Covering important topics such as job satisfaction, workplace stress, and the changing nature of jobs and careers in the 21st century, this valuable resource explores how working affects us psychologically, for better and for worse and sometimes in imperceptible ways. Although most people go to work Monday through Friday, few stop to think about the central role work plays in our lives. Besides allowing us to provide for the material needs of ourselves and our families, having a job or career can help us to meet new people and stay socially connected, to increase our self-esteem and sense of self-worth, and to 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 and accessibly written book in Greenwood's Psychology of Everyday Life series provides readers with an understanding of 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.