{"id":7000,"date":"2023-05-03T11:39:36","date_gmt":"2023-05-03T10:39:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/careers\/?p=7000"},"modified":"2023-05-04T09:13:46","modified_gmt":"2023-05-04T08:13:46","slug":"progress-your-future-find-your-ikigai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/careers\/?p=7000","title":{"rendered":"Progress your life – find your ikigai"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Elderly<\/a><\/p>\n

At the OU\u2019s Careers and Employability Services we help many students along their path to employment, but thinking about your future is more than work and could include further study, volunteering, or community initiatives. There are many other ways than paid employment to use your skills and try out different things.<\/p>\n

You can navigate your pathway to personal progression and fulfilment using FutureYOU<\/a>, the OU\u2019s personal development planning tool.<\/p>\n

The Japanese call this sense of fulfilment \u2018ikigai\u2019, meaning \u2018reason for being\u2019. If you\u2019re studying for personal development rather than career but want to make your OU study count in life, you\u2019re at the Progress career readiness stage<\/a>. Ikigai integrates the joy of doing something with a sense of purpose, meaning, and well-being; the reason you get up in the morning. Find your ikigai:<\/p>\n

1. Focus on the journey, not the destination<\/h3>\n

Ikigai is composed of two words:\u00a0iki<\/em>, which means life and\u00a0gai,\u00a0<\/em>which describes value or worth. Ikigai is a path, a way of life. Rather than a destination, it\u2019s a continuous, renewed process of self-discovery and growth. Our Career Readiness Pulse<\/a> \u00a0intelligent self-diagnostic will help you to identify which careers skills to develop, and signpost you to tailored resources to support your goals, ideas and needs. You may also find your subject version of FutureYOU on the Plan or Succeed tab of your\u00a0StudyHome site<\/a> but if your subject hasn\u2019t got one yet, try the Open qualification version<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Get help with decision making<\/h3>\n

\u201cI want a plan.\u201d <\/em>OU student<\/strong><\/p>\n

A structured, step-by-step\u00a0personal development plan<\/a> will help you map out how far you\u2019ve come and where you might want to progress to. Our career decision making<\/a> page can also help you with making decisions about your study choices and your future.<\/p>\n

3. Explore your strengths and interests<\/h3>\n

Identify your strengths and skills, including your experience and achievements that have given you a sense of purpose or fulfilment. Use the skills audit exercise\u00a0on page 32 of Your Career Planning Guide<\/a> and remember that transferrable skills and qualities<\/a>\u00a0are just as important as expertise.<\/p>\n

4. Get help with self-reflection<\/h3>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve just had an in-depth careers consultation and it\u2019s honestly among the best things I have done. Easily the most useful hour I\u2019ve spent this year.\u201d\u00a0 <\/em>OU student<\/strong><\/p>\n

Talking to someone can help you work through the questions you need answers to and identify your needs. You can book an individual careers consultation<\/a>\u00a0with the OU\u2019s friendly, qualified and experienced guidance experts.<\/p>\n

5. Seek inspiration, be open-minded and challenge yourself<\/h3>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t worked for years\u2026and it feels too big a step.\u201d <\/em>OU student<\/strong><\/p>\n

You are never too old to try something new. In Japan, older people are celebrated for passing on their wisdom, giving them a sense of purpose. It\u2019s exciting to evolve and grow but you first might need to build your confidence<\/a> to go beyond your comfort zone to find rewarding opportunities. Consider getting involved in what\u2019s happening in your local community or volunteering<\/a> to put your knowledge, experience and skills to something purposeful and fulfilling.<\/p>\n

6. Don\u2019t let personal or societal barriers stop you from finding your ikigai<\/h3>\n

\u201cI have a disability\u201d, \u201cI\u2019m caring for my Dad\u201d, \u201cI have refugee status\u201d, \u201cI\u2019m scared to try anything new\u201d, \u201cI have a criminal conviction\u201d, \u201cI\u2019m old\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n

We are used to hearing about the external or personal barriers many OU students need to negotiate in order to find their ikigai. Whatever your circumstances, we can help you navigate barriers you may face throughout your studies and up to three years after you qualify. Find out more about the support you can receive in the workplace in Section 5 of your Career Planning Guide<\/a> and keep up to date with our latest resources, news and events<\/a>. Your ikigai awaits.<\/p>\n

Careers and Employability Services<\/a><\/h5>\n