It's harder, then much harder, then much much harder, then it slowly starts getting easier.

I'm in my mid 30's and things are starting to ease down. I'm making decent money, I own a home, I've got a reliable vehicle and a good job that's significantly harder than it was when I started, now that I've built some seniority.

But that being said, college was a lot tougher for me than HS (primarily because I also worked full time through college). And my first few jobs after I got out, that was long hours for little pay, worried to death about bills, outrageous rent and a car I didn't trust at all. And nothing or anyone to fall back on (at least in my case). There were some rough years, but it calms back down.