I have an acquaintance who is forever groaning about not making enough money, robbing Peter to pay Paul, but goes to the movies every weekend, eats out every night, etc. She's buried in credit card debt because when she bought her house, she charged them up to buy new furniture for it, too. She voted for Obama, and can't wait to get 'help'. The only help she needs is a budget and the desire to stick to it.
Oh yeah! I know what you mean... :-)
But, I have noticed something... the ones who complain the most about being broke, and having to pay "this much money" for one thing or another -- are usually the richest ones of the bunch ... LOL ...
In fact, to tell you the truth, I would never be telling anyone that I'm doing okay. I would rather moan and groan myself about not having enough money and so on -- because if you do it the other way, and tell people how well off you are and how good life is to you -- wait till you see the people lining up at your door for a loan ... :-)
The people that others thought were the worst off, are the ones that they find out, after they have died, were so rich that they never had to live as if they were poor. But, then again, that's how they got to be rich... you see...
No matter what the jobs situation is -- people are spending money and they will continue to do so. Even in the worst of times, there are plenty of people doing very well. Even in collapsing civilizations (if you want to go that far in your assessments) there are always people doing very well. It has always been that way throughout history.
Remember, if you and your neighbor are working, it's a booming economy. If you're working and your neighbor is out of work, it's a recession. And if you're both out of work, it's a depression... :-)
Not only that but they will talk about how "greedy" and "selfish" you are because you don't hand it over to them.