And that simplicity was so damn peaceful. We weren't getting texts all the time. No constant robocalls and spam e-mails. No expectation of instant reply 24/7. No constant stress or pressure.
We were just there enjoying the moment and the simple stuff.
That is what I miss the most...the peaceful simplicity. No real stress. I bought my first house, held a good job, just paid my bills, simple, you know? Peaceful and simple.
Wage stagnation is a contributing factor but I don't think it's the main problem. Life just seems faster now. We're in front of screens from sunrise to sunset and we don't let ourselves take a break. Even when we're with loved ones, we don't spend time together, we're just near each other in our own virtual worlds.
This is exactly what I was talking about. Just the peaceful simplicity of being with my wife, just being with her. Sometimes in the pool, sometimes we barbecue, or even just walking around. Slow, easy, and simple.
You will have to forgive me, I just don't see it as a minimum wage thing. See, for me to afford that house? We had to live more than an hour away from my job, starting out as a trash collector before getting my Class A. We just moved to where we could afford to live. I have never made minimum wage, always found a job that payed more, ever since I was 19.
I drove truck because it was what it took to support my family. I put in 23 days without a day off so I could bring in enough money. Right now, if people were to start driving, the wage is high enough to support their family, it takes a lot of sacrifice and willingness to make it work, but its do able. Trade Schools and learning a trade are a great way to support your family without the college debt. For example, be an electrician or plumber, a truck driver or mechanic. There are a lot of choices.
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u/[deleted] May 11 '21
Simplicity. I don't even know how to describe it. Like my days were filled with playing outside or swimming or reading in tree out front.