Word is adjusting to the effect of economic recession that started in 2008. It affected finances, job market, housing, retirements and geopolitics. The world as result became unstable. I noticed that past several years, job market became again tighter. I have very specialized education and skills, have advanced degrees and certifications. Yet, the job market got tougher due bust in oil and gas exploration, which floods jobseekers in my field. Economic problems affected personal relationships and trust between government and population. I am personally very pessimistic on the economy and the politics as we deal with global structural crisis and global imbalances between various countries and segments of the population.
I do not think this has to do with JW upbringing. There are periods when mood is good, economy is prosperous, and leadership resonate with masses. This was already debated in the OT, but Greek, Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance era were full of years where good time were replaced with bad years. For example, my mom thinks she lives in best years, she was born during the Great Depression, lived through WWII and communism and she said except her health, she cannot complain. She was never more free, nor had as good living standard as she had past 15 years since she retired. My sibling is exactly opposite as she face uncertain job market, and skyrocketing child care costs.