Why do Americans work 1.5 times more than Europeans? It's a question I find myself grappling with as I watch my parents — hardworking individuals who sacrifice their time, health, and personal lives — struggle to keep up with the relentless demands of their jobs. With long hours, minimal time off, and little room to recharge, it often feels like work consumes every part of life.Growing up, I watched my parents' energy and passion gradually drain away the more years they worked. Their lives, especially my dad’s, seemed to revolve solely around work and taking care of me and my siblings, with little room for anything else — an experience that countless hardworking Americans share. This observation has driven me to push for change in our work culture. In a nation where countless companies overburden their employees, back out of offers, and lay off workers without warning, I am determined to find ways to create a healthier, more sustainable workplace.My goal is to use my knowledge of industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology to implement solutions that help facilitate a balance between employee productivity and personal well-being. By leveraging existing research and contributing new insights to the field, I want to help create workplaces where people can thrive professionally without sacrificing their personal lives or mental health.After completing my PhD in I-O psychology, I hope to apply my skills in problem-solving, organization, empathy, data analysis, adaptability, and team-building as an HR consultant. In this role, I aim to drive meaningful change in Corporate America, shaping a future where work supports people, not the other way around.