people with disabilities live full and active lives.
What you can be paid for: Working in a hospital, a rehabilitation center, or running a private practice.
Their Ikigai: To design and build custom prosthetics for veterans, using their technical and creative skills to restore mobility and independence for those who have served their country.
69. Landscape Architect
What you love: Designing outdoor spaces, working with nature, and creating beautiful, sustainable environments.
What you're good at: Plant knowledge, drafting software, project management, and understanding environmental design principles.
What the world needs: Thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces that improve quality of life, promote biodiversity, and help manage urban runoff.
What you can be paid for: Designing parks, gardens, campuses, or residential yards.
Their Ikigai: To design new public parks in an urban setting, using their skills to create green spaces that improve air quality and provide a place for the community to gather. They get paid to do what they love, and their work makes a tangible, positive difference in the world.
70. Quality Control Inspector
What you love: Finding flaws, ensuring perfection, and contributing to the integrity of a product.
What you're good at: Meticulous attention to detail, a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, and clear communication.
What the world needs: High-quality, safe, and reliable products that meet or exceed industry standards.
What you can be paid for: Working in a manufacturing plant, a food production facility, or a pharmaceutical company.
Their Ikigai: To work as a QC inspector for a medical device company, ensuring that every product is safe for use. They get paid to use their keen eye for detail to protect public health, which is a powerful combination of their skills and a mission they believe in.
71. Genealogist
What you love: History, solving puzzles, and helping people understand their family story.
What you're good at: Archival research, data analysis, and a deep understanding of historical documents.
What the world needs: Professionals who can help people connect with their past and understand their place in history.
What you can be paid for: Working as a freelance researcher, a consultant for TV shows, or for an archival institution.
Their Ikigai: To help adoptees and their families connect, using their research skills to bring people together. They love the challenge of solving historical puzzles and get paid to use their expertise to perform a deeply meaningful service for others.
72. Patent Attorney
What you love: The law, new ideas, and protecting the intellectual property of creators and innovators.
What you're good at: Legal research, a deep understanding of technology, and meticulous attention to detail.
What the world needs: A legal framework that protects innovation and ensures that creators can profit from their work.
What you can be paid for: Working for a law firm, a corporation, or a government agency.
Their Ikigai: To work for a company that develops green technology, using their legal skills to protect their patents and ensure their innovations can thrive. They get paid to use their legal expertise to support a cause they are passionate about: a sustainable future.
73. Sound Engineer
What you love: Music, the technical aspects of sound, and bringing a creative vision to life.
What you're good at: Audio mixing, recording, acoustics, and a deep understanding of music production software.
What the world needs: High-quality sound for music, films, and live events that enhances the artistic experience.
What you can be paid for: Working in a recording studio, a live venue, or for a film production company.
Their Ikigai: To work with local independent musicians, helping them record and mix their music. They get paid to use their technical skills to help artists bring their creative vision to life, fulfilling their love of music and their desire to help others.
74. Art Conservator
What you love: Art, history, and the meticulous process of restoring and preserving cultural heritage.
What you're good at: Chemistry, art history, fine motor skills, and an understanding of restoration techniques.
What the world needs: Experts who can protect and preserve our artistic and cultural heritage for future generations.
What you can be paid for: Working for a museum, a private collector, or a gallery.
Their Ikigai: To restore a historical painting that has been damaged. They get paid to use their scientific and artistic skills to preserve a piece of history, combining their love of art with a commitment to a critical need.
75. Screenwriter
What you love: Crafting stories, developing compelling characters, and exploring themes through dialogue.
What you're good at: Writing, dialogue, story structure, and understanding audience engagement.
What the world needs: New, original stories that entertain, challenge, and reflect the human condition.
What you can be paid for: Writing scripts for film, television, or streaming services.
Their Ikigai: To write screenplays for independent films that explore complex social issues. They use their storytelling skills to bring new perspectives to a wide audience and earn a living through their passion for film.
