It’s not that simple to find a new career that aligns with your skills, passions, and values.
Enter the Ikigai model - a Japanese concept that can help you discover your "reason for being" and guide you towards a fulfilling post-military career.
As a veteran, you're uniquely positioned to benefit from this approach for a number of reasons. You’ve got a diverse skill set, a strong sense of purpose, and resilience, all gained from military service. These attributes align well with the model's focus. Plus, the commitment to lifelong learning and experience with structured approaches make you well-suited to navigate the self-discovery and strategic planning required to identify a fulfilling post-military career through Ikigai.
Let’s break it down.
Understanding Ikigai
Ikigai is the intersection of four elements:
- What you love (your passion)
- What you're good at (your skills)
- What the world needs (societal value)
- What you can be paid for (economic viability)
For veterans, this model offers a structured way to reflect on your military experience and align it with civilian career opportunities.
Self-Discovery and Reflection
Start by exploring each element of the Ikigai model:
What You Love
- Reflect on aspects of your military service that you enjoyed most
- Consider hobbies or interests you've developed outside of your service
- Think about causes or missions that ignite your passion
What You're Good At
- List the skills you've honed during your military career (leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, etc.)
- Include technical skills specific to your role in the military
- Don't forget soft skills like teamwork and communication
What the World Needs
- Research growing industries and societal challenges (we’ve got lots of blogs on this if you’d like more insights)
- Consider how your military experience might address current global issues, especially useful for finding your purpose.
- Look into sectors where your skills are in high demand.
What You Can Be Paid For
- Research salary ranges for various careers that interest you
- Consider the economic viability of different industries in your desired location
- Think about the lifestyle you want and the income required to support it
Tip: Use a whiteboard or digital tool like Miro to visually map out these elements. Seeing everything laid out can help you identify patterns and connections.
Exploration and Networking
Now that you've reflected on each element, it's time to explore where they intersect:
- Join veteran networking groups and attend career fairs
- Connect with fellow veterans who have successfully transitioned into civilian careers on LinkedIn and Redeployable.
- Seek informational interviews with professionals in fields that align with your Ikigai elements
- Use Redeployable to connect with other veterans and gain insights into various career paths
Remember, networking isn't just about finding job opportunities - it's about gathering information to refine your Ikigai.
Skill Development and Alignment
As you narrow down your focus, start aligning your skills with potential career paths:
- Identify any skill gaps between your military experience and your target civilian roles
- Take on courses or certifications that bridge these gaps
- Seek volunteer opportunities or internships that allow you to apply your skills in a civilian context
- Start translating your military achievements into civilian terms
Tip: Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your evolving career goals and newly acquired skills. Use language that resonates with your target industry. Here’s an article all about personal brands that will be very helpful.
Targeted Action and Application
With a clearer picture of your Ikigai, it's time to take focused action:
- Refine your resume and cover letter to align with your identified Ikigai
- Apply for positions that sit at the intersection of your four Ikigai elements
- Prepare for interviews by crafting stories that demonstrate how your military experience aligns with your new career path
- Consider entrepreneurship if your Ikigai points towards creating your own opportunity
Remember, finding your Ikigai is an ongoing process. Be prepared to adjust and refine as you gain more experience in the civilian world.
Your Next Calling
Applying the Ikigai model to your career transition isn't just about finding a job - it's about discovering a new sense of purpose that honours your military service while embracing your civilian future. By thoughtfully considering what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for, you're setting yourself up for a fulfilling second career.
Your military service has given you a unique perspective and valuable skills. Now, it's time to deploy those assets in a new context. Whether you find your Ikigai in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, or public service, remember that your journey is unique. Embrace the process, stay open to opportunities, and trust in the skills and resilience you've developed throughout your military career.
Ready to find your post-military Ikigai? Start mapping out your four elements today. If you’d like to learn more, collective leaders Wayne and Elly have released a video series all about Ikigai. Check it out here.
