One Day I’ll Work for Myself: The Dream and Delusion That Conquered America

By Benjamin C. Waterhouse

An Overview

In the modern era, the allure of entrepreneurship and self-employment has become a siren’s call, echoing through the corridors of our collective consciousness. The notion of working for oneself, launching a business venture, and achieving material success has taken root in our culture like a tenacious weed. This pervasive belief, often dubbed the “cult of the hustle” or the “gig economy,” has led many to believe that the path to economic prosperity lies in individual initiative and business ownership.

This book, a thought-provoking exploration by Benjamin C. Waterhouse, delves into the historical and cultural roots of this phenomenon, seeking to understand why the dream of working for oneself has become so overpowering in the United States. Waterhouse examines the factors that contributed to the rise of this cultural ideal and its impact on personal decisions, politics, and public life.

The Individualistic Ethos and the Changing Economic Landscape

America’s individualistic culture has long been a defining characteristic of its national identity. However, this ethos has not always translated into a call to work for oneself. Historically, the ideal of working for someone else reigned supreme, supported by a robust economy that provided reliable, well-paid jobs.

However, the economic landscape underwent significant changes in the 1970s. A series of recessions and persistently high inflation battered the country, leading to the decline of manufacturing jobs and the rise of the service sector. This shift, coupled with rising inequality and economic instability, eroded faith in traditional institutions and fueled a desire for self-reliance.

The Rise of the Cult of the Hustle

Amidst these economic and social upheavals, a new vision of work emerged. A diverse group of individuals and organizations, including politicians, business theorists, and entrepreneurs, promoted the idea that individual business ownership was the cure for long-term economic decline. They repurposed traditional tropes about self-sufficiency and success, creating a new set of values that emphasized individual initiative and personal responsibility.

This activism, often aligned with their own business interests, redefined what millions of people meant by the “American Dream.” The dream of working for oneself became a cultural ideal, reinforced by popular culture, self-help literature, and political rhetoric.

The Consequences of the Hustle Culture

The rise of the hustle culture has had profound implications for individuals and society as a whole. It has led to an overemphasis on individual responsibility, ignoring the root causes of economic injustice and rejecting policies that support workers and protect the vulnerable.

The belief that business ownership is the ultimate solution to economic problems is overly simplistic and often serves as a political smokescreen, diverting attention from systemic issues and collective action. It places the burden of economic survival solely on the individual, neglecting the need for public interest regulation, worker protections, and a higher minimum wage.

The Path Forward

Waterhouse argues that our modern vision of employment, characterized by atomization, individualization, and precarity, is not a natural outcome of market forces or technological advancements. Instead, it is the product of deliberate choices made by individuals and institutions.

To address the challenges of the post-pandemic world and build a more just and equitable economy, we need to understand why we think about work the way we do. We need to recognize the historical and cultural factors that have shaped our current beliefs and values.

By examining the stories of those who promoted the ideal of working for oneself, we can gain insights into the origins of the hustle culture and its impact on our society. This understanding can help us develop alternative visions for addressing economic problems and create a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Call to Action

The dream of working for oneself can be a powerful motivator, but it’s important to recognize its limitations and potential pitfalls. As we navigate the complexities of the modern economy, we must strive to create a society that values all forms of work, supports entrepreneurs and small businesses, and ensures that everyone has the opportunity to achieve economic security and personal fulfillment.