What are we looking for?

Most of us are constantly looking for something or the other! This is especially true in US. Graduate students in universities are looking for free food, party invites, and any other ways to waste time other than studies and research. :)
Some are looking for funding, or an internship or a job. Others a car, a bicycle, a computer, a camera, a roommate, an airplane ticket. Then some others are looking for activity partners, girl/boy friend and spouse. Some are looking for an apartment to rent or a house to buy. A good rate on loan, a credit card with miles or cash back, coupons, places to visit a vacation! Someone needs to sublet their apartments, sell their car or other stuff.
Sponsors, donations, tax exemptions, volunteers, and what not.
Married ppl looking for good schools for their kids, baby sitters, piano/violin teachers and probbaly a bunch of things that I don't know.
Professors are looking for funding, research ideas, and students. Businesses looking for new markets, smart and hardworking employees, customers, suppliers and vendors.
Everyone is looking for something and everyone has something to sell/give/exchange. What is going on?