Have you ever felt like you’re just going through the motions, working, studying, scrolling, but something’s missing? Like there’s a little voice inside asking: Is this really what I’m meant to do? You’re not alone. Many young people feel the same, especially when thinking about what they truly want from life. That’s where the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai comes in.
What is Ikigai?
Ikigai can be translated to “reason for being.” It’s the sweet spot where four things come together: “what you love”,“what you’re good at”,“what the world needs”, and “what you can be valued for”.
“…embracing the joy of little things, being in the here and now, reflecting on past happy memories, and having a frame of mind that one can build a happy and active life.” (Ikigai Tribe, 2019)
It’s not about perfection or having everything figured out, it’s more like a guide-a way to live with more purpose, direction, and joy. Here’s a simple visual from PositivePsychology.com to help you picture it:
Here’s how the diagram breaks it down and when all four areas come together, that’s where you find your Ikigai:
- Passion = what you love + what you’re good at
- Mission = what you love + what the world needs
- Vocation = what the world needs + what you can be paid for
- Profession = what you’re good at + what you can be paid for
Read more here
One of the most powerful ways to explore your Ikigai is through volunteering abroad. It’s a chance to truly connect with people and causes, step out of your comfort zone, and discover passions and skills you didn’t even know you had. It’s how you make a difference in the world while unlocking your own potential.
How can you get started? Follow our volunteering programs and see how they align with your Ikigai:
- What you love → Whether it’s working with children, caring for animals, supporting communities, or protecting the environment, you can choose a project that speaks to your heart.
- What you’re good at → Use your natural strengths such as communication, teamwork, or problem-solving, or grow new ones along the way. Every experience is a chance to learn and develop yourself.
- What the world needs → Every volunteering opportunity offers supports a real local need, be it in education, sustainability, social care, or animal conservation.
- What gives you meaning → You’ll come back home with stories, friendships, and perhaps a better sense of who you are and what you would stand for.
Extra tips to start living your Ikigai through a volunteering experience with us:
Start by asking yourself: What makes me feel alive? What causes me to want to take action? Write down your answers. Be honest, be curious, remember that there are no wrong notes when you’re exploring your purpose. (:
Here’s where you can create real impact while living an unforgettable experience abroad:
🇬🇷Wildlife Conservation in Greece
Support animal care and conservation on a beautiful Greek island while exploring local nature and culture.
🐢Turtle Conservation
Get your hands dirty and make a real difference in protecting turtle life, perfect for those who are passionate and ready to work hard!
🇿🇦Teach Kids & Care for Animals in South Africa
Help children with school subjects and support local wildlife efforts while inspiring people on the conservation efforts.
🇮🇪 Horse Care in Ireland
Live in the Irish countryside and help feed, clean, and care for horses while supporting daily maintenance on the farm.
At Roast Jobs, we’ll be with you every step of the way from helping you choose the right project, to organizing your documents, planning your trip, and offering full support during your stay. You will never be alone in this.
Let’s make this the year you find purpose, connection, and stories that stay with you forever. Discover more at roastjobs.com.
We’ll support you guide you from the very first step to the final goodbye and every unforgettable moment in between. 🎒 Discover more at roastjobs.com and start your journey today.
This blog post was written by Júlia Zapparolli. Thank you for reading! 😊
You might want to read as well A Day in the Life of a Volunteer, 8 Awesome Benefits of Volunteering, the Find Your Perfect Program, How to Feel Confident About Volunteering Abroad and much more.
