There are people who are especially attracted to the notion of "climbing the ladder" so as to increase their status, financial position, and sense of self-worth. In part, as a result of the work ethic, these people are internally "driven" to work. Not infrequently, foreign visitors have observed that Americans spend an inordinate(过度的)amount of time working and, as a consequence, Americans have little time for leisure or personal relationships. In American English a new word"workaholic" has been created to describe an individual who is as addicted to work as an alcoholic (酒鬼)is to liquor.
    There are conflicting points of view about workaholics. Those concerned with problems of mental stress believe workaholics abuse themselves physically and mentally. Others hold that workaholics are valuable members of society because they are extremely productive. The Americans culture values achievement, efficiency, and production--a workaholic supports these values.
    Despite the presence of workaholics,there is a growing realization in the United States that excessive work demands can be physically and mentally harmful. Many people have been rebelling against the work ethic, claiming that when a job is so important, personal relationships suffer and relaxation becomes secondary. Consequently there has been a shift in values, with more emphasis being given to personal relationships and non-work activities.
    Increased leisure time in the United States has not changed the idea that work and play are distinct activities."There is a belief that it is desirable" to work hard and play hard,and undesirable to combine the two. In many offices, stores and factories socializing among employees is discouraged. An employee under pressure at work often cannot afford to respond to social calls and visits. However, the amount of personal contact on the job depends on the nature of the work.
    People are ambivalent (矛盾的)toward work; it is, at the same time, glorified and belittled. In the words of former President Richard Nixon: "The 'work ethic' holds that labor is good in itself; that a man or woman becomes a better person by virtue of the act of working. America' s competitive spirit, the 'work ethic' of this people, is alive and well ..." Another viewpoint is expressed in an Anacin commercial:"I like my job and am good at it, but it sure grinds me down( 折磨 )sometimes, and the last thing I need to take home is a headache."