Americans understand that the American Dream can mean different things to different people, but there is a consensus that the Dream is always driven by hope for the future. It’s not a given, either; 87% of Americans strongly agree that in order to live the Dream, you have to work for it.
So it should not come as a surprise that just over three-quarters (77%) of Americans do not view the Dream as an end goal, but as a journey towards betterment.
Today, a third (35%) of survey respondents say they are already living the American Dream fully or in a significant way. Those respondents most strongly feel they have a sense of purpose and value and are living life on their own terms. Feelings of having experienced social and racial equality also align with those who report they are farthest on the journey.
Respondents on their journey or currently living the Dream fully say they are personally experiencing satisfactory standards of living, quality of life, educational and professional achievement, and expectations of a comfortable retirement. They also report satisfaction with their work/life balance and have a fulfilling home life.