I'm not an expert but I think a big problem is the internet obsession and the cult of the ego, thanks to social networks and such. Ironic to say this on reddit, but what I mean is, we are exposed to everyone's success all the time. You go on Facebook or Instagram and see everyone partying or travelling and you feel like shit for doing something boring instead. You read the news and there's a million articles about successful startups, cool CEOS, rich people, athletes, etc... and you envy them. I think we waste too much time focusing on what we don't have rather than appreciating what we have, and this is what causes all these "first world problems". The important thing is to be satisfied with what you do, without caring so much about money (within a certain threshold), status, or what others will think. I think there's also too much hedonism that seeks for the instant reward, and less working for long term goals, we want everything and we want it now.

That's why the goal of the main character of the novel is to kill his ego and just try to be a good person living a simpler life.