Workers/learners have always existed, exist now, and always will. Some day we’ll get back to basics, and implement the teachings of Avos 2:2. Though expenses are high in many frum areas, the US labor market is very flexible, and it is still possible to work part time or just 40 hours. Working hours are on average higher than in European countries, but far less than in Japan or Korea. If people are determined to pay the bills on fewer hours to make time for learning, it can be done.
“Rabban Gamliel, son of Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi, said, ‘It is good to combine the study of Torah with an occupation, for the effort required by them both keeps sin out of mind, while all Torah study, not combined with work, will in the end cease and leads to sin.'” Avos 2:2.