The average modern human works more hours than someone did as a hunter gatherer. Of course if you care about technology and stuff you prefer moder time. I disagree about 20-40 years ago as well, people were paid a lot more compared to know and it was easier to afford housing and education.
30 years ago 35% of the world population lived in extreme poverty, now number is less than 10%. Do tell me more how people made more money back then.
In countries like the United States it was a lot easier to live, Wages have dropped while CEO pay and wealth inequality has grown. I had relatives making the equivalent of $40 in today's money out of high school in a factory. Now people are lucky to be paid 10 bucks an hour in a lot of places. And look how much more it costs for a college degree compared to the 1960s and 1970s.
That's the cost of the shift of the industry, those kind of jobs went to Asia. We have to adapt and keep learning new skills whole our life, that's how it goes.
College degree price indeed went up a lot, but if you are smart and choose something that is in high demand, you should be fine.If you decide to study gender studies, indology or whatever useless stuff , be prepared to have issues paying off student loans. Or if you don't have any ambition/skill and are satisfied with work in Mcdonalds don't be surprised to get low salary.
If there is one country in the world where if you are ambitious and capable you have good chance for success, that's United States. Unemployment level is at the lowest in the last 50 years, anyone capable shouldn't have issues in finding the job.
Unemployment numbers are totally manipulated, the average us citizen is not in good shape, middle class is disappearing. "Anyone capable shouldn't have issues" can't believe your saying that nonsense.