No were not unique, or are we trying to be. I'm sure everyone in a low pay job would like more, it's just that now it seems that may actually happen.
One aside though, I manage a busy school/club and would love to take home £25K/year from it and I certainly don't get free accomodation or a free airstrip.
Having a degree is certainly no guarantee of good pay, especially with so many "mickey mouse" courses being taken today. (Apologies to Mickey!)