A characteristic of American culture that promptly comes to mind is our fast-paced culture. We are expected and pressured to get as much done in a day as possible. Additionally, we believe that the level of success we achieve is based on how much work we are able to get done in a day. This work can be classified as anything from raising the best family to increasing one’s ranking in a corporate setting. In the mornings, Starbucks is bustling, filled with working Americans beginning a full day ahead of them. We rush, bump into each other, and become easily annoyed with anything that obstructs our tight schedule. Time is limited and valuable. With that being said, Americans are known for our work ethic and the existing belief that all dreams are possible. People from all over the world admire this piece of culture as powerful and desirable.
Personally, I think American culture would benefit if we all took a deep breath for a second. If we all slowed down, and appreciated each moment as it happened, rather than rushing through to each new hour. We are constantly looking forward to something instead of fully observing the current moment we are in. However, I also respect the fact that Americans have the freedom to choose their future, based on the work they choose to do. There is a balance. I think that balance is specific to each person, and cannot be standardized as the same for everyone. It is still possible to be successful in one’s aspirations while still finding time to get dinner with a friend, exercise, and get 8 hours of sleep. Unfortunately, it is easy for the common American working schedule of 9am-5pm to get in the way. The working culture we have in America is brutal; mentally and physically.
Someone outside of the US may view our fast paced culture as unattainable. How could one possibly wake up everyday at 5am and work until they go to sleep at midnight? Unfortunately, that is the reality for many people in America. People from outside the US are correct. This schedule is unattainable if one wants to have a well balanced lifestyle. It is the hope for an easier future that keeps us going.
This exercise helps me prepare for my time abroad by allowing me to get in the mindset of slowing down. I fit securely into the fast paced culture of America. I feel successful on productive days and defeated on days I do not check every box on my to-do list. I am excited for a lifestyle that tends to appreciate a greater balance between life and work. Greece is known for their slower-paced lifestyle. Neighbors will begin a conversation in the morning and make someone 15 minutes late for work. But they do not care! Being late is okay, because the general population understands that their coworkers were appreciating whatever moment was before the current one. It may be an adjustment in the beginning, but I am excited to notice the positive effects of a slower-paced life throughout my own experience abroad.
Emma Jones