8 Chapter 1 Exploring Careers
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development. Psychologist
Abraham Maslow identifi ed fi ve
levels of human needs that he
prioritized as physical, safety and
security, social, esteem, and self-
actualization, 1-2.
More needs are related to the
psychological environment than to
the physical environment. Realize,
too, that physical needs are more
urgent. They must be fulfi lled
before psychological needs can
be considered.
Everyone has the same basic
needs, but people have different
wants. Wants are things people
desire, but do not need. They are
not necessary for survival, and life will go on without them. Wants make
life more pleasant, though. The latest video game and attractive jewelry
are examples of wants.
Basic food and shelter are clearly needs, but so is the employment
that allows people to pay for those needs. Preparing yourself to have
employable skills is a related need. When you are tempted to spend time
with friends instead of study for a test, can you separate needs from
wants? Doing your best as a student is a need at this stage of your life.
As you defi ne your needs and wants, recognize that wants should
not come ahead of needs. Establishing values and standards for your life
will help you put needs ahead of wants.
Your Values
People satisfy their needs in different ways. If this were not so,
everyone would eat the same kind of food and live in the same kind of
house. Instead, life is full of variety. Each person has his or her own style
of living. Each person’s decisions and behaviors are different from those
of anyone else. Factors that contribute to the differences between people
include their values and standards.
Values are the beliefs, feelings, and experiences you consider to
be important and desirable. Honesty, friendship, freedom, happiness,
popularity, health, or education may be values you consider important.
The combination of values you have and the importance you give each
one makes you unique. Your values become a part of your personality.
Your values also affect your behavior. Consciously or unconsciously,
they guide the decisions you make every day. If education is important
to you, you might choose to spend an evening studying rather than
watching TV. If adventure is something you value, you probably would
choose an exciting hobby, such as snowboarding.
Living Living
Green Green
Think before you buy any
product. Consider the
environmental impact of
the use and disposal of the
product. By buying only
what you need, you will
purchase less and create
less waste in the future.
Financial Literacy
Do You Really Need That?
Do you buy the latest clothes and
newest technology just to show them off to
your friends? Do you buy things because they fi ll
a real use in your life, or do you buy them to impress others?
The key to making sound fi nancial decisions is to know the
difference between needs and wants. Do you know the
differences between your own needs and wants?
Developing a sense of purpose and direction about your
needs can help you avoid draining your resources. Knowing
the difference between needs and wants can also help you to
avoid debt.
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