I’ll admit it: I’m addicted to infographics! So, again I share with you an infographic from GOOD.com about the American Dream and how it’s changing – but not in the direction I would have guessed. Comparing four generations from the “Silent” Generation (I had no idea that was the name of the generation before the Boomers) to Generation Y, it shows that personal fulfillment is incredibly important.
The data that I find most interesting, but it makes sense from an age perspective, is that Gen Y is more likely to go back to school or move to another state than any other generation. Yet, Gen X (my generation) is more willing to start their own business or change industries than any other generation. Data can be molded to fit a person’s viewpoint or for persuasion purposes, but I find it intriguing all the same. Click on the graphic below to see the larger picture.
Is the American Dream changing for you?
Happy Leap Year by the way. 🙂
12 Comments
that is a cool infographic and I think personally the american dream is changing and evolving for a lot of people in my cohort. The american dream used to be all the same – go to college, get a good job, get married, buy a house, have a kid.
not everyone wants to (or should) go to college, not everyone can get married legally, not everyone wants to stay in the same city for a long period of time to buy a house, and not everyone wants to (or can have) kids.
The american dream for those people was very inflexible and I think changing dreams are something that was borne out of this – we arent all the same and therefore wont want the same things.
I can’t see the bigger pictures. 🙁
I agree with Jeff that the American dreams are not the same for everyone anymore. The path to a successful life was much more set in the old days, but now everyone can choose their own way. I think it’s a great time to be alive.
@retirebyforty
I fixed the link. Sorry! That’s what happens when I’m rushing. 😉 Check out the infographic now. 🙂
I love these, too. It’s funny. I’ve started two businesses and moved across the country. Does that make me generation XY?
@Average Joe – That sounds like you are a blend of the two generations! So maybe that is an XY. 😉
Interesting graphic! I agree with Joe, and think that it’s just going to keep on getting better, assuming the politicians don’t crash the dollar in the meanwhile. Even that could lead to a better future, though.
Very interesting, although I think economic changes have made it so we must change our dreams. Gen Y’ers might be moving more because they have to in order to find jobs, and we X’ers may be more likely to start our own businesses because of the economy as well. Although there is a lot to be said for learning from our parent’s mistakes, moving into more global workplace opportunities and other influences.
@Christa – I’d definitely agree that with the changing economy, those of us who are willing to change are doing so. Starting a new business or moving to a new state may be scary, but if it’s going to put food on the table and a roof over one’s head, then so be it!
Gen Y is going to kick some ass as long as they don’t feel entitled to a certain unrealistic standard of living. I think that could be their Achilles heel. I’m excited for the things to come.
Yes, I’m a sucker for statistics too.
@First Gen American – Gen Y’ers who are on top of their finances are off to a great start. However, those that don’t will have trouble catching up.
The US is still going strong. One of the few places on earth you can still buy a piece of land at a decent price, and enjoy strong property rights.
@101 Centavos -That’s true. I’m curious how owning property in the US compares with Italy. I’ll have to hop over and check out your posts on this topic!