It was unfortunate to learn that work did not have the concept of semesters and you couldn't just write off an assignment from your boss as 'well I'll get a zero from that one, but there's always next semester'. They just keep bugging you about it over and over even though clearly I've moved on already.
Semesters were a much easier 'reset' than getting fired was.
I think current 'lifestyle creep' for many is getting used to things like 'health insurance' and 'something other than beans and rice'. Hard to give up simple human dignity once you've had a taste of it.