>> Market dynamics affect one's well being less when you are not shooting simply for compensation, but also job satisfaction. Of course, in our society, highly indebted students are forced to be all about the money and not about the satisfaction. This doesn't lead to successful careers. It leads to burnout, disillusionment, and ennui.

------

Can confirm.

Had to leave university at the onset of the last recession (starting 2007-2008). From then until very recently I was able to make reasonable coping money, but not doing anything I really enjoyed. Sold televisions on commission, worked my way up in a warehouse (film/tv) equipment maintenance and repair to management, drove forklift, freelanced (much harder to make enough money there to cover student loans).

I'm, after nearly ten years, just getting into a pace where I'm making a little more money, and in a field I can leverage to greater effect in the future. It's still not overly satisfying, but I live better than I have.

Ennui and disillusionment are familiar modes... my most common feeling is that of boredom and worry that I'm wasting the best years of my life.

I really don't want that to happen to a new round of minds. It fosters the worst thoughts and feelings in people, especially in those who are or become emotionally vulnerable in any way. And let me say, getting by on $10 groceries a week will help to render one vulnerable real quickly.

edit: Well aware of my first world problems. This is very much in the context of North America.