This my friend is a good example of the previous system breaking down. Im my country, before i was of employment age, a person could have high school education and get a permanent, secure job working for the government. Now the only available jobs are contract based and short, 6 months to two years contracts. The only folks don't understand why youngs people are not following in their footsteps. It is because we can't. I think you should be honest with your wife, because when the bough starts to break, you may need to rely on her. It's best she be well informed.