Growing up in the United States, a common value that found among society and the lifestyles of Americans is the need for on-the-go food and service that accommodate a fast-paced lifestyle. Growing up here, I never realized how this value had become so important in American culture, and was so intertwined with all aspects of life in the US. The normalization of a limited work-life balance, the high prioritization of extra-curriculars for students, and the overall mindset of always being on the go has created a cultural norm, where sitting down to enjoy a meal with family has become seldom. Although this can be looked at as negative by other cultures, this mindset highly values productivity and efficiency.
I have grown up with this same mindset, along with the same expectations of living a fast-paced lifestyle. Although I have not experienced a different type of lifestyle or mindset, I can perceive these values to be difficult for other cultures to understand whom value a work-life balance that allows for more personal and family time, more vacation time, and the importance of enjoying meals rather than grabbing something to go. I feel that this American mindset, although it can be productive, does not add value to life in a way that allows people to enjoy travelling, time with their family, or just relax away from work responsibilities. The counter part of this lifestyle, having time away from work and your personal life being of more importance, is more beneficial overall and creates more enjoyment in life. Someone having not been accustomed to this aspect of American culture, would view these values as insufficient and miserable in a way that their life would be consumed with their work and lack enjoyment or adventure. A person outside of this cultural aspect would be challenged with these values.
The idea of looking at my own culture and how I grew up versus trying to view the same value in a different perspective is helpful before going abroad because, in Spain, they value more of a life-work balance rather than how Americans view a work-life balance. This may be challenging for me because, especially being from the Northeast where these values are even more prominent, taking time for myself rather than completely focusing on my schoolwork or other activities will have to be a mindset adjustment.