This is a classic problem of non-genius-talented middle class young people. They are not geniuses in a particular field that will provide income to both themselves, their retiring parents, any new spouse and their own family, as well as future children. Due to inflation, outsourcing, and other factors, "ordinary" middle-class young workers are finding out that they have little to offer employers who can outsource beginner-class jobs to other nations at a fraction of the cost.
So while talented and sometimes dedicated and sacrificing young people can still find employment and compensation allowing them a middle-class or higher lifestyle, the reality is that as inflation increases the basic cost of living increases as well but the ability to pay for these expenses is decreasing. Thus the rich get richer but the poor get poorer, and the middle class shrinks.
The cost is in human capital, not just a nation's GDP.
RE: What goes inside the Mind of a Middle-class Student!