A survey found that 41% of people believe the American Dream is unattainable; here's how they're redefining success.

For some Americans, the American Dream has become more like a vision.

According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, 41% of U.S. adults believe that the American Dream, which involves equal social and economic opportunities for all Americans, was once attainable but is no longer possible. On the other hand, 6% of respondents believe that it has never been achievable.

In April, a CNBC and SurveyMonkey survey revealed that more U.S. adults are living paycheck to paycheck than in 2023. Harvard University public economics professor Raj Chetty says that with looming debt, inflation, and a lack of savings, Americans are rethinking what matters most to them.

According to Chetty, who spoke at a panel hosted by Harvard's Kennedy School of Government last year, the economy's recent changes have caused many people to express frustration about the difficulty of getting ahead, even with hard work.

During the panel, Harvard government professor Michael Sandel stated that even a college degree doesn't hold as much weight as it used to, particularly for lower-income students.

According to a Pew report, a survey conducted by GoDaddy last year among over 1,000 small-business owners in the U.S. revealed that 54% of respondents defined the American Dream as "feeling happy in life," while 49% said it involved "freedom to follow my passions."

"Small-business owners, including Fara Howard, GoDaddy's chief marketing officer, have stated that the American Dream is changing. Economic conditions have made homeownership less attainable, particularly for Gen Z, while the pandemic and the Great Resignation have led many to prioritize being their own boss and gaining more freedom, comfort, and flexibility."

The trend of Americans having side hustles is on the rise and is unlikely to decrease in the future.

"Making money in your spare time has never been easier with options such as delivering packages, selling crafts, taking surveys, being an online personal assistant, graphic designer, and more," said Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate, in a recent interview with Make It.

While a majority of people believe the American Dream is unattainable, only 30% of respondents feel it is specifically out of reach for them. On the other hand, 31% have already achieved it, and 36% are on the path to realizing it.

The Pew report observed that the views expressed are almost the same as those expressed by the Center when the question was last asked in 2022.

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