Of course, there are other important intangible aspects of all sorts of decisions that affect economic decision making as well.

   For instance, in our last example we didn't discuss the idea that some people enjoy the prospect of running their own business because of the feel of independence it may bring. Others, however, enjoy the perceived security of having an employer and the comfort of having a relatively clearly defined role within an organization. These are intangible costs and benefits that differ from individual to individual but that, nevertheless, are real economic costs and benefits. Indeed they explain, in part, why people with similar skills and training earn more in some jobs than others, and why people with similar abilities make different work choices.

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