Yes, I'm an early Gen Xer, born in the sixties.  Graduated in the early 90's bust, which moved promptly into a late 90's bust, followed by economic whiplash every 5 years or so.  Youth unemployment rates were as high or higher than now.  Our mortage was 11% (I think) and a small VTB at 13% (I think) which we paid off as quickly as we could.  Still live in that house, although we have doubled it in size.