Please first read a brief description of the four most common approaches towards professional life. 

A) I love my studies. I am what I do, and I could do it all day.

My studies are an integral part of me; it is an attractor towards which my thoughts naturally float. If you do not appreciate what I do or how I do it, it means to me that—at least to a certain extent—you do not accept me as a person.

B) I am not what I do, but my studies give me purpose (jap. ikigai)

It is a motivation for me to jump out of bed in the morning and a source of never-ending joy and excitement.

C) I am not what I do, and my studies don’t give me purpose but studies give me joy and energy.

I am not what I do, and my studies don’t give me purpose. However, I feel never-ending joy and excitement studying what I am interested in, and going through new challenges every day.

D) My studies and me are separate from each other.

I spend my time studying mostly because I know that I need this knowledge to start a career. It is a practical thing to do! I do not feel any strong emotions related to my studies though.

Now, try to identify your personal approach.

Answering the following questions should help you in this task:

1. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you wake up on Monday morning?

2. How do you feel when you go on vacation? Do you watch yourself thinking about your studies during the vacation break? Do you miss your studies? Do you tend to look forward to going back to your studies while you are on vacation?

3. In private life, do you prefer to surround yourself with people with whom you can discuss the topics you study? Or rather, do you forget about studies once you are surrounded by your family and friends?

4. How do you feel if your docent tells you that your progress assignment is not of good quality and requires corrections?

5. Would you still study what you study right now, even if you knew that you have little chance to find a job with this education?

6. When you hear, “Good job!” from your docent, what emotions do you feel? Do you feel: a) relieved? b) satisfied? c) proud? d) fulfilled? e) deeply happy?

7. Does this matter to you if what you do has a direct impact on the quality of life of other people? Does this notion of the impact of your work motivate you to put in an extra effort?

8. Do you only engage in projects that give you a sense of mission? Or, do you also engage in projects just because they give you good perspectives in the job market?

9. Would you be fine with finding a job that doesn’t allow you to use your knowledge and skills gained during your studies?

10. Do you easily switch your mind off, and stop thinking about studies? Or perhaps, you cannot help the intrusive thoughts on the courses and projects coming to your mind in your free time?

11. If you had one last day to live, would you still look into any of your study-related affairs, even for a few minutes?