In today’s American culture, speed is the name of the game. From working two to three jobs to having several sources of income, one is expected to always be productive. The relentless drive for efficiency can lead to success, however, it provokes a strong sense of dissatisfaction among Americans. No matter how much one accomplishes, it is never “enough” because there is always a higher goal to reach.
In the American workplace, for example, the mantra is to work faster, harder and longer. Many Americans work 40 hours a week, breaks are seen as weaknesses, and “clocking out” is looked down upon. According to the article The U.S. is the Most Overworked Nation in the World, “American culture values money over everything else. We love money, we want more of it, and we think money can buy happiness.” Statistics from this article also show that employees in America get virtually no paid time off. The expectation to work overtime and on the weekends has become prevalent, often stretching employees too thin.
The fast-paced lifestyle in America also takes place in the classroom and in college students. Maliya Smith, a counselor at Parkland College, shares how she has noticed how this lifestyle has led to conflicting views of success between students and their professors. She says, “I’ve noticed a lot how students’ views of ‘success’ often do not align with their professors’.”
For example, the focus on efficiency in American culture has led many students to prioritize their grades over actual learning. Because American culture pushes individuals to have stable careers and make money, students are often more concerned about achieving high grades to secure scholarships, internships, and job opportunities, rather than engaging with and learning the material presented to them.
Extending beyond work and school, America has adopted this ethic in all areas of life including food. Fast food culture is ubiquitous in America, with many people consuming quick meals on the go. Even when people do choose to dine out, fast service and quick meals take place at many restaurants, reflecting this fast-paced lifestyle. For example, American culture has developed “Fast Casual” restaurants. They are “positioned between fast food and casual dining, fast casual restaurants offer a balance of quick service and healthier, fresher options, appealing to a wide range of diners.”
In addition, America relies primarily on cars for transportation, with individuals focused on getting from Point A to Point B as quickly and efficiently as possible. This is done to minimize travel time and therefore maximize productivity. This is in direct counter to other countries’ prioritizing public transportation systems such as trains and buses, allowing for more leisurely travel.
Additionally, there are numerous other benefits to public transportation; it reduces air pollution, encourages physical activity and is more affordable than owning a vehicle. More jobs are also available through public transport. According to Mobility Lab | More Jobs Created Through Public Transportation Than Roads, “investment in transit creates more net jobs. By simply shifting our spending away from roads and highways and into public transit, “we can create 20 percent more jobs without spending a single additional dollar.”
On the other end of the spectrum, the lifestyle in European culture has historically been a lot slower. Their focus is on savoring the moment, rather than rushing through it. For example, many cafes in Europe used to not allow “to-go” ordering because one should be able to sit down and enjoy their coffee, rather than consuming it on the go. The purpose of this was to create a greater sense of satisfaction and well-being in European culture.
However, the American way of eating food on the go has started to take place in Europe. Most places in Europe offer to-go options, and there are many fast food restaurants throughout Europe as well. Still, there are some countries that have restaurants and cafes that do not offer to-go options. For example, some cafes in France limit their to-go options to encourage customers to take their time and enjoy their coffee. As in France, it is “generally understood that coffee isn’t to be consumed in a hurry.”
Long lunch breaks and extended vacations are also common in many European countries. This lifestyle puts emphasis on a work-life balance, recognizing that downtime is essential for one’s mental health and well-being. Italy and Spain, for example, allow their employees to have two to three-hour long lunch breaks, leading to higher job satisfaction among employees. Statistics from Analysing Work-Life Balance: Italy vs. Spain show that job satisfaction in Italy is “high”, and in Spain is “very high”. According to the article, How long are European lunch breaks? – Discovering Employment Paths and Travel Experiences, “Lunch breaks in Europe tend to be longer and more leisurely compared to those in the United States. In the U.S., it’s common for employees to take a 30-minute lunch break or even eat at their desks while working.”
“Eurocentric culture respects us as human beings,” says Smith. “They do not have the ‘we are here to make money’ type of mindset that many Americans do.”
Awareness is being raised about the downsides of the relentless drive for efficiency in American culture. According to The Rise of Burnout: Understanding and Managing Chronic Stress in a Fast-Paced World, there has been a rise of burnout in the United States, saying that “more people report feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and disconnected from their work or daily lives”.
With these negative effects comes an effort to adapt to a more European approach to life. For example, progressive companies in the U.S. are starting to encourage employees to take longer lunch breaks, recognizing the benefit of savoring the moment and getting proper rest. Additionally, “companies like The Energy Project have implemented a 90-minute break policy and reported a 13% increase in productivity and a 23% boost in employee engagement.”
Smith mentions how she has noticed that American culture has started to adopt a Eurocentric framework. She says, “It seems like American culture has become heavily influenced by European traditions.” She also mentions how she feels hopeful for the future and sees the benefits of the influences that European culture has had on American culture. “America has been treating us like robots, but we’re getting there.”