Why hard work won’t fix a rigged economy

The cost of living rose 67% since the 1990s. Wages went up only 18%. Still, millennials and Gen Z get called lazy and entitled.

Rent in many cities has doubled or tripled. Food prices have jumped nearly 45% in the last decade. Healthcare costs grew 60% in 20 years. Utilities keep going up too. Yet paychecks barely keep up.

Many young people work more than one job. Over 62% of millennials say they work harder than their parents. Student loan debt passed $1.8 trillion. Gig workers often make less than minimum wage after costs. Full-time jobs with benefits dropped from 75% to 58%.

The rich keep getting richer. The top 1% owns 40% of the wealth, up from 25% in 1990. Homeownership for people under 35 fell from 44% to 37%.

Money stress harms health. Anxiety and depression among young adults doubled recently. Financial worries cause poor sleep and tiredness.

Blaming generations hides the truth. The problem is a broken system. Big landlords and companies raise prices while wages stay flat. Until that changes, hard work won’t be enough.


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