Choosing a career path is tricky at any stage of life. My personal journey into the realm of medical device design started off by chance. I sometimes ask myself: what has kept me involved in this industry? Why have I not moved onto other engineering specialities or retrained into other fields? Why have I chosen to work at Team Consulting in the first place? For me, the answers to all of these questions lie with the Japanese concept of ‘Ikigai’.
Ikigai (ee-key-guy) is a Japanese and mental health concept which refers to something that gives someone fulfilment and a sense of purpose. Its origins are from Okinawa, the island region of Japan that has the highest proportion of people in the world living above 100 years old. The concept encompasses four fundamental values and can be considered for your work, education, hobby, or any activity. I feel that Team helps me focus my path towards achieving a balance of the Ikigai values – doing what you love, what you are good at, what people need and what you are paid for.
I look forward to coming into the office each day, to meet my colleagues, interact with new clients and tackle technical or creative challenges. As a mechanical engineer, each day can vary between generating concepts and analysing the fit and function of prototypes in the development of a new product. I don’t think there is anyone at Team who doesn’t enjoy their work bringing innovative medical devices to the world. The supportive and positive culture around the office reflects this.
Team has an excellent track record and continues to deliver projects for clients at a top level of quality, often leading to repeat business. Every day we are improving our processes and technologies to ensure that we continue to impress our clients and win awards.
It goes without saying that medical devices have a huge impact on people’s daily lives. Not only do we consistently deliver projects to our clients, it’s always so rewarding to know we are helping real people and reducing the need for hospital care. Whether it’s a diagnostic system to improve the detection of different conditions, or a drug delivery device to administer a therapy, putting devices in the hands of people that need them is part of why I love working at Team.
Earning a pay check may be the main incentive to work for some people. However, working in an employee-owned business such as Team, we take particular pride in our work. Our employees have a financial stake in the business, thereby also having a voice in how it operates. Our Trustee Board helps to keep Team running as a successful, independent and professionally managed company and this is reflected in the work we do for our clients.
Balancing these four aspects of my job, along with the supportive culture at Team, and a constant self-reminder of the Ikigai philosophies, are the tools that I need to gain a sense of purpose. I’m certain that many of my colleagues feel the same, even without the knowledge of what Ikigai is.
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