Although that can be true, there's only so many free activities you can find to do. Are we talking family life equaling happiness? How do you support them? Popping out kids while making minimum wage and then taking money from those who do earn (through government)?
I'm 35 and have "just gotten by" all my life. Now that I'm a driver, things are starting to look better, even though I'm only half way to top rate. My life is still "on hold" for the next 2 years because there's still only enough money to barely pay bills. No extras. Can't go on vacation. Can't replace transmission in wife's Jeep (so we make do with one car). Wife is stuck home all day, every day with baby. Can't afford to go out. If something needs fixing in home, can't afford it. Can't save. Can't get life insurance (with a family I worry about that now).
Am I happy? Yes. But having only the bare minimum to live off provides a lot of stress. I'd be a lot happier if instead of having a 2nd job on the weekends, I could spend the time with my family and go do something recreational.
I ask anyone here: Could you trade you're $80K or so a year for $40K and everything would be just peachy?