Normally we swap time for money in this country. Given the choice between working more hours for a higher salary or taking more time off with less pay, we are likely to choose longer working hours. Americans are famous for hard work and an entrepreneurial spirit. We average shorter vacations and a higher age at retirement than most developed countries.

Once gender barriers to jobs were unhooked, women, married or not, with or without children, entered the work force in large numbers. This shift allowed many women the chance for career fulfilment that they couldn’t enjoy previously. For others, it simply meant more money.

As paid work for all adults became the norm, the media probed unintended consequences.

http://www.economist.com/node/15174418?story_id=15174418

Articles chronicled worker dissatisfaction with the lack of time for families. Other casualties included those who wanted time to pursue creative or civic or charitable activities but lacked the time for it because of their jobs.

Some corporations and government entities experiment with programs that allow workers more time to pursue other interests. Changes include greater leave time, working at home, and staggered job hours. Ultimately, however, we ourselves must choose the role that careers, and especially money, will play in our lives.

http://scribblingsfromexile.blogspot.com/2011/03/career-and-choice-no-one-size-fits-all.html

Perhaps as the country deals with necessary changes after the end of past high flying years, less money (but stable employment and benefits) and more time off might be a good bargain. We could begin to live within our means, scale down credit buying, and spend time with people other than our office colleagues.