One of the most infamous labels associated with the United States is the “American Dream” – also known as the formula for success in this country. According to it, hard work achieves the idyllic lifestyle in America. As a result, the United States creates a work-positive environment where people are encouraged to be passionate about and dedicated to their occupation. With platforms such as LinkedIn and Indeed, Americans have access to professional opportunities and connections at their fingertips. With strong community networks, such as university alumni groups, Americans also have access to job fairs, career workshops, and more. Thus, as Americans, we are taught to market ourselves in order to become successful in the workplace.
However, where is the line drawn between work-oriented and work-obsessed? The apparent lack of such a line is why so many Americans are dubbed the ever agonizing “workaholics.” What is a workaholic you may ask? Well, as we have found a way to end words with “aholic” to categorize less traditional addictions, the addiction to perfectionism at the workplace is no different. Workaholics are those who often find themselves obsessed with their work or unable to focus on/complete any tasks outside of their occupation. While not related to mind-altering substances, I have found that the workaholic epidemic in the United States is one of the most damaging addictions Americans struggle with.
What is the quality of life of a person who is glued to their computer screen for fifteen hours a day? What is the point of gaining economic success through a rigorous career if such a perseverant person does not allow themself to benefit from the fruits of their labor? Now, this of course is not to be confused with career first-focused individuals, as someone who chooses to prioritize their career while also existing outside of the workplace is not a workaholic. Many non-Americans view this obsession with work as unhealthy, especially as they cannot understand why someone would choose career over leisure. A large opponent of America’s ideal is coincidentally enough France (the country I will be traveling to this fall). This past spring, riots and protests broke out across the country after President Emanuel Macron proposed to change the national retirement age from 60 to 62 years old. Rather than prioritize a lifetime career, French folk cherish their retirement years secured by their government. Why would anyone want to work when they can be paid to retire at quite an early age (at least for Americans)?
In preparation for my time abroad in France, analyzing this cultural staple of the United States has helped me understand that the rapid, work-oriented world I have grown up in is not typical for everyone else in the world. In my country, stores hardly close, even on the biggest of holidays. In France, on the other hand, shops close for months at a time during the summer and/or the holidays. It is normal for a workplace to take a break. Leisure is valued. I must remember this as I embark on my journey to Paris. While Paris might be called the city of lights, my hometown city which never sleeps (New York City) will always be more lit.
— Paloma Kluger