I'm probably as old as you, perhaps older. I got by an a relatively expensive city for a fraction of what it costs now relative to income. I went to school, worked part time, rented my own place, and had a kid.

That kid is now an adult and is highly educated, has 2 jobs, and can't reasonably afford to rent their own place. They might be married and have children of their own now if things were the same as when we were younger.

All the young people I know would gladly trade what they have now for the meager "sacrifices" of older generations.