Hard Work Ethic Analysis

America was built around the idea that if you work hard and endure your hardships you will reap the benefits life has to offer you. As religious leader and author Gordon B. Hinckley said, “Without hard work nothing grows but weeds.” Many families in America continue to instill a hard work ethic within their children, and the prosperity of our country relies its citizens work. Although, living in a country where more vacation time is being offered sounds luxurious in the long run it only negatively affects problems concerning, obesity, less household funds, and increased feelings of stress.

In continuation, “A third of all travelers say they take workout clothes with them on vacation, but 27 percent of that group admit to never using their gear,” (Bratskeir, 2012). It is classic American culture to want to begin getting healthy before vacation; however most people actually gain weight during vacations. In fact, “In spite of concerns about weight gain, 81 percent of survey respondents say they rarely or never feel guilty about indulging on vacation,” (Bratskeir, 2012). I am not excused from this phenomenon. Usually, during Thanksgiving and Christmas vacation I tend to gain weight. The apparent lack of consciousness when it comes to meals during vacation and holidays causes weight gain. This in turn results in a less proactive health conscious society.

It is of equal importance to note that most Americans tend to be less frugal while on vacation.

According to a case study by Daniel Wesley, “Twenty-five percent [of families] said they will spend more than $1,000 on their vacation,” this may not seem to be cause for attention, however, frequent vacationing and frivolous spending leads to less household funds. It is no secret that if families are saving money for vacation funds, then they aren’t likely to spend as habitually. “The growth rate of the real GDP has been higher on average when the personal saving rate is rising than when it is failing,” (Skousen,

2010).
Notably, different studies prove people are just as susceptible to stress and depression while on vacation as while working. Behavioral Health Services North, Inc. has coined the term “Holiday Blues.” There are many factors contributing to the phenomena known as Holiday Blues, however, “People who do not become depressed may develop other stress responses, such as: headaches, excessive drinking, over-eating, and difficulty sleeping,” (bhsn.org, 2009-2015). Moreover, these symptoms tie into weight gain and comfort shopping, which negatively impact our life in the long run.
Others may believe, however, that the amount of vacation time is less than adequate. The other side of this issue states that work contributes to the depression the working class feels. As stated before, depression and feelings of anxiety are not limited to work. If a person exhibits symptoms of depression in their life the cause of the problem is within that persons self. People often argue that too much work is the source of many failed marriages and divorces. Although, too much work may be a factor in divorce, it isn’t an impassible obstacle. Many couples around the world work around their careers American families shouldn’t feel any different. Even though, the other side of the argument poses many interesting ideas, after reviewing the evidence it is easy to refute their claims.
Furthermore, both sides make compelling arguments, however, the truth remains, more vacation and holidays is unnecessary. In a world where everything is moving forward having more time away from work will only cause us to lag behind. Americans have sufficient enough holidays and vacation time. After all if we have too many holidays and the like it will only detract from the novelty of great times for relaxation. By the same coin, holidays cannot simply be made uncaringly and vacations should be dispersed throughout the year. Too many holidays causes just as many problems as too much work.