The Work Life Balance
It is the American culture to be very career-focused and asking someone what they do for a living when you first meet them is normal in the US. Americans are judged by foreigners by living to work while they work to live. Where they are from, asking someone what they do when you first meet them is considered nosy.
Many foreigners would agree that in the US, your job is part of your identity, whereas, in Eastern countries, your job is a means to an end so that you can get by. Having fun on your own time is your main priority whereas Americans find themselves working overtime, long hours, and even on holidays.