Opinion
Career Advice Opinion

Needs vs. Wants: Who Will Win?

By AAEE — September 16, 2014 1 min read
  • Save to favorites
  • Print

A great feeling at the conclusion of your job search is getting multiple offers! How do you decide which offer to take and which one to pass up? Finding out your needs and wants can help you make this decision. Figure out your needs and wants for your first job as well as life after work. When evaluating your needs and wants from a school and/or other organization consider the following:


  • Culture and Values
  • Philosophy and Mission
  • Salary and Benefits
  • Job Responsibilities and Advancement Opportunities
  • Professional Development Opportunities

When evaluating your needs and wants from your personal life consider these:


  • Recreational/Cultural Opportunities
  • Banking
  • Entertainment/Dining/Shopping
  • Health Care
  • Cost of living/Quality of life
  • Location

After you go through this list for each job offer you have on the table begin to eliminate those that are not in line with what you need and make your decision. One need/want that I see influencing many decisions is location. Location is definitely important but do not be afraid to leave home, live in a new city, and take a new opportunity that you never would’ve considered before. There is a big world out there and while we are definitely educators we also need to be learners. The world is our classroom, what can you learn from it that can make you a better educator? And, remember, like a boomerang you can always come back.

What are some needs and wants of yours?

Tradara McLaurine, Assistant Director

Career Center, Indiana State University

Related Tags:

The opinions expressed in Career Corner are strictly those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinions or endorsement of Editorial Projects in Education, or any of its publications.