76. Data Analyst
What you love: Working with data, identifying patterns, and using numbers to make informed decisions.
What you're good at: Data visualization, statistical analysis, and using tools like SQL and Excel.
What the world needs: Professionals who can translate raw data into clear, actionable insights for businesses and organizations.
What you can be paid for: Working in a business intelligence department, marketing, or operations.
Their Ikigai: To work as a data analyst for a healthcare company, analyzing patient data to improve treatment outcomes. They get paid to use their analytical skills to contribute to better patient care, which is a mission they find deeply rewarding.
77. Physical Therapist
What you love: Anatomy, helping people recover from injury, and seeing tangible progress in a patient's mobility.
What you're good at: Exercise prescription, hands-on therapy, and motivational coaching.
What the world needs: Expert guidance to help people regain strength, manage pain, and restore function after injury or illness.
What you can be paid for: Working in a hospital, a rehabilitation clinic, or a sports medicine facility.
Their Ikigai: To open a physical therapy clinic that specializes in helping senior citizens maintain their mobility and independence. They use their medical expertise to improve the quality of life for an often-underserved population, which is their passion.
78. Environmental Lawyer
What you love: The law, environmental justice, and fighting to protect natural resources.
What you're good at: Legal research, public speaking, negotiation, and a deep understanding of environmental regulations.
What the world needs: Legal experts to advocate for environmental protection and hold polluters accountable.
What you can be paid for: Working for a law firm, a non-profit, or a government agency.
Their Ikigai: To work for an environmental non-profit, litigating on behalf of protected lands. They get paid to use their legal skills to protect the planet, which is the perfect alignment of their profession and passion.
79. Stand-up Comedian
What you love: Making people laugh, writing jokes, and performing in front of a live audience.
What you're good at: Public speaking, creative writing, timing, and connecting with a crowd.
What the world needs: Humor that helps us cope with life's challenges, builds community, and offers a unique perspective on society.
What you can be paid for: Performing at clubs, touring, or creating comedy specials.
Their Ikigai: To write and perform comedy that finds the humor in the universal human experience. They get paid to share their unique perspective through laughter, which they find to be a profoundly meaningful form of communication.
80. Genetic Counselor
What you love: Genetics, helping families, and communicating complex medical information clearly.
What you're good at: Genetic science, empathetic communication, and patient support.
What the world needs: Skilled professionals who can guide individuals and families through the ethical and medical implications of genetic testing.
What you can be paid for: Working in a hospital, a fertility clinic, or a private practice.
Their Ikigai: To work with families who have a history of a specific genetic condition. They get paid to use their scientific knowledge and compassionate communication skills to help families make informed decisions about their health.
81. Robotics Engineer
What you love: Building things, programming, and seeing technology come to life to solve problems.
What you're good at: Engineering design, coding, electronics, and mechanical systems.
What the world needs: Innovative robotic solutions that can improve efficiency and perform tasks that are dangerous for humans.
What you can be paid for: Developing robots for manufacturing, medicine, or research.
Their Ikigai: To design and build robots that assist in surgical procedures. They get paid to use their engineering skills to create life-saving technology, which is a mission that perfectly aligns their passion and purpose.
82. Upholsterer
What you love: Working with your hands, restoring furniture, and seeing old pieces brought back to life.
What you're good at: Sewing, fabric work, carpentry, and attention to detail.
What the world needs: Skilled craftspeople to repair and preserve furniture, reducing waste and creating lasting, quality items.
What you can be paid for: Restoring furniture for clients, creating custom pieces, or teaching upholstery classes.
Their Ikigai: To run a small upholstery business that specializes in restoring antique furniture. They get paid to use their craftsmanship to save beautiful pieces from landfills, combining their love for tangible work with a commitment to sustainability.
83. Firefighter
What you love: Helping people in times of crisis, working as a team, and staying physically and mentally sharp.
What you're good at: Emergency response, physical fitness, critical decision-making, and teamwork.
