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

The modern cult of the hustle is a result of economic failures since the 1970s, leading to bad jobs, stagnant wages, and inequality. One Day Ill Work for Myself offers a deeper cultural history of the US economy and asks why we are clinging to old strategies for progress.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 27 February 2024
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

From side-hustlers to start-ups, Americans have a special affinity for people who make it on their own. But the dream has a dark side. Historian Benjamin C. Waterhouse looks back at how and why Americans have embraced self-employment and discovers that the modern cult of the hustle is a direct consequence of economic failures—bad jobs, stagnant wages, inequality—that have engulfed the country since the 1970s. In the last decades of the twentieth century, political activists, corporate PR departments, and business professors all hailed the revolutionary potential of business ownership. A new generation—including suburban moms who pioneered home-based businesses, franchisors, and multilevel marketers—took the plunge, laying the groundwork for today's gig economy.

One Day Ill Work for Myself offers a deeper, provocative cultural history of the US economy from the perspective of the workers within it—and asks urgent questions about why we're clinging to old strategies for progress.

The rise of self-employment in the United States can be traced back to a combination of economic factors, including bad jobs, stagnant wages, and inequality. Since the 1970s, the country has experienced a decline in manufacturing jobs, leading to a shift towards service-based industries. This shift has created a demand for flexible, independent work, which self-employment can provide.

At the same time, the gig economy has emerged as a result of the growth of technology and the internet. Platforms like Uber, Lyft, and Airbnb have made it easier for people to find short-term work, often without the benefits and protections of traditional employment. This has led to a growing number of people who are self-employed, either as full-time freelancers or as part-time gig workers.

While self-employment can offer many benefits, including flexibility and control over one's work, it also has its drawbacks. Self-employed workers are often responsible for their own taxes, benefits, and retirement savings, which can be challenging to manage. They may also face discrimination and exploitation, as they are not protected by the same labor laws as traditional employees.

One Day Ill Work for Myself explores the cultural significance of self-employment in the United States, examining how it has become a symbol of resilience and independence. The book also raises important questions about the future of work and the role of government in supporting workers and entrepreneurs.

In conclusion, the rise of self-employment in the United States is a complex phenomenon that is driven by economic failures and the growth of the gig economy. While self-employment can offer many benefits, it also has its drawbacks. It is important for policymakers and entrepreneurs to address these challenges and work towards creating a more equitable and sustainable work environment for all.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780393868210