Attitude adjustments: Quality of life outlook in state varies by age
Source: Michael Klein, Leader-Telegram

EAU CLAIRE, WI — March 21, 2004 — “Generation X” members in Wisconsin are more optimistic than the population as a whole, according to the quarterly Quality of Life survey sponsored by the Wisconsin Realtors Association.

The survey showed people aged 18 to 34 are more likely to hold professional jobs, while older people are more likely to be skilled labor.

Younger people also are more likely to work for smaller businesses and in “new economy” high-technology fields. “Eighteen- to 34-year-olds see themselves as part of a different economy,” said James Wood, president of Wood Communications Group of Madison, which conducted the survey.

About 600 people were interviewed the week of Feb. 20-24.

This younger generation is setting a pattern that may be followed by future generations, much as the post-World War II generation set a pattern that was followed for years, Wood said. “There are significant stirrings of a new mix in the economy,” Wood said.

David Mickelson, president of the Realtors Association of Northwest Wisconsin, said he sees the same thing locally. He has worked with a number of young couples who have two professional careers and make good incomes, he said.

Overall, half of all respondents agreed Wisconsin is a special place to live and work, while 38 percent said it is the same as other states.

Interestingly, fewer 18- to 34-year-olds — just 43 percent — think Wisconsin is a special place to live.

Overall the survey showed Wisconsin residents are more optimistic about their own situations now than they were three months ago. Still, just 45 percent of state residents think the state is on the right track, the survey showed.

The survey showed 67 percent of people are very or somewhat satisfied with the service they receive for their public education dollars, and 68 percent are very or somewhat satisfied with the cost of public education. Both numbers have been rising.

“I think what we’re seeing here is a public realization that economic development is dependent on the educational system,” Wood said.

Klein can be reached at 833-9204, (800) 236-7077 or michael.klein@ecpc.com.