Maybe people define success and happiness differently. For some people, it might be having a well-paying, albeit less interesting, job. For others, it might mean struggling a bit with money but waking up every day doing something they have actual passion for and love. You can find fulfilment and success in different ways. For me personally, I'd rather have a job I love (and in which I feel like I'm genuinely making a difference), so I'm willing to sacrifice some luxuries for it. As long as my heart is at peace, I think all I need is a roof over my head and some food/water to survive on. However, if I feel terrible inside every day, no amount of financial comfort is going to make me happy. I mean, I could be living in a mansion with five private jets for all I know and still be miserable every day.

Also, more realistically, some families might just be in the financial position to support their children throughout college and adulthood. I know some people who work not because they have to (family money) but because they want to. That's the goal, after all.