Confidence has nothing to do with it. Nothing whatsoever!
Let me spell it out with a great example: I have great confidence in my writing. I work hard at it. I put everything into it. I’m not making enough to support myself on it, though, so that’s on me? There’s no luck involved? There’s nothing subpar about how we’ve set up newspapers, magazines, the book industry, etc.?
People can have great talent and confidence in their work and a strong work ethic and can still not get where they want to be.
To say “it’s on them” implies the rest of society can simply disregard the half of Americans who are struggling. I strongly protest the idea that every individual has the power to do well. The millions of people who are struggling in vain should make it obvious that the system doesn’t work well for everyone.