I think part of the problem is that America has raised a generation of lazy, entitled kids. "Mommy and Daddy will by me a car, pay for school, reward me for minimal to no effort". I remember wanting a parts bike to combine with mine that became available for $5. I was about 10. Dad said, "It's good to have goals".
We went around finding broken bikes we could haul off for them or do a chore for. Built bikes out of parts. We made our money off selling kindling and firewood in winter, working family construction and pulpwood crews in summer. Had to save that for shotgun shells, boots etc., though.
Businesses crying over wages don't look so good when compared to those who pay. Just like the fast food and gas stations complain when a Buc-cee's steals all the employees and undercuts gas prices. There have been law suits over it. It's protectionism and quasi-socialism at work by people who claim to be conservatives. Clearly free market capitalism beats it.
