I think your concept of changing the way we think of 'Normal" is really the only response we can have to this problem, phenomenon, illusion?
Not too long ago one of my friends lost his job, he was right out of college (He dropped out of school before getting his bachelor's in accounting) and engaged to be married.  Most of us would think he would just move on a get a new job, I did.  I heard from him again a few months later and a few weeks before his wedding.  When I asked him what he was up to he replied something to the effect of "nothing" and "still looking for a good job." I wondered how that was working so I pushed a bit more. Apparently he (and she) were living off her student loans for her master's degree while he was "looking for a job"... His response when I suggested a few friends of mine hiring for part time work? "No, those jobs aren't good enough for me."
Turns out his dad had been laid off the year before and was doing the exact. same. thing.
"Normal" needs to shift and it starts when each of us puts another person just a few steps in front of us. I'm not saying everyone needs to be Mother Teresa