Most colleges will happily hire a person with "some college" to do office work. Amongst the benefits most colleges and universities offer their employees is free or reduced cost tuition. That means you could work full time and go to school at night, one class at a time. That is how I got through my degree, and doing one or two classes a semester seems slow at first, but I think I got a lot more out of my classes, I certainly enjoyed them more, and a college degree provides you with a much higher income than not having that degree.

One of the other fantastic things about working for a college or university is that they tend to have fantastic health care, usually at a reduced cost. That would be good for you because a better health plan will mean that insurance covers a higher percentage of your costs.

Also, the vacation is pretty terrific.

The pay isn't fantastic when you work at a College or University, but it is better than what you are getting.

Check out the local College and see if they are hiring, what they pay, what health insurance they provide and if they offer tuition remission!

Sure, people who sold during the height of the bubble would benefit. But me, I rent a house, so it did nothing for me. I have a 401K plan that went from a projected $1.3 million at retirement to $350,000 last time I checked. The company I work for did well last year and I got a decent Christmas bonus, but this year we've had 3 months of losses.

Your question asks if EVERYONE benefited in one way or another. I saw very little benefit and the damage I've suffered as a result of the bubble collapse far outweighs any benefit I received.

PS – I suppose I'm lucky I rent, because I avoided the potential for another major loss by not owning.