Christopher hosts and produces the internationally-awarded "Life as A.." podcast, helping people find professional career ideas and business pathways by exploring jobs from around the world. We discuss the interplay between career and identity and the pursuit of purpose-driven work.Christopher's story in briefChristopher didn’t have a Plan A. He was a high-achiever who had the grades, but not the roadmap for his future.Studying sociology without a clear direction, he simultaneously worked in Canadian Customs and Immigration, where he gained an early appreciation for how our jobs can shape who we are and how we see the world.His quest for clarity led him to Japan to teach English, a temporary plan that turned into 20-plus-year adventure including teaching, consulting, and co-founding a marketing company in Tokyo.It wasn’t just a career shift; it was a life transformation. Christopher realised his professional purpose was deeply tied to entrepreneurship, creativity, and a desire for variety and novelty in his work.Christopher’s podcast, "Life as A..," is his way of shining a light on the myriad of career paths out there. It's about giving people a real taste of the options they have, helping them find their own spark in the professional world.Conversation ThemesNavigating career uncertaintyCuriosity, exploration, and enthusiasm as career catalystsThe interplay of career and identityWhat it means to find purpose and fulfilmentLinks and ResourcesLife As A.. PodcastIkigaiFull Show NotesVisit the Grokkist podcast hub for a full digest of this episode including highlights and links to stuff we discussed: https://grokk.ist/stillcuriouspodcast/s4e2-christopher-schoenwaldRecorded 23 October 2023Website: grokk.ist/stillcuriouspodcast | Email: [email protected] | Socials: @grokkistMusic: Kleptotonic Swing by Tri-Tachyon