Maslow's pyramid of needs shows a hierarchy. However, it is only conditionally the case that needs higher up can only be fulfilled or become important when those further down are fulfilled. The core of these "layers" is quite different: in our development as human beings, we grow from the bottom up through these layers and develop in the process.
New to this world, we need food, sleep, etc. The basics. Relatively quickly we understand what we have to do to help fulfil these needs. When we are hungry, we scream. Later we go to the fridge. We also need protection and security right from the start. However, this occupies us for a longer time until we have a clear idea of how to fulfil it. The arc goes from physical security, which we hope was given to us in our home as a child, to economic security, which may accompany us constantly, to emotional security. And here we touch the next level of "belonging".
The need to belong is one of the most powerful of all. People will do almost anything for it. From not standing out, to saying and doing what others expect of us, to complete self-denial. This is true everywhere, in the private sphere as well as in the professional environment.
Those who do not develop further here and move from this layer to the next higher layer literally get stuck here. Over time, after a few decades of adapting, the inner dissatisfaction is so great that "something has to happen". But since it is not clear what this is really about, nothing changes in the long run. No Harley and no pottery course are of any use. Nor will a change of life partner or job. Because you yourself are unclear about your needs, which you have not fulfilled or have fulfilled only sparsely for years, supposedly in favour of belonging.
So don't learn to ride a motorbike or learn a craft, learn a foreign language! A new language with yourself and with others. A language that focuses on recognising and fulfilling needs instead of expectations. A language that helps you to get out of the dependency of your environment AND at the same time to stay in benevolent connection. Focus on genuine empathy.
Focus Empathy introduces you to this language in the competence area of Nonviolent Communication and trains with you until you have mastered this foreign language.