12th Jul 2016, 20:06

I am sure quite of few of us are much older than you. We have seen prosperity where even the middle class had far more to enjoy. There was a time where if you had a toy as a kid or older, that "Made in Japan" was considered cheap. Our middle class lifestyle could accurately be described as upper class today. Or in another description, middle class today has far less buying power. It's erosion and a lower quality of life. You likely missed it and view things differently. We didn't feel we were buying a cart full of Chinese goods. There was prosperity and most goods were domestic. Including appliances, televisions, etc. People saved more and didn't rely on credit cards and more debt. Even couples today with degrees are paying out student loans, credit card debts and mortgages based on what you can attain, not what you can truly afford. Making a middle class income long ago, many of us didn't drive small econo cars or skimp to basically hope we can retire out today. Personally I don't like how the world is today. Companies and people are stressed and insensitive. We worked in family friendly work environments and enjoyed a better quality of life. You can go on and on about parts content and a plant in your town. In the end, I doubt there is the level on happiness that once was widespread in this country. We worked hard, but many of us retired after 30 years in our 50s. My son plans on working til 70 due to the high cost of living. My other son also lives in California, dreaming of buying a home in the Berkeley area. What he may have left for any form of retirement is anyone's guess. I know he likes it there, but he better keep his job. Good luck with your Volt.