Two income household, both university educated. Both moved away from our hometown after graduation. Eventually made the decision to move back home due to a desire to be closer to our aging families.

We live very simply. Rarely take vacations (our first was last year, after 6 years of being together). We bought a very cheap home (mortgage is about 200$/mth). Combined cell phone bills are less than 100$. No cable, and we've got the cheapest highspeed available in our area.

Despite all of the above, we are just barely holding on. We are both driven, motivated individuals, but our out of town experience is disregarded by local employers. Nepotism reigns here, and unfortunately, our families are not well-connected to the powers that be.

Yes, there are a lot of lazy people in the world, of all ages. The reality that I've experienced is that all the education and motivation in the world will only take you so far. If you don't have dollars or connections to back you up, get ready for a rough ride.