Alex sometimes stays clocked$-$in while taking breaks and while eating lunch. Alex notes that this is okay because the company does not pay a high enough base wage and that the company can fiscally afford to pay for a few hours. This justification is protecting Alex's$\_\_\_\_\_\_$ so that Alex does not have to feel bad.

Select one:

a$.$

personal gain

b$.$

self$-$concept

c$.$

personal ability

d$.$

self$-$awareness