Americans prioritize happiness over career as they prepare for financial challenges
Two-thirds of Americans would rather work a job they love with a lower-paying salary than work a job they hate with a higher-paying salary. Further, 72% say they would rather define success based on a “soft-life culture” — happiness, contentment, and fulfillment — than a “hustle culture” focused on wealth, status, and achievement.
Money can’t buy happiness according to the KeyBank 2024 Financial Mobility Survey. The report shows that Americans are spending more, saving less, and prioritizing personal happiness over status and achievement as they prepare for anticipated economic hardships.
The survey polled more than 1,000 Americans on their financial, life, and work-related priorities and outlook after a year of market volatility and uncertainty. Unfortunately, 60% of Americans believe that the country will soon be in a recession and are preparing for future financial hardships.
“I’d rather have a job that is tedious and know that my bills are paid,” says Tiffany McCauley, Slappy Toad. “In this economy, having the bills paid is a big deal. Sign me up for that any day.”
