Jobs are a huge aspect of the American culture.

An idealist would say that people need jobs to function. To be able to provide the necessities of life. To live securely.

A materialist would say that people work to gain social and economical status. To be able to buy more and have the best. The more money made the better. Or having a high prestigious job such as a surgeon. This gives you power over the "less important".

I think that the idealist offers the best explanation for lots of people. I work to provide for my family the necessities but I wish I could be the surgeon making lots of money and holding a higher social status. I believe that most Americans work to provide the necessities but want the materialist side of it. People are competitive and want the biggest and best. To live comfortably. If most people had millions they would not have a regular job. They would work less and easier. Though a combination of both works the best.