Let's start with the fact that I am not from USA and I am neither the resident. The way I see your problems about work and money is that you don't need raises. The problem is not that you don't get enough money, the problem is that housing is so overpriced that you aren't able to buy any or event rent anything with current wages.
Also don't get me wrong but I am on the side where I think that you aren't supposed to live in comfortable and big premium house or flat when you are alone with the lowest wage.
Next problem is the cost of healthcare. Healthcare is the most important thing in all of that, because as long as tax payers are in good condition they can provide more tax money and live better. But yet, your government refuses to take control of it for everyones (but rich) sake.
Work conditions also suck but yall know that so I wont elaborate about that.
If it comes to gas prices – gotta be honest, you just had it kinda too good and if it comes to reality it shows.
TLDR: Wages good, healthcare should be payed by government from taxes, housing overpriced, work conditions bad, gas prices good but you cry too much about it.