Sixty-two percent (62%) of American adults believe that today’s children will not be better off than their parents. The number holding that pessimistic perspective has increased from 53% in July and is up 15 points from 47% at the beginning of 2009.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 20% now believe today’s children will be better off, down from 27% at the beginning of the year. Premium Members can see trend data for all questions.

Data released earlier shows a decline in optimism about the long-term strength of the U.S. economy. Just 49% now say the U.S. economy will be stronger in five years.

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One reason for the growing doubts is job-related. Only 44% now say it is possible for just about anyone who wants to work to find a job. Forty-three percent (43%) disagree. Americans are now evenly divided on that question, while in January 52% said anybody could find a job and only 37% disagreed.

Data from the Rasmussen Employment Index shows that 30% of working Americans are now worried about losing their jobs.

Thirty-one percent (31%) still think it’s possible for anyone in the United States to work hard and get rich. But 52% disagree. Those figures have changed little during 2009.

Fifty-one percent (51%) say it’s possible for anyone to work their way out of poverty. Thirty-two percent (32%) don't agree. Those figures also have remained stable all year.

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