This is another example to me of how the world has become unreasonably complicated. I frequently feel like I'm overwhelmed trying to figure out how to navigate complex systems in today's world. I figure if I, a PhD, frequently feel paralyzed or like I have to punt, the average person must be even more overwhelmed.

I don't know a definitive answer, but for a lot of it, I think we could do with more effective unions -- or union-like organizations. Having a union to manage negotiating my contract seems like a great thing, to me. It's democratic and I participate in the governance, but it can hire experts (ie, lawyers) that can specialize in contract law and to help us understand what the employer is trying to do and help us, as a group, advocate for more favorable terms.

Unfortunately, US society has largely gotten turned against organizing. People are convinced they have to do everything for themselves, like rugged individualists. Instead, they're like sheep for the fleecing.