Here's the tough reality: wage growth alone won't cut it anymore. Workers across the board are watching their paychecks get eaten alive by inflation. Real earning power—that's what actually matters, not just the nominal number on the paycheck stub.

The sentiment shift happens when people's actual purchasing power finally stabilizes or improves. Right now? Many are still treading water. Nominal raises mean nothing if your dollar buys less at the grocery store, at the pump, everywhere.

This economic frustration is exactly why more people turn to alternative assets. When traditional wage growth can't keep pace with inflation, folks start asking tougher questions about wealth preservation. That's when the crypto conversation gets real.