you can't compare your situation however many years ago to someone else's situation right now somewhere else. the job and housing markets are different, people

you can't compare your situation however many years ago to someone else's situation right now somewhere else. the job and housing markets are different, people have kids, family obligations (spouse, siblings, parents, relatives, ...), ongoing physical and mental health issues, and of course different levels of support and opportunity based on class, race, gender, papers, etc.