What the world needs: Brave and skilled individuals to respond to emergencies and protect communities from danger.
What you can be paid for: Working for a city or county fire department.
Their Ikigai: To work as a firefighter and paramedic in their hometown. They get paid to use their courage and medical skills to protect and serve their community, which is the ultimate fulfillment of a life of service.
84. Chauffeur
What you love: Driving, travel, and providing excellent service to clients.
What you're good at: Navigating, customer service, and safe driving practices.
What the world needs: Reliable and comfortable transportation for people and businesses.
What you can be paid for: Driving for a private client, a ride-sharing service, or a luxury transportation company.
Their Ikigai: To run a chauffeur service that specializes in providing transportation for elderly clients to their medical appointments and social outings. They use their love for driving to provide a reliable service that is deeply needed in their community.
85. Biochemist
What you love: The molecular world, solving complex biological puzzles, and discovering how life works on a chemical level.
What you're good at: Laboratory work, data analysis, and understanding chemical processes in living organisms.
What the world needs: Scientific research that leads to new medicines, a deeper understanding of diseases, and sustainable technologies.
What you can be paid for: Working in a pharmaceutical company, a university research lab, or a biotech firm.
Their Ikigai: To work as a biochemist for a company developing new vaccines. They get paid to use their scientific expertise to help protect public health, which is a powerful combination of their skills and a mission they believe in.
86. Aerospace Engineer
What you love: The science of flight, building complex machines, and designing for the extreme conditions of space.
What you're good at: Physics, advanced mathematics, materials science, and design software.
What the world needs: Innovation in air and space travel for communication, scientific exploration, and transportation.
What you can be paid for: Designing aircraft, satellites, or spacecraft for government agencies or private companies.
Their Ikigai: To work on a team designing a new, more efficient commercial aircraft. They get paid to use their engineering skills to improve air travel, which is a mission that combines their passion for flight with a practical contribution to society.
87. Dental Hygienist
What you love: Oral health, working with people, and making a tangible difference in someone's day-to-day life.
What you're good at: Patient care, cleaning techniques, and educating people on dental hygiene.
What the world needs: Accessible and preventative dental care to improve overall health and well-being.
What you can be paid for: Working in a dental office or a community clinic.
Their Ikigai: To work as a dental hygienist in a community clinic that offers free services to low-income families. They get paid to use their skills to provide essential healthcare to people who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford it, fulfilling their love of helping others.
88. Choreographer
What you love: Dance, movement, and telling stories or expressing emotions through the body.
What you're good at: Creative vision, dance technique, and working with dancers to bring a concept to life.
What the world needs: Artistic expression that connects us to our bodies and emotions and offers a new way of seeing the world.
What you can be paid for: Creating routines for dance companies, theater productions, or commercial projects.
Their Ikigai: To create and direct a modern dance company that tells stories of social justice through movement. They get paid to use their artistic skills to create impactful performances that they are deeply passionate about.
89. Journalist (Photojournalist)
What you love: Telling stories, capturing moments, and shedding light on important events.
What you're good at: Photography, composition, and understanding the context of a story.
What the world needs: Visual journalism that documents history, informs the public, and offers a new perspective on current events.
What you can be paid for: Working for a newspaper, a magazine, or as a freelance photojournalist.
Their Ikigai: To travel to conflict zones to document the stories of refugees and displaced persons. They get paid to use their photography skills for a mission they believe in, giving a voice to those who are often unheard.
90. Investment Banker
What you love: The fast-paced world of finance, solving complex financial deals, and working with high-profile clients.
What you're good at: Financial modeling, negotiation, risk assessment, and working long hours.
What the world needs: Experts to facilitate capital flow, help companies grow, and manage large-scale financial projects.
What you can be paid for: Working for a bank, a brokerage firm, or a private equity company.
Their Ikigai: To work for an investment bank that focuses on funding sustainable and socially responsible projects. They get paid to use their financial expertise to help companies with a mission they believe in to grow and succeed.
