1. As a teacher, I cannot relate to his whine. Oh, I recognize a topic here and there, but it's like he's teaching on a different plane.
2. He started teaching in 2001, and his starting pay was more than I make now. I am nearing the end of my career and will be collecting a full pension soon. I own a house and a couple cars. I have no debt. In spite of paying for my two children to attend college, I am saving aggressively. Why am I succeeding while he's failing? Several answers: He's paying $2300/month for a house (and more in property taxes!). He has twice as many children as the average family. He lives in a high cost of living. He has chosen a lifestyle that includes driving his kids (and dogs?) around the state for various activities. He is paying for private school. He has chosen this path.