Good point.
When my husband was out of work we immediately scaled back our living expenses. He did maintenance jobs and woodworking (built decks, etc) and I cleaned houses and worked in an espresso bar friends own. My husband and I both have college degrees and he worked in a white collar world. It was not *below* us to do what was necessary. Looking back, it was the best thing that could of happened to us. We changed our lifestyle to be simpler and more meaningful. He found a great job working less hours for less pay and we're still thrilled. We've since downsized our home size considerably and enjoy our simple lifestyle. :o)
It was a liberating experience to realize how little I could live on, and how unimportant a new car and other stuff is.
I am now making 75% of what I used to and never been happier.
Starting in the late 80s the rules changed. I am surprised it's taken some people so long to realize it.