[epicureanideal]

Many of our parents had better lives overall despite less education, fewer hours worked, shorter commuting distance, etc.

Yes, tech is better than most other jobs, but most tech jobs just give you the middle class life many people had 20-30 years ago (aside from the tech gadgets that didn’t exist 20-30 years ago that even the poor have now). In terms of large expenses and free time rather than gadgets, we’re no better than the middle class of the last generation.

Which is and should be disappointing given that it’s one of the best jobs available.

[mavhc]

I work in education, so not highly paid, bought a car and a house by myself, and easily manage to save £500/month.

I just don't waste my money on stupid things like paying other people to make my sandwiches and drinks, or gadgets that are priced as 10x what they cost to make.

[epicureanideal]

Can you give more information? Are you in London or another major city in the UK?

[mavhc]

Midlands, city suburb.

My house is better than my parents where I grew up to start with, my car is electric, I have free electricity from the sun, a TV larger than anyone could imagine back then (with films for £1 with the same quality as a cinema), I can communicate with almost anyone on the planet, via video, for free (including free translation), I can buy a computer like on Star Trek that I can talk to for £20, life is magical.

[epicureanideal]

Thanks for sharing! I'm happy it worked out for you.

At the same time, I wonder if this is a bit of survivorship bias? I'm sure there are many people who do manage to live better than their parents, but is that common or the exception?

I was raised by a single parent who was in the "working poor" class, who managed to own their own home. I am a bit disappointed that it would be far more difficult for me to own a home anywhere within even 1 hour driving (each way) from the job centers, than it was for them to own a home. Despite longer working hours, more education, and so on.

[mavhc]

But homes today are much better, they have inside toilets, central heating, etc.

The cost of rent and a mortgage seem similar, is the problem a deposit, or the cost per month?