I think the problem now with say, 30-40 years ago is that a basic existence 30-40 years with a modest house, decent schools, safe areas, 1-2 cars, good affordable healthcare, higher education, fuel, etc etc etc was attainable by the general person/job. As another message mentioned, you had communities where doctors lived in the same school district as the plumbers, factory workers, etc…Schools were also better back then.
Nowadays, with our over-supply of labor and “global” economies, there simply aren’t enough good paying jobs for enough people to make a decent living to have, what was 40 years ago, a “modest” living compared to now. Even if you got rid of all luxuries (and I mean all like cell phones, cable, internet, netflix, dining out, etc), it’d be tough for most people since healthcare is (was with ACA now) insane, education much more, gas 4x higher, food…more…
For a lot of people barely getting by, it’s really not about sacrificing or self induced stress I feel (having seen/lived it personally as well as reading everything I can about it), but there is just tougher times for many folks with more limited opportunities.
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Totally agree with everything you’ve said here. And let’s not forget about housing costs, too. Back when I was living in LA and starting college, my 3/2 apartment was $710/month (3 of us living together), and I was making $9.00/hr. Today, that apartment will run about $1,800-$2,100/month (at least), but the pay for that same job is still around $9.00/hr.
Add to that all the rather dramatic cost increases you’ve mentioned: gas/energy, food, healthcare, college expenses, etc., and it’s a wonder anyone can make it today. It was tight getting by back then; I have no idea how young people are supposed to do it these days, especially if they are trying to do it without debt or help from their parents.
