Learning how to find purpose in life is a lifelong journey -- it eludes you and frustrates you. You may feel that there is something deeper you could be part of, something that will allow you to truly make a difference, that deep down, you wish you knew how to tap and align to that purpose, but you can’t pin it down.
After all, we are created for a specific role in society, not only born for ourselves but with consciousness to help other people around us. Diving into the deeper essence of who you are and the life you want to live can assemble the purpose puzzle that connects you to something larger than yourself.
According to Olive Obtinalla, a Fundraiser and a Team Manager in Fundpro Philippines: As a fresh graduate of an interdisciplinary program, I have struggled to choose a career path on which I should focus. Jack of all trades, master of none, like what they always say, but there is one thing that will ignite your sense of purpose and lead you to your calling.
The reality of life is that it is not every day that you get to receive your salary, like when you were still a student receiving your 'baon' every day. Who would not want a job where you wake up in the morning excited because you love what you do -- you get to learn and be productive in a healthy working environment? I value a job opportunity where I can grow holistically with the company for the long term.
One of the biggest challenges to face in life is figuring out what you want to do with your life and how to live the life you've always wanted, even if problems or obstacles come up and hold you back. Pressure and setbacks are often the root cause that leads people down life paths they couldn't enjoy. But once you've identified the factors that may be keeping you from finding your purpose in life, you can silence them to readjust your course and follow your true calling. Just like what Ms. Olive did: After knowing about the Japanese concept of Ikigai, where passion, mission, purpose, and vocation meet or simply your reason for being. That is the time when it all made sense! I want to work for a good cause -- a job where I could make a positive impact on our society while building my own career. It came to me that I was not born for myself but for the service of which I am called upon to serve. Then I saw the job ad for Fundpro Philippines that said, "work with a purpose." That's when I knew that I had found my Ikigai.
One thing that Fundpro Philippines has that other companies seldom have is training opportunities. I take continuous learning seriously because I want to improve on how I can help others effectively. Aside from the different stories you hear from people in the field, there are also leaders who will guide you career-wise and in your holistic growth. Help does not end where you are an instrument of hope for the beneficiaries as well as making people realize the goodness in them that they are capable of helping. Help multiplies as you empower other fundraisers to become better in what they do. Indeed, it is a humbling job. This industry encourages me to stay grounded with my principles because we can never be entitled. We should always see the bigger picture and always have an attitude of gratitude. How we are with what we do reflects the character that we have. Above all else, representing the UN or other charity organizations inspires us to become better individuals. One must uphold integrity and always have their work ethic with them in the field.
Once you discover your purpose, you’ll find that your life opens itself up in ways you never thought possible. You will learn how to overcome any hurdle, experience new depths of opportunity, and eventually find your deepest why. If that happens all at once, make sure to create some space to ponder it with questions and make sure your eyes are open to all the possibilities around you. Just like what Ms. Olive said: Why Fundpro? Since day one, it has always given me a sense of purpose, a sense of direction, and a sense of fulfillment. But what made me stay for more than two years is the sense of belongingness and genuine support the company has for its employees, only wanting to bring out the best in every Fundraiser.
There will always be ups and downs, but it is always up to us how we are going to make our journey worthwhile. It will make sense if we do not give up on ourselves and keep pursuing what we love to do. I am grateful that I found my Ikigai with Fundpro!
Everyone has big dreams and ambitions, but don't overhaul your life with big decisions all at once. You may want to pause for a while, pay attention to the feedback you receive from others, and take a step back to see the results you are producing. Once you have gained more clarity about your purpose to find your Ikigai, just lean into it, bit by bit, and start living your purpose a little more fully every day.
Comentários