Finding your purpose with Jason Zhu He from the Ikigai Network

Ahead of Jason’s upcoming talk at TEDxSydney Youth – CTRL>SHIFT, we sat down with him to get some tips on juggling academic and personal life, and how you can find your own “ikigai” – based on the Japanese concept roughly translating to ‘a reason to get up in the morning’. 

Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to pursue studying at the University of Sydney?

As a child, my dad was always tinkering with computers; whether that be building PCs from scrap or working on cool coding projects while I watched in awe, so I always knew that I wanted to study something related to computers.

When my mother migrated from China, her nursing degree wasn’t recognised, so she studied at night school to become qualified as an accountant whilst looking after me. She knew the importance of a solid degree to set you up for your career, so she encouraged me to consider a second degree, particularly in law. 

I was drawn to Sydney by the amazing campus, and how reputable both the Law School and School of Computer Science were. Now, I’m one year away from finishing a double degree in Law and Science majoring in Computer Science!

Balancing two degrees and a project like the Ikigai Network is no easy feat. What inspired you to start the Ikigai Network? Do you feel you have found your ikigai?

It was very clear to me, talking to my peers and people younger and older than me, that very few people know what they want to do, and even fewer know how to get there.

I’ve been incredibly lucky to have had some great mentors in my life, including my co-founders (one of whom is also a University of Sydney alumni). These are people 5-15 years ahead of me that can guide me at crucial points in my life. But I know that not everyone has the privilege of an “Ikigai Network” like me.

Whilst it’s been a challenge to juggle my degree, other work, applying for law jobs, and Ikigai Network, I’m driven by trying to democratise access to career advice – so I’ve definitely found my ikigai.

What do you hope the audience takes away from your TEDxSydney Youth talk?

I would love for everyone to be able to take away practical tips on achieving their own ikigai, which isn’t always easy especially when you have financial pressures, or societal expectations. It can be challenging to find something you love that is also a viable source of income.  

To be honest, I don’t have all the answers (I’m only 21!) but I hope I’ll provide a few practical tips for the audience to walk away with.

Where do you see the Ikigai Network in the next five years? 

I want us to be in front of every high school student between years 11–12 in the country. I also want us to be the go-to resource for career advice for university students, parents, and careers councillors. 

This will likely mean expanding our video offerings and thinking of content beyond just video too. 

What advice do you have for students struggling to balance academics and personal life, and are searching for their ikigai?

I guess you’ll have to come to my talk to find out… kidding! Kidding!

I’d say two things. 

First, you don’t have to try and figure it out yourself. As a USYD student, you have the benefit of one of the largest alumni networks in Australia. In my experience, people are always willing to help. Try and speak to people in the years above, or those already working in your field, and even your tutors and professors. 

Ask them about what they’re doing to figure out if you would enjoy it, pick their brain on how they got there, and determine if you’d like to forge a similar path.

Outside of the university network, there are fantastic resources online.

Second, it’s ok to be uncertain. Everyone is in the same boat, and to quote Steve Jobs, “You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So, you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”

Hear from Jason and other youth leaders at TEDxSydney Youth – CTRL>SHIFT at Riverside Theatres, Parramatta on 29 August, and check out the Ikigai Network to learn more about the organisation.