In order to achieve the American dream, there is a traditional process one must submit to. This typically entails starting work at age 16, finishing higher education and then securing a stable career where you can work 40+ hours a week until you’re at least 65. The concept of the American dream portrays the idea of happiness and success through the labors of your own hard work and initiative. Therefore, Americans are set up to believe that hard work will be enough for comfort, and they generally prioritize work above most other aspects of life.
Some believe America is riddled with an eerie sense of angst while constantly absorbed with the pressures of surviving. Mere survival is one flaw of such a work-centric atmosphere. The culture encourages the expectation of devout servitude to the jobs Americans work. There is a collective pressure to abide by this system in order to afford life. As a result, most work endless hours in hope of some sort of career advancement. There is little to no work-life balance which can ultimately decreases the populations mental/physical health, quality of work/life, and personal growth, etc. Despite the deficiencies this culture leaves in many lives, there is also a positive side to be considered. The focus on productivity allows for an increase in achievement, efficiency, and innovation. In general, there is less unemployment and more economic growth which tends to benefit the country as a whole. Additionally, the high concentration on work paired with the market-oriented economy enables more choice and opportunity.
Those within a similar environment understand this sort of “grind” culture. Other countries even compete with the production of the U.S. So, I believe some outside of the U.S. may be used to the pace at which we move and may even work as hard or harder to achieve similar goals. In contrast, those living in slower paced environments may find this culture overly stressful. For instance, many European countries live more leisurely and may not understand the purpose of our work lifestyle. Where, the average working citizen of France receives 3-5 weeks off of paid vacation time, the average working American citizen receives 1-2 weeks off paid. Others highly value their personal time and allow themselves more in order to experience the joys of life outside of the workplace. Many may disagree with the intensity of American work culture, but there are advantages that keep some other countries using similar practices.
This exercise has helped me prepare for my time abroad because it encourages me to reflect on cultural differences and the perceptions surrounding them. Having to think about how others might perceive my own culture enforces the fact that everyone has different views and will not fully realize the truth of the matter without experience. It also makes me think about how I look at other cultures and realize how vague of an idea I have of those. Overall, it reminds me to constantly ponder these topics to reach for a better understanding but also keep an open mind when experiencing them.