how quickly inflation will eat our savings

In the short term things like this can happen. But if we are talking over 40-60 years historically there will be booms (and busts) to take advantage of if you don't give up. Yes they screwed us on pension / Social Security, that's why I don't plan on them.

I can only speak from my life experience, but when it came to my finances a lot of it was self imposed. Even after getting sober, I stayed in college longer than I should have, and didn't immediately chase money after graduation. Not to mention getting chronic illness from a bad vegetarian diet.

So much dumb crap I did, and still by God's grace I was able to grind enough to get into a good career. Would not wish those mistakes on my kids though.

But still, at what point in history could you make a living online as a skilled worker? It's a blessing, and there are still opportunities in this world. Even as it may be going to literal hell (but then again, it may not be yet).