This whole idea of "strengthening the middle class" is annoying, as if we need the government to pigeonhole us into a 'normal' life with a mortgage, kids, and 2.5 credit cards in our wallet.
I actually happen to live that exact classification (except for the credit cards), but I chose it.
With technology, a global economy, telecommuting, and the coming weaker emphasis on a university education, everyone in this country has the resources to live life on their own terms, provided they avoid debt, graduate high school, and don't have kids out of wedlock. I think that type of freedom is a threat to a lot of people, including those who drone on and on about the shrinking "middle class".
I’m on complete agreement; I think the “mortgage, kids, and 2.5 credit cards in our wallet” way of life is dying out and to be blunt, I’m okay with it. The major reason the middle class ‘way of life’ is dying out is because people keep creating problems for themselves that interfere with what would normally be a smooth progression to adulthood. It has also made things difficult for those who can’t fit in to that kind of lifestyle or classification. It also stratified society in a huge way.
Student debt and the expectation of a posh desk job are the main issues. In the past, the middle class consisted of tradespeople and were the types that were very hardworking with their hands and industrious, who were often much better off in regards to ready money in their hands than most of the titled/connected upper class.
Yet, for some odd reason, the middle class has viewed trade as lower class and working with one’s hands as ‘common’ and for that reason, the middle class are now snotty about even the most basic way of making a practical living. So yeah, they’re shrinking, but not because of just a lack of jobs, but a lack of being interested in honest hard work. For some reason being in debt, but living well is considered the main priority, not making a real living and working at honest work.
So now, since so many are going to college and getting completely useless degrees and an impractical education, graduating with a mountain of debt and zero skills or even a basic ability to spell. Yet, appearances are what matters. This is why our country is such a mess of a nation.
I believe we’re going to go back to a class structure where if you want a middle class lifestyle, you’re going to have to learn a real trade and put off university. Which makes sense and certainly is more of a reality than what it has been for the past couple of decades.
To be honest, the way things are right now don’t suit me at all either and I look forward to the day when people start leading more singular lives based on ability, connections (not difficult to get in this online world), and of course, your willingness to take responsibility for your life.
Avoiding debt is common sense and as for kids out of wedlock, having to take a more individual approach will end up being normal, so people will likely think twice before doing that. High school, I agree, no matter how bad, just go through it. Graduate and bail out of town if you hate it.
You may argue the “why,” but the “what” of the matter is clear.
Aggregate statistics portray a nation in decline.