Yesterday, Andrew Sullivan wrote about the underlying fear that the American work ethic will be undermined by the ACA. Many people work solely for the health insurance. If people can find affordable healthcare, they may either retire early or work part time.

I’ve written a couple of dropping out posts this past month. Maybe it’s the weather or maybe I’m feeling cynical. I’m no longer sure that working hard, either in school or at a job, leads to the good life. I live on a block with ridiculously huge homes that lie empty; the adults aren’t there to enjoy their in-ground pools or media centers. Kids put in all-nighters to complete projects that they don’t understand. And these are the lucky ones. Others are working their asses in dead-end jobs and are struggling to pay the bills.

Will the ACA give people more opportunities to opt out of the rat race, if they choose? I certainly hope so. Will it provide people who want a full time job, but can’t find one, the ability to afford a doctor’s check up? I certainly hope so. Will it provide people the flexibility to work remotely from cheaper places in the country? I certainly hope so.