How good was the economy in the 80s / 90s?

My father came to America in the 80s penniless. He quickly got a minimum wage job washing dishes at a restaurant full time. As a single man working that job, he was able to have a one bedroom apartment, own a car, have plenty of money for his necessities, and send money back home to his mom. All this on a fucking minimum wage job with 0 credit cards / debt.

For those who experienced the economy in the 80's / 90's, how was it?