work ethic

What internal values and attitudes do Americans hold about work? The “traditional” work ethic that values job commitment and achievement has a strong foundation in the United States, a country where you can be born dirt poor and die filthy rich. These self-made men and women demonstrate that hard work can pay off. The message children hear loud and clear in most homes in America communicates the importance of having a job and earning a paycheck.

But you will also hear plenty of criticism and complaints about having to go to work. People take less psychological pleasure from their roles at work than they used to. Modern day employees often see work as the means to an end or a necessary evil. Jobs still play a significant role in people’s lives, providing for food, clothing and shelter, as well as significance and self esteem. In the U.S., people often feel defined by their jobs as identity is closely tied to the work role. So, whether because of intrinsic or extrinsic motivation, Americans value what having a job can mean to them.

The opportunities that abound in the U.S. and the fact that people can largely pick and choose where to work might often seem taken for granted by Americans. But ultimately, most seem to realize the advantages they have in the employment arena as compared to other countries of the world. So, while they may not like their job, they usually have a sense of gratitude that they can earn money and spend it as they choose for the most part.

You will find older generations objecting to the younger one’s tendency to get away with as little as possible. They fear that laziness, instant gratification and technology will replace the values of honesty, integrity and industriousness; that getting the job done has replaced doing your best.