91. Flight Attendant
What you love: Travel, meeting new people, and providing excellent customer service.
What you're good at: Customer service, emergency preparedness, and a calm demeanor under pressure.
What the world needs: Safe and comfortable air travel, with a focus on passenger well-being and hospitality.
What you can be paid for: Working for a commercial airline.
Their Ikigai: To work as a flight attendant who specializes in providing compassionate care to passengers with disabilities or anxiety. They use their love for travel and customer service to make air travel a more inclusive and welcoming experience for everyone.
92. Actuary
What you love: Working with numbers, analyzing risk, and predicting future outcomes.
What you're good at: Advanced mathematics, statistical modeling, and data interpretation.
What the world needs: Expert analysis to help businesses and governments make sound financial decisions and prepare for the future.
What you can be paid for: Working for an insurance company, a consulting firm, or in the finance industry.
Their Ikigai: To use their statistical expertise to design insurance products that make healthcare more accessible and affordable. They love the challenge of complex calculations and get paid to apply their skills to a problem that makes a real difference in people's lives.
93. Venture Capitalist
What you love: Finding new ideas, mentoring entrepreneurs, and helping companies grow from the ground up.
What you're good at: Business analysis, networking, and a keen eye for innovative ideas and market trends.
What the world needs: Funding for new, innovative companies that have the potential to solve big problems and create new jobs.
What you can be paid for: Investing in startups, managing a venture capital fund, or consulting for new companies.
Their Ikigai: To run a venture capital firm that focuses exclusively on funding women-led startups. They get paid to use their business skills to support a cause they are passionate about, helping to build a more equitable and innovative business world.
94. Operations Manager
What you love: Efficiency, problem-solving, and making sure a business runs smoothly and on time.
What you're good at: Logistics, team management, and a deep understanding of business processes.
What the world needs: Experts to manage the day-to-day operations of businesses, ensuring they can grow and thrive.
What you can be paid for: Working for a manufacturing company, a retail business, or a tech firm.
Their Ikigai: To work as an operations manager for a company that makes sustainable and eco-friendly products. They get paid to use their love for efficiency to help a mission-driven company succeed, which aligns their professional skills with their personal values.
95. Cartoonist
What you love: Drawing, telling stories through visuals, and using humor or wit to make a point.
What you're good at: Illustration, creative writing, and a strong sense of satire.
What the world needs: Art that provides a fresh perspective on society, makes us laugh, and challenges us to think differently.
What you can be paid for: Creating comic strips, political cartoons, or illustrating books.
Their Ikigai: To create a daily political cartoon that offers a sharp, satirical take on current events. They get paid to use their drawing and writing skills to provide commentary on the world, which they find to be a powerful and meaningful form of expression.
96. Locksmith
What you love: Working with your hands, solving mechanical puzzles, and helping people in a time of need.
What you're good at: Technical skills, precision, and a deep understanding of locks and security systems.
What the world needs: Reliable professionals who can provide security and help people in emergencies.
What you can be paid for: Working for a locksmith company or running your own business.
Their Ikigai: To run a local locksmith business that offers 24/7 service to their community. They love solving problems and get paid to provide a vital security service that their neighbors can rely on.
97. Climatologist
What you love: Weather, environmental science, and understanding the complex systems that shape our planet.
What you're good at: Data analysis, scientific modeling, and a deep understanding of atmospheric science.
What the world needs: Expert analysis and predictions to help us understand and prepare for the impacts of climate change.
What you can be paid for: Working for a government agency, a university, or a non-profit.
Their Ikigai: To conduct research that helps a coastal city prepare for rising sea levels. They get paid to use their scientific skills for a mission they believe in, helping to protect their community from the effects of climate change.
98. Paleontologist
What you love: Dinosaurs, history, and the thrill of discovery.
What you're good at: Fieldwork, fossil identification, and a deep understanding of ancient life.
What the world needs: Scientific research that helps us understand the history of life on Earth.
