Introduction to the Study
A recent study surveyed 2,000 Americans, asking them to rate their personal experience of the year 2025 out of 10. The average rating given was 5.3, indicating that for most people, 2025 was a mediocre year.
Overall Ratings
In the survey, a quarter of the respondents (25%) rated 2025 as a bad year, giving it a score of one, two, or three out of ten. On the other hand, a fifth (21%) of the respondents rated it as a very good year, giving it a score of eight, nine, or ten.
Generational Differences
The study found that while all generations gave an average rating of 5, Generation Z and Baby Boomers were the most positive about the year, with an average rating of 5.4 out of 10. This suggests that these generations had a slightly more favorable view of 2025 compared to others.
Comparison to Previous Year
The results of the study also showed that 2025 was rated lower than 2024, which had an average rating of 6.1 out of 10. This indicates a decline in overall satisfaction with the year.
Personal Growth
Despite the mediocre overall rating, the majority of Americans (69%) felt that they had grown as a person in 2025. The most common areas of growth were in personal life (59%) and mental and emotional development (49%). Many also reported growth in spiritual (45%), intellectual (33%), and professional areas.
Insights on Growth
According to James Robbins, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Employer Branding News, growth is not always measured by concrete indicators such as promotions or job title changes. Sometimes, simply thriving in challenging times can be a significant achievement. The fact that many people felt they had grown personally in 2025, despite the year being rated as mediocre, suggests that growth can occur in many different areas of life.
Generational Growth
The survey found that younger generations were more likely to report personal growth, with 75% of Generation Z saying they had grown in some way, compared to 59% of Baby Boomers. Generation Z was also the most likely to report emotional, intellectual, and social development.
Conclusion
The study provides insight into how Americans perceived the year 2025 and their personal growth during that time. While the year was rated as mediocre overall, many people reported significant personal growth in various areas of their lives.
Ratings Breakdown
- 1 – 9%
- 2 – 6%
- 3 – 10%
- 4 – 11%
- 5 – 20%
- 6 – 11%
- 7 – 12%
- 8 – 11%
- 9 – 4%
- 10 – 6%
Average = 5.3/10
Comparison to 2024
- 1 – 5%
- 2 – 4%
- 3 – 6%
- 4 – 8%
- 5 – 17%
- 6 – 13%
- 7 – 17%
- 8 – 16%
- 9 – 6%
- 10 – 8%
Average = 6.1/10
Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted by Talker Research, polling 2,000 Americans online between December 5 and 10, 2025.
