Nearly 80% of Americans experienced issues with products or services in 2025, with about two-thirds expressing feelings of "rage." Contributing factors include overcharges, customer service difficulties, poor product quality, and billing errors amid rising prices and inflation.

The modern economy increasingly rewards individuals who project confidence and competence over those who possess genuine knowledge and skills. This shift has led to frustration among professionals committed to honest and careful work in their fields.

The US economy is experiencing significant wealth creation without a corresponding increase in job growth. Forecasts predict a 2.7% expansion in gross domestic product for 2025, reminiscent of the "jobless recovery" seen in the early 2000s.