What you can be paid for: Working for a museum, a university, or a research institution.
Their Ikigai: To lead a team of researchers in a remote field, digging for fossils. They get paid to use their love of ancient life to uncover new knowledge, which is the ultimate fulfillment of their passion.
99. Geoscientist
What you love: The Earth, its history, and the natural forces that shape it.
What you're good at: Data analysis, fieldwork, and a deep understanding of geology and environmental science.
What the world needs: Scientific expertise to locate natural resources, predict natural disasters, and protect our environment.
What you can be paid for: Working for an oil and gas company, an environmental consulting firm, or a government agency.
Their Ikigai: To work for a government agency, helping to identify and manage new sources of clean, renewable energy. They get paid to use their love for the Earth to help build a more sustainable future.
100. Mediator / Conflict Resolution Specialist
What you love: Communication, helping people find common ground, and resolving disputes peacefully.
What you're good at: Active listening, negotiation, empathy, and understanding different perspectives.
What the world needs: Professionals who can help individuals and communities navigate disagreements without resorting to conflict or legal action.
What you can be paid for: Working in family law, corporate HR, or running a private mediation service.
Their Ikigai: To run a local mediation service that helps neighbors resolve disputes over property lines or noise complaints. They get paid to use their love for communication to foster understanding and peace in their community.
101. Quality Assurance Analyst
What you love: Attention to detail, solving puzzles, and ensuring that a product works flawlessly.
What you're good at: Creating test plans, finding bugs, and a deep understanding of a product from a user's perspective.
What the world needs: Reliable and user-friendly products, from software to consumer goods, that work as advertised.
What you can be paid for: Working for a software company, a tech manufacturer, or a video game studio.
Their Ikigai: To work as a QA analyst for a company that develops educational software for children. They get paid to use their attention to detail to ensure the product is bug-free and intuitive, which aligns with their desire to help children learn and grow.
102. Marine Biologist
What you love: The ocean, marine life, and the science of our planet's largest ecosystem.
What you're good at: Field research (diving, boating), data analysis, and a deep understanding of marine ecology.
What the world needs: Scientific research and conservation efforts to protect our oceans, combat pollution, and understand the impact of climate change.
What you can be paid for: Working for a research institution, a government agency, or a conservation non-profit.
Their Ikigai: To lead a research team on coral reef conservation, using their scientific skills and love for the ocean to help protect a vital ecosystem. They get paid to do work they are deeply passionate about, which is also a critical need for the planet.
103. Music Therapist
What you love: Music, helping people, and understanding the profound impact of sound on the human mind and body.
What you're good at: Playing an instrument, understanding therapeutic frameworks, and empathetic communication.
What the world needs: Creative and non-traditional therapeutic interventions to help people of all ages cope with trauma, illness, and developmental challenges.
What you can be paid for: Working in a hospital, a nursing home, a school, or a private practice.
Their Ikigai: To work with children with developmental disabilities, using music to help them improve their communication and motor skills. They get paid to combine their love of music with a mission to help others, which they find incredibly fulfilling.
104. Prosthetist / Orthotist
What you love: Working with your hands, solving complex physical puzzles, and helping people regain their mobility.
What you're good at: Technical skills in design and fabrication, a deep understanding of biomechanics and anatomy, and empathetic patient care.
What the world needs: Innovative and accessible prosthetic and orthotic devices to help people with disabilities live full and active lives.
What you can be paid for: Working in a hospital, a rehabilitation center, or running a private practice.
Their Ikigai: To design and build custom prosthetics for veterans, using their technical and creative skills to restore mobility and independence for those who have served their country.
105. Landscape Architect
What you love: Designing outdoor spaces, working with nature, and creating beautiful, sustainable environments.
What you're good at: Plant knowledge, drafting software, project management, and understanding environmental design principles.
What the world needs: Thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces that improve quality of life, promote biodiversity, and help manage urban runoff.
