[angdis]

OK, but the economy can only support a certain number of tin-knockers, plumbers, septic-tank cleaners, janitors, etc. These jobs exist because there are other people with other jobs that can pay for these services.

The reality is that when folks have bills to pay, considerations of "status" will only last for a few months. A few months of unemployment and depleted savings will make _anyone_ reconsider what jobs are "beneath" their abilities.

Finally, its not like anyone can be a septic tank cleaner. It takes a bit of knowledge, the ability to develop a customer base, significant equipment, and is restricted to certain geographic locations (where people don't have sewers).