<p>
</p>
<p>You may not like the answer, but there is always some amount of luck mixed in with your ability and effort when it comes to determining how successful you are. Those graduating in an economic downturn, or an industry downturn for their major, are likely to have reduced economic prospects (and attitudes toward spending and the like) compared to those with similar ability and effort who graduate during better times.</p>
<p>[Recession</a> Generation Will Spend Less for Life - The Daily Beast](<a href=“http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/01/08/the-recession-generation.html]Recession”>http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/01/08/the-recession-generation.html)</p>