This is a neurosis that scientists hold, not really what people are thinking. Most people have no idea how much money a scientist is or isn't making.

It is a valid neurosis, though. Even 20-25 years ago, a scientist wasn't that bad off, economically. My uncle made enough money to buy a house in the Bay Area as a microbiologist at a government lab. Nowadays there is no way someone in the same position could buy a house in the same area. Even renting your own apartment would be painful. The salary has remained the same, whereas life has gotten much more expensive.