What you can be paid for: Designing parks, gardens, campuses, or residential yards.
Their Ikigai: To design new public parks in an urban setting, using their skills to create green spaces that improve air quality and provide a place for the community to gather. They get paid to do what they love, and their work makes a tangible, positive difference in the world.
106. Quality Control Inspector
What you love: Finding flaws, ensuring perfection, and contributing to the integrity of a product.
What you're good at: Meticulous attention to detail, a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, and clear communication.
What the world needs: High-quality, safe, and reliable products that meet or exceed industry standards.
What you can be paid for: Working in a manufacturing plant, a food production facility, or a pharmaceutical company.
Their Ikigai: To work as a QC inspector for a medical device company, ensuring that every product is safe for use. They get paid to use their keen eye for detail to protect public health, which is a powerful combination of their skills and a mission they believe in.
107. Genealogist
What you love: History, solving puzzles, and helping people understand their family story.
What you're good at: Archival research, data analysis, and a deep understanding of historical documents.
What the world needs: Professionals who can help people connect with their past and understand their place in history.
What you can be paid for: Working as a freelance researcher, a consultant for TV shows, or for an archival institution.
Their Ikigai: To help adoptees and their families connect, using their research skills to bring people together. They love the challenge of solving historical puzzles and get paid to use their expertise to perform a deeply meaningful service for others.
108. Patent Attorney
What you love: The law, new ideas, and protecting the intellectual property of creators and innovators.
What you're good at: Legal research, a deep understanding of technology, and meticulous attention to detail.
What the world needs: A legal framework that protects innovation and ensures that creators can profit from their work.
What you can be paid for: Working for a law firm, a corporation, or a government agency.
Their Ikigai: To work for a company that develops green technology, using their legal skills to protect their patents and ensure their innovations can thrive. They get paid to use their legal expertise to support a cause they are passionate about: a sustainable future.
109. Sound Engineer
What you love: Music, the technical aspects of sound, and bringing a creative vision to life.
What you're good at: Audio mixing, recording, acoustics, and a deep understanding of music production software.
What the world needs: High-quality sound for music, films, and live events that enhances the artistic experience.
What you can be paid for: Working in a recording studio, a live venue, or for a film production company.
Their Ikigai: To work with local independent musicians, helping them record and mix their music. They get paid to use their technical skills to help artists bring their creative vision to life, fulfilling their love of music and their desire to help others.
110. Art Conservator
What you love: Art, history, and the meticulous process of restoring and preserving cultural heritage.
What you're good at: Chemistry, art history, fine motor skills, and an understanding of restoration techniques.
What the world needs: Experts who can protect and preserve our artistic and cultural heritage for future generations.
What you can be paid for: Working for a museum, a private collector, or a gallery.
Their Ikigai: To restore a historical painting that has been damaged. They get paid to use their scientific and artistic skills to preserve a piece of history, combining their love of art with a commitment to a critical need.
Bibliography
- Buettner, D. (2017). The Blue Zones of Happiness: Lessons From the World's Longest Lived for Increasing Your Own Happiness. National Geographic.
- García, H., & Miralles, F. (2017). Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life. Penguin Books.
- Mogi, K. (2017). The little book of ikigai: The essential Japanese way to find your purpose in life. Quercus.
- Mitsuhashi, Y. (2018). Ikigai: Giving every day meaning and joy. Kyle Books.
- Okuzono, S. S., Shiba, K., Kim, E. S., Shirai, K., Kondo, N., Fujiwara, T., Kondo, K., Lomas, T., Trudel-Fitzgerald, C., Kawachi, I., & VanderWeele, T. J. (2022). Ikigai and subsequent health and wellbeing among Japanese older adults: Longitudinal outcome-wide analysis. The Lancet Regional Health—Western Pacific, 21, 100391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100391
- Shibata, R., & Tanno, K. (2020). An academic review of the ikigai concept: Understanding the Japanese concept of a meaningful life. SAGE Publications.
