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United States of Work

Ten stories, one question: "Is the economy working for you?"

United States of Work

What if the U.S. labor force were 10 people?

Our re-imagining of the 164 million people who make this economy work.

United States of Work

Meet the People

New York City, NY
New York City, NY

Michael, certified public accountant

Meet Michael
Portland, OR
Portland, OR

Neil, bartender

Meet Neil
Boise, ID
Boise, ID

Ashley, hair stylist

Meet Ashley
Nashville, TN
Nashville, TN

Stephanie, executive director of an independent movie theater

Meet Stephanie
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA

Rocio, construction worker

Meet Rocio
Kansas City, MO
Kansas City, MO

Steve, professional driver

Meet Steve
Logan, OH
Logan, OH

Scott, family physician

Meet Scott
Centennial, CO
Centennial, CO

Kate, new account representative

Meet Kate
Ashburn, VA
Ashburn, VA

Gaile, cashier

Meet Gaile
St. Paul, MN
St. Paul, MN

Derrick, community college dean

Meet Derrick
United States of Work

How and why we chose these 10 people

Learn More

From This Collection

United States of Work

For some, navigating the pandemic is like “walking on a sheet of ice”

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst
Jul 16, 2020
Tax accountant Michael Durant is seeing his small business clients through a storm, but facing another at home.
Certified Public Accountant Michael Durant said trying to survive the pandemic is "like walking on a sheet of ice" for some of his small business clients. "You're just trying to get to the other side and hoping that it maintains," he said.
Friso Gentsch/DPA/AFP via Getty Images
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How one hairstylist is preparing to get back to work

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst
May 12, 2020
As Idaho reopens, Ashley Nelson is getting back in touch with clients and hoping they will be loyal to her.
Ashley Nelson, a hair stylist in Boise, Idaho, hasn't taken an appointment since mid-March.
Arlie Sommer
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How one unemployed bartender is making ends meet

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst
May 4, 2020
A government stimulus check, unemployment benefits and helpful roommates are keeping Neil Cairns afloat — for now.
Bartender Neil Cairns in Portland, Oregon, hasn't been able to work since mid-March.
Thomas Patteron
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An independent movie theater operator facing 'great unknowns'

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst
Apr 16, 2020
The Belcourt Theatre might be closed, but for its Executive Director Stephanie Silverman, the work goes on.
The Belcourt Theatre in Nashville, Tennessee, reopened on April 23, but executive director Stephanie Silverman says the crowds have been "inconsistent."
Tom Gatlin courtesy Belcourt Theatre
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A small-town doctor coping with COVID-19 disruption

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst
Apr 14, 2020
Cancelled appointments amount to lost revenue for physicians in private practice.
Dr. Scott Anzalone at his independent medical practice, in Logan, Ohio, Stagecoach Family Medicine.
Cassidy Brauner
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A senior citizen working through the pandemic

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst
Apr 2, 2020
“I just take one day at a time,” said Gaile Harrell, a part-time convenience store employee in Ashburn, Virgina.
Gaile Harrell, a convenience store employee in Ashburn, Virginia is considered an essential worker and therefore, working through the pandemic.
Melissa Lyttl
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COVID-19

A hair stylist choosing between her livelihood and flattening the curve

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst
Mar 25, 2020
Ashley Nelson wasn’t forced to stop working, but she decided to anyway.
Ashley Nelson, a hair stylist at the Collab Salon in Boise, Idaho, recently decided to stop taking appointments because of COVID-19.
Arlie Sommer
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United States of Work

The community college administrator dealing with COVID-19 disruption at work and at home

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst
Mar 18, 2020
The disruption of education over the past few weeks affects every member of Derrick Lindstrom's family.
Caroline Yang
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One bartender faces the prospect of weeks without pay: “It’s gonna become a problem pretty quick.”

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst
Mar 16, 2020
Neil Cairns, a bartender in Portland, Oregon says he'll just have to "hope for the best" as he faces reduced hours and the prospect of bar closures.
Neil Cairns at the Game Knight Lounge in Portland, Oregon.
Thomas Patterson
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How COVID-19 is affecting one small-town doctor

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst
Mar 12, 2020
For physician Scott Anzalone of Ohio, the scariest part of the outbreak isn't the illness.
Dr. Scott Anzalone serves around 3,500 patients from his small clinic in Logan, Ohio.
Cassidy Brauner
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