In this world you make your own luck. And do it with hard, honest work. Honest work.
-- Tom (chapter 3)

Importance: Early in the novel, Tom Lowe Jr. expresses his philosophy around work. After seeing Mike Andrews spend time with his family, Tom reflects on the inequality and injustice that defines the American economic system. He believes in the morality of “hard, honest work” and notes that Mike—who gave Tom a risky adjustable rate mortgage—does not engage in this form of honest labor. Tom’s changing attitude towards work serves as one of the novel’s central thematic arcs.

Who do you think cleans and friggin’ cooks and makes beds and washes clothes I have to carry in a fucking trash bag down to the Laundromat? Who sweeps the place? And mops? And has to still help Cody brush his teeth cuz he doesn’t do it right?... What am I gonna...
-- Trina (chapter 7)