Survey Confirms that Americans Are Overworked, Overspent, and Rethinking the American Dream
By Sarah Roberts
Americans take pride in being a hardworking bunch. But a new nationwide survey
reveals that many Americans are feeling a bit overworked — and overspent, as
well. The poll, conducted in August 2004 on behalf of the Center for a New
American Dream by Widmeyer Communications, represents our most extensive survey
of American values and aspirations to date. The results were fairly conclusive.
At a time when Americans are divided politically, they seem to agree on one
thing: we aren’t focused on what really matters.
American Dream Elusive, Priorities “Out of Whack”
Eighty-five percent of Americans feel that society’s priorities are “out of
whack.” Ninety-three percent agree that Americans are too focused on working
and making money and not enough on family and community. Almost as many (over 8
in 10) say they would be more satisfied with life if they just had less stress.
One of the poll’s major findings was that many Americans now believe that the American dream is getting harder to achieve. More than three in five Americans (62 percent) feel that the American dream is harder to achieve today compared to their parent’s generation, and an even greater number (64 percent) feel that the dream is harder to achieve now than it was just 10 years ago. Less than half of those surveyed believe they will achieve the dream in their lifetime. Respondents cited the following obstacles to achieving the dream: the high cost of healthcare, housing, and making ends meet; and excessive materialism and rising debt.
Interestingly, poll respondents also asserted that society as a whole is defining the American dream in a way that does not adequately reflect the values they consider important. A strong majority feel that today’s society puts too much emphasis on work and not enough on personal relationships. Despite cultural evidence that the “bigger-is-better” definition of the American dream has taken hold of our buying habits and lifestyle choices, bigger cars, bigger homes, and more expensive gadgets are clearly not the things that matter to most people. A majority (53 percent) said that having more time with family and friends would make them more satisfied with their lives. Much smaller percentages felt a bigger house or apartment (29 percent) or nicer things (16 percent) would make them more satisfied.
In fact, Americans are increasingly concerned about the consequences of excessive commercialism and materialism on their lives, the values of their children, and the environment. Solid majorities responded that excessive materialism leads to people living beyond their means (90 percent), overly commercialized children (80 percent), and increased stress in their daily lives (78 percent). And 81 percent of Americans agree that protecting the environment will require most of us to make major changes in the way we live.
Americans Taking Steps to Achieve More Balance
In a bit of hopeful news, a surprising number of the citizens surveyed said that they were both ready and willing to take actions to reduce consumption and materialism, including using possessions longer instead of buying new things (77 percent) and spending less money to be able to save more (73 percent). Eighty-seven percent of those surveyed agree that we should be more focused on recycling, conserving energy and water, and buying goods that are not over- packaged in order to protect the environment.
Many Americans are also seeking balance and control in their home and careers. At a time when many families are hard-pressed financially and struggling to make ends meet, a significant number are reducing their hours at the office, despite the economic obstacles. More than half (53 percent) say they would be willing to give up one day’s pay per week in exchange for one day off per week to spend with family and friends. Forty eight percent have already opted to make less money to get more time and have a more balanced lifestyle with less stress. This is a steep increase in the number of self-proclaimed downshifters from earlier polls. Overall, the primary reasons given for voluntarily reducing work and income were a desire for a less stressful life (47 percent), a more balanced life (36 percent), and more time (33 percent).
What Does It All Mean?
Give Americans the chance, and many are eager to focus on more of what really matters and less on the trappings of a highly commercialized society. Americans appear more ready than ever to make the connection between how they live, what they buy, how they feel, and how they affect the environment.Full poll results are available here.
[
Poll results are from a census-balanced and nationally representative poll of
1,269 American adults 18 years of age and older conducted by Widmeyer
Communications of Washington, D.C. The margin of error for the study is +/- 3.0
percent.]
Sarah Roberts is Communications Director for the Center for a New American Dream. Senior Writer Dave Tilford and Communications Intern Robin Burfield contributed to this story.
Sidebar: Six Tips to Simplify
1. List the Five Things Most Important to You
We can’t achieve our goals if we don’t occasionally take stock of what they are.
Do you dream of writing a novel or traveling abroad? Do you wish you had more
time for your family, your faith, or your hobby? The simple act of reflection
can create unexpected insights and opportunities toward getting what matters
most.
2. Tune Out, Tune In
Just because you have a cell phone and a computer doesn’t mean you need to have
them on all the time. Even short breaks from the demands of your gadgets can
shift your perspective dramatically. Take a walk, meditate, read, or reflect on
your day just before you fall asleep.
3. Spend Time, Not Money
Anyone can pick out an expensive present from a catalog. But a humble phone
call, picnic, evening of board games, or other fun activity will create memories
that last longer than a credit card purchase (and won’t come back to haunt you
with compounded finance charges).
4. Think Outside the Cubicle
Does your work routine dominate your life? Regain some boundaries. For
starters, resist the urge to take work home. Take your lunch breaks and make an
effort to leave on time. Some employers may consider alternate arrangements,
such as extra vacation time, flex time, or telecommuting options, especially if
they can’t afford to give raises. It can’t hurt to ask.
5. Count Your Blessings
As consumers we may feel inadequate sometimes for not having the coolest, newest
version of every product on the shelf. As Richard Mahler noted in last issue’s
cover story, we often forget that a billion people on our planet live on a
dollar a day or less. Our lives are materially richer beyond the imagining of
our ancestors — and even our grandparents. Notice your many blessings and
remember to count and enjoy them.
6. Join with Others
Most Americans are bombarded with messages encouraging us to buy more than we
need. Find some like-minded friends who share your intention to chart a
new lifestyle. Start a study group, book group, or just a monthly potluck and
take some steps together. Or host a monthly “fun night” for sharing simple
pleasures like star-gazing, bread making, game playing, or storytelling.