Career change is rarely an impulsive decision. More often, it begins quietly with a sense that something no longer feels quite right. Perhaps last year brought professional success on paper, but little personal satisfaction. Or maybe it highlighted a lack of progression, flexibility, or alignment with long-term goals.
The new year creates space to reflect not only on what they have achieved, but on how their career truly makes them feel. Success, after all, is not just measured by outcomes - it is measured by fulfilment.
Finding a fulfilling career is the dream of every professional. A job you love that's rewarding both in purpose and in finances - how do you even begin to find that? The answer begins with Ikaigi.
Understanding Ikigai: What is it?
One framework that offers valuable insight into this reflection is Ikigai, a Japanese concept often translated as “a reason for being.” At its heart, Ikigai encourages us to consider the intersection of four key elements:
- What do you enjoy?
- What you are good at?
- What does the world need?
- What can you be rewarded (paid) for?
While simple in theory, these principles can be powerful in helping individuals find direction and purpose in their careers. Writing down the answers to these 4 questions will help you understand what truly matters to you, as well as a practical piece of insight into where your purpose lies.
A few key things to remember when using this framework:
Look beyond job titles
When applied to professional life, Ikigai invites a deeper conversation than job titles or salary progression. It asks whether your day-to-day work energises you, whether your strengths are being used meaningfully, whether your contribution has a positive impact on others, and whether your career supports the life you want to build.
It can be hard to truly understand the demands of a career you've never had, so don't be afraid to dig to find out more. Take the time to talk to people and learn more about industries and careers that pop up as part of your Ikaigi exploration.
Recognising the new year
For many, the new year highlights a gap between these elements. You may enjoy parts of your role but feel disconnected from its wider purpose. You may be experienced and capable, yet under-challenged. Or you may feel motivated to make a difference but unsure how your current path aligns with that aspiration. Ikigai does not demand immediate answers - instead, it provides a framework for exploration.
As we move into the year ahead, reflection should not be about regret, but about possibility. Use the new year as an opportunity to consider the future without applying unnecessary pressure. Focus on the first step - understanding your purpose.
Ikigai and the financial advice profession
Importantly, Ikigai is not about perfection. Few roles satisfy all four elements at all times - but financial advice is one of them. In the context of financial advice, these principles align naturally with the profession itself. Advisers often speak about the satisfaction that comes from helping individuals and families make confident decisions about their future. The work combines technical expertise with empathy, trust, and long-term relationships - a blend that appeals to those seeking both impact and professional growth.
The St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy have helped thousands of people to find their purpose as financial advisers. We've got experience supporting people through their journey from all walks of life. It's a unique opportunity given the growing demand for advice in an ever-shifting world of regulations and challenges, and one that is built on human to human connection.
Career directions AREN'T fixed
Ikigai also reminds us that career direction does not need to be static. As people evolve, so too do their priorities. The new year offers an opportunity to revisit what matters now, rather than what mattered earlier in your career. This reflection can help individuals recognise where their interests, skills, and values are converging - and where they may be diverging.
Career change does not mean leaving your skills behind. Many of the qualities that define successful financial advisers - communication, empathy, analytical thinking, resilience, and integrity - are developed across a wide range of industries. The difference lies in how those skills are applied and supported in a new professional environment - and that's where the St. James's Financial Adviser Academy comes in.
Whether last year felt like a success or a challenge, it has provided valuable insight into what matters most. The key question is not “Why didn’t I change sooner?” but rather “What could I build if I start now?”
A new year does not demand immediate action, but it does invite intention. For those considering a career in financial advice, taking time to explore, ask questions, and envision a different professional future could be the most important step of all.