The percentage, the lowest since 2013, is a decline from the record 90 percent who expressed satisfaction in January 2020, according to pollsters who surveyed a random sample of more than 1,000 U.S. adults from Jan. 4 to Jan. 15.
The decrease could be attributed primarily to the economic downturn in the U.S. as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gallup says. Among people with jobs, 90 percent reported personal satisfaction, which is nearly equal to the previous year. But only 72 percent of the unemployed said they’re satisfied, a drop of 14 percent from 2020.
The year brought major changes to U.S. society. Schools and businesses across the nation closed due to restrictions ordered to stem the spread of the pandemic, leading to tens of thousands of businesses shutting down. Meanwhile, students struggled with virtual learning, which has hampered the work-life balance of the parents who have managed to keep their jobs.
Unemployment shot to 14.7 percent in April 2020, although it has since dropped to around 7 percent.
Studies indicate worsening mental health due to lockdowns, as well as increases in suicides and drug abuse.
In a follow-up question, 51 percent of those surveyed said they’re very satisfied with the way things are going in their personal life; another 31 percent said they’re somewhat satisfied. The rest are somewhat dissatisfied or very dissatisfied.
The annual survey, which is conducted by telephone, is based on a random sample of 1,023 adults aged 18 and older. The margin of error is plus or minus 4 percentage points.
