The American Middle Class in the 80s and 90s
The 80s and 90s were the golden decades of the American middle class, marked by stability, purpose, and pride.
During this time, 12 key jobs contributed to a generation's sense of security, from factory workers to teachers and truck drivers.
Before the internet rewired our lives and “remote work” became a phrase, there was a kind of stability—one built on predictable paychecks, pensions, and lunch breaks in plastic-chaired cafeterias.
A college degree was not the only path to a comfortable life, as individuals could own a house, send their kids to school, and take summer road trips.
These decades represented a bygone era, where success was defined differently than it is today, with remote work and side hustles changing the landscape.
Author's summary: The 80s and 90s defined American middle class stability.