Lost in America

David Howard (no actor name provided) and his wife Linda embody the quintessential 1980s yuppie archetype in Los Angeles, feeling stifled by the monotony of their high-society lifestyle. David's professional stagnation culminates with a crushing blow: he's denied a promotion and instead forced to relocate to New York City, prompting him to lash out at his boss and subsequently face termination from his advertising agency job. Seething with frustration, David goads Linda into abandoning her department store career as well, beckoning them both to break free from the constraints of their bourgeoisie existence.

The Howards decide to liquidate their assets, sell their home, and embark on an unconventional journey across the country in a Winnebago recreational vehicle. With a substantial sum of $145,000, they bid farewell to Los Angeles, ready to trade in their material possessions for a life of freedom and spontaneity. However, their euphoria is short-lived as Linda's fateful decision to gamble at the Desert Inn Casino in Las Vegas leaves them financially crippled, with all their savings lost to the roulette wheel.

As the couple's plans begin to unravel, they find themselves quarreling at Hoover Dam before eventually arriving in the small town of Safford, Arizona. David's job search proves futile, and he's forced to settle for a menial position as a crossing guard, subjected to the taunts of local schoolchildren. Meanwhile, Linda finds employment as an assistant manager at Der Wienerschnitzel under the supervision of a teenager.

Just a few days into their experiment in dropping out of society, David and Linda find themselves living in a trailer park, struggling to make ends meet, and toiling away at dead-end jobs. As reality sets in, they realize that returning to their old lifestyle is the most practical option. With a newfound appreciation for stability, they point the Winnebago toward New York City, where David makes a humbled plea for his old job back. The film concludes with an end card revealing that David has been rehired, albeit with a significant 31% pay cut, but this time accompanied by improved medical benefits and the added joy of expecting their first child.