In early 2026, a middle-class income in the U.S. typically earns between roughly $55,820 and $167,460, with about 51% of Americans falling into that category. Keep in mind that’s gross income. After taxes, you’re looking more at a take home income range of $42,00 – $126,000. The middle child of America, basically forgotten and ignored. Sorry, but you make too much money, so no aid programs for you. Oops, sorry again, but you also don’t make enough to get ahead in life. You’re basically on your own.

Looking at the numbers, still not too bad right? Let’s break it down some more. Average household median income in the U.S. is about 84k, meaning each person contributes about 42k, which comes out to roughly earning 20 bucks an hour. Does that sound like a lot to you? Two people working full time jobs for 20 bucks an hour is the median.

Understandably, this is enough for anyone who falls into this category feel jaded and just burnt out all the time. You are literally working day and night just to maintain. Add in rent/mortgage, utilities, car insurance, health insurance (hoo boy), etc. Can’t afford to eat out, can’t afford gas, can’t afford life. Even if you do manage to save some money, do you spend it now and work until you die, or do you save it for retirement and live in misery until you’re almost dead. Tough choices.

So yea, I’m tired. Tired of the grind, tired of the day in and day out. Tired of the existential dread that looms as I watch the world crumble around me. This is how I feel: