Reveal Marketing Research conducted a representative nationwide study to find out the expectations and hopes of Romanians for the new year, as well as how these have evolved compared to a similar study conducted one year ago.

Optimism is declining among Romanians: only 34% believe that a better life awaits them in 2024, compared to 48% in 2023. 4 out of 10 Romanians plan to change their job in 2024. Romanians' main plans for 2024: more travel (34%), more time with family (32%), and healthier eating (27%). Looking skeptically at 2024: only 3 out of 10 Romanians are optimistic and believe that a better life awaits them in the new year.

According to the most recent Reveal Marketing Research study, 47% of Romanians adopt neither an optimistic nor a pessimistic perspective regarding 2024. This feeling of neutrality highlights a fragile balance between hope and uncertainty. On the other hand, 34% of respondents expressed optimism, while 19% expressed pessimism about the new year.

Women are more optimistic (37%) than men (30%), and concerning age groups, the two extremes, young people aged 18-24 (43%) and mature individuals over 55 (45%), stand out as more optimistic.

Marius Luican, CEO of Reveal Marketing Research, stated:

"Compared to a similar study conducted a year ago, we observe that Romanians' pronounced optimism has significantly decreased from 48% for 2023 to 34% for 2024.

If the beginning of 2023 came against the backdrop of regaining freedoms after periods of pandemic-imposed restrictions, the beginning of 2024 has come against the backdrop of uncertainties and socio-economic changes. In this context, it was expected that Romanians would be more in anticipation, and this neutrality could also represent a call for prudence and adaptability, essential elements in the face of an uncertain future."

About the hopes and anxieties of Romanians for the new year:

Regarding Romanians' expectations at the beginning of the new year, optimism about improving personal financial situations ranks highest (34%), being significantly higher among women (39% vs. 28% for men) and young people aged 18-24 (53%).

At the opposite end, the level of pessimism reaches its highest values regarding the country's evolution in the next year, with reducing corruption (64%), decreasing inflation (51%), and improving the country's economic situation (50%) perceived as challenging or even impossible goals to achieve in the next 12 months.

Regarding personal and family intentions, 13% of Romanians plan to get married or engaged in 2024, while 32% have no such plans, especially those aged between 45-55 (46%) and young people aged 18-24 (43%). Similarly, 10% of respondents plan to have a child in the new year, significantly higher among those aged 35-44 (17%).

In terms of career and professional sphere, 4 out of 10 Romanians plan to change their job in 2024. Specifically, 27% of Romanians desire a new employer, especially those aged 44-55, and 13% want to start their own business, particularly young people aged 25-34 (28%).

Furthermore, a quarter of Romanians declare their intention to change their residence in 2024, either to another house in the same locality (11%), to another locality in the country (10%), or even abroad (4%).

How (dis)satisfied are Romanians with their lives?

Measuring the satisfaction level with various aspects of daily life, Romanians are most satisfied with their interpersonal relationships with family (75%), close friends (66%), or romantic relationships (65%). As a trend, individuals with low incomes (under 2000 RON) declare less satisfaction with romantic relationships (50%).

The lowest satisfaction scores were recorded for aspects related to the professional sphere, specifically satisfaction with the job (51%) and the present financial situation (46%). Those most dissatisfied with the financial situation are individuals over 55 (34%).

Plans and resolutions of Romanians for the new year:

The top resolutions for the new year are similar to those of the previous year, with most Romanians wishing to travel more (34%), spend more time with family (32%), or eat healthier (27%).

For those with children, the need to spend more time with family is more important (42% vs. 23% for those without children), and for those aged between 44-55, the desire to travel more is higher (47% vs. 34% for the total sample).

Turning attention to young people, those aged 25-34 are more inclined to participate in personal development courses (23% vs. 11% for the total sample), while representatives of Generation Z (19-24 years old) are more interested in going to the gym (19% vs. 12% for the total sample).

In the case of individuals over 55, the desire to devote more time to their passions (21%) and to go to church more often (17%) is significantly more important than for the total sample (15% and 10%, respectively).