I can confirm through my family’s history that coming of age in that era was also life on easy mode for very-poor white men who moved to the city early and were

I can confirm through my family’s history that coming of age in that era was also life on easy mode for very-poor white men who moved to the city early and were willing to able to show up to work consistently. No degree needed. Everyone who fit that description did really damn well, often despite multiple mistakes the presence of which in a bio would mean fucked finances for life for someone today. Pensions were magical and housing was cheap. Powerful combo.