Although most people work, few stop to think about the central role work plays in our lives. Besides providing for our material needs, having a job or career can meet social needs, increase our self-esteem and sense of self-worth, and allow us to have an impact on the world. But work can also leave us exhausted and stressed, and many people find it difficult to balance their work and personal lives. This clear, accessible book describes the important roles work plays in our lives, the many forms work may take, and the ways in which our relationships with work change throughout our lives. The information, presented in an unassuming, easy-to-understand manner, is drawn from classical theory as well as from contemporary research, affording readers a well-rounded understanding of the topic. The book also includes a collection of real-world scenarios to illustrate key concepts as well as scholarly essays offering perspective on current issues and debates related to work in America.