And how so!
A workplace poll from Zogby found that three-quarters of workers in the United States say the “American dream” is not as attainable as it was 8 years ago, and slightly more than half say it is unattainable for the average worker.
The survey defines the American dream as “the opportunity to have a nice home, financial security for you and your family, and hope for the future.”
What I found even more interesting is that nearly half of those 30-49 admit to being bitter because of their economic circumstances, but only 38% of 18-29 felt bitter. Just wait, I say. And note again a generational difference here between the Generation Y/Millennials, who roughly make up the younger bracket and the Generation X and younger Baby Boomers who make up the slightly older bracket.
May 29th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Sad that this “dream” should in my mind be a basic human right.
Not that that’s reality.
May 29th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
I would have to say I find myself in the bitter category. Or at least in the “not hopeful” category after the past decade.
May 29th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
I’m not hopeful for two reasons (and for the record, I’m 32): one, worker pay has not increased at the same rate as CEO pay and hasn’t really kept pace with inflation; and two, I don’t think we’re properly teaching our youth about saving and spending money wisely. Oh, but there are more reasons, like in order to even have a fighting chance at a good income you need a college education, which means most young folks start out at an economic disadvantage, and women are still only paid 77 cents for every man’s dollar, but those two are the big ones that spring to mind.