I have noticed 2 observations that I can’t understand.
You all talk about how us Boomers had it made.
I entered the work force in 1980 we said the same as you are now.
Unless you worked for a company in multiple states you were paid State minimum wage. I started at 2.40 an hour.
Inflation 16%, gas 1.25 per gal (1 days wage for a full tank) home loans 18% with 20% down, new car loan borrowing 36 months max used car 12-16 months max. We didn’t know about 401k and was advise to save in a bank accounts. Most big was moving overseas or stopped any pensions.
Mid 80’s company’s stopped paying our healthcare and we saw 10-12% increases in our healthcare rates. Again no raises to offset.
This brings me to my 2nd observation.
I chose to learn a trade. I became a lineman I started at 2.40 after 4 years I was making 5.00 per hour.
Today our ground man start at 50-60% of journeymen pay. That pay runs anywhere from 35 p/hr-70 p/hr depending where you live. Many of my linemen pull 150-175k a year. More than most of our managers and supervisors.
Every time I see someone post on here about the pay tradesmen. People say it isn’t worth it and they are criticized for making 50-100k a year.
It appears that there is class warfare. White collar vs blue collar.
Just my 2 cents worth