[kspaans]

I think the grandparent is playing a little loose with terms. By "working class", I believe they mean both: have to exchange their labour for money, and low social class (less respect from peers, say at a dinner party).

Though obviously some software engineers "cash out" and then don't _need_ to work anymore, and many doctors would quickly run out of money if they stopped working.

[emodendroket]

OK, they're wage earners, then, not working-class. I don't know that their social status is really that low though.

[beachstartup]

it has risen significantly in the last 5 years because of the pervasiveness of technology, but before that, it was rather low.