It was on the advice of a former colleague that  Karim, who had just been made redundant, decided to contact me. When we first meet, he arrives with a clear desire: to use this enforced career break to reconnect with his deepest aspirations. ‘I felt that something had to change, but I had never taken the time to really stop and think about it,’ he confides in me.

Together, we open up a space for reflection and new perspectives through the prism of the Ikigai. This Japanese approach encourages us to find a balance between what we love, what we are good at, what the world needs and what we can be paid for.

Recognising talents and skills

Over the course of our seven sessions, Karim revisits his career, his successes, moments of enthusiasm and his disappointments. He reconnects with what truly motivates him: sharing his knowledge, collaborating with a team, supporting the development of others. "I found myself talking passionately about the projects that have left a mark on me and the challenges I've overcome. It's as if I were rediscovering a part of myself that I had left behind," he realises.

We highlight his natural talents: building relationships, structuring ideas, encouraging others in their development. ‘I thought it was just normal, but in fact, these are real skills. And they are valuable.’

‘Building a professional future that suits me’

Karim gradually puts his ambitions into words. Not a plan B, but options that align with his values: autonomy, collaboration, positive impact. He outlines a framework that suits him: a corporate culture based on trust, a management style that encourages initiative and values cooperation. ‘I want to share my expertise in a meaningful project, where I can contribute to the development of others while pursuing my own,’ he explains.

Today, Karim is moving forward in his job search with clarity and serenity. His Ikigai is not a set answer, but a guiding principle: a way to find his place, make choices and create a professional future that suits him. Supporting him through this transition has been a deeply rewarding experience for me. Seeing a client transform a setback into a new beginning is what my job is all about.

What about you? Do you feel the need to take stock of your career and clarify your professional ambitions for the years to come? Shall we take a moment to discuss this together?