The False Ladder

Yesterday, we saw how inflation discounted your effort.

Today: the ladder they sold you — and why the rungs are cracking.

Meet Alex. He did everything right:

• Four-year degree, financed with $60k in loans.

• Landed a job paying $55k.

• Bought a starter home, mortgage at 6.5%.

• Contributes to 401(k).

Alex thinks he’s climbing the ladder.

But zoom out and every rung he grabs has been sawed thinner.

• College: more like a subscription than a springboard. Debt first, value later.

• Career: wages lag inflation — automations outpace promotions.

• Housing: since 2000, prices up 160%, wages only 50%. “Stability” is a policy trade.

• Retirement: pensions replaced with 401(k)s — volatility on your shoulders.

The ladder didn’t vanish. It just leans against the wrong wall. And the harder you climb, the more you feed the system that sold you the rungs.

Success has become subscription.

Ask yourself before grabbing the next rung:

• Am I buying freedom or just obligations?

• If this (house, car, stocks, etc.) dropped 20% in value, would I still sleep?

• Is this step building capacity — or just signaling?

Alex’s story isn’t failure. It’s the new normal.

Unless you spot the wall early, you’ll keep climbing in circles.

🟨 Write your “next rung” on paper. Then answer: who benefits most if you climb it — you, or the institution selling it?

Tomorrow: If the ladder is shaky, maybe saving will help?

—DOTD

P.S. Missed Part 1? Here it is.