You are spot on. Look around, and you will see that America has changed.
Gone is our strong work ethic. "Everyone" (okay, many) thinks they are "entitled" to goodies just by their mere existence. They think that because they breathe they DESERVE. Hard work is not considered a good thing anymore. As a result, when someone else applies themselves and succeeds to better themselves -- as the OP did -- they are NOT happy for that individual. Instead, they are bitter, resentful, and ENVIOUS.
Congrats, liberal Democrats! You are one step closer to your socialist "utopia" .