How Work Became Our Identity in AmericaTop of Mind with Julie Rose • Season 2026, Episode 4
Feb 16, 2026 • 54m
Americans work more hours than people in nearly every other wealthy country—are we better off for it?
In this episode of Top of Mind, we unpack the deep roots of the American work ethic and why so many of us feel overworked, burned out, and unable to step away from our jobs. From the rise of “meaningful work” to the hidden costs of hustle culture, this conversation explores how work became central to our identity—and what that’s costing us.
GUESTS
Joshua Fields Millburn, co-founder, “The Minimalists” (https://joshuafieldsmillburn.com/)
Jamie McCallum, author of "Worked Over: How Round-the-Clock Work is Killing the American Dream" (https://www.jamiekmccallum.com/)
Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, author of "Shorter: Work Better, Smarter, and Less—Here's How" (https://www.4dayweek.studio/)
Ursula Mead, founder, and CEO of InHerSight (https://www.inhersight.com/)
CHAPTERS
(0:00) Introduction
(2:38) From Corporate Climber to Minimalist
(7:44) America's Work Culture
(13:55) Evolution of Work in America
(18:23) Income Inequality and Overwork
(19:33) Less Work and More Meaning
(22:21) Unions and Corporate Responsibility
(23:18) Four-Day Work Week
(40:18) Paid Time Off and Flexibility
(41:56) Unlimited Paid Time Off
(49:15) Work-Life Integration During the Pandemic
(51:18) The Societal Impact of Working Less