I think you're missing the point which is that many Americans enjoy personal satisfaction, pleasure, and sense of accomplishment in their work that may or may not be typical in other cultures.
I'm calling BS here. While there are always a few workaholics, I've never met a person in my entire life that wouldn't take MORE vacation time if they could get it, at the same pay.
Well you are looking at one right here. I can't remember the last time I took all the time off that I could. There have been times that I turned back vacation and/or sick days. Other times I elected to be paid for them rather than take them off, not because I needed the money, but because I was needed more at work than I needed to be away. Or I wanted to meet a deadline or complete a project. But I have been blessed with work that was interesting, challenging, rewarding, and sometimes exciting too.
Along the way I've also had some sucky jobs. During those times I dreaded getting up and going to work every day. I watched the clock and prayed for Friday and the weekend. That's no way to live. I don't recommend it.
But I thought the whole point of this thread was the trade off between not working and working. I don't doubt there are cultures who place less value on the pleasure of work than do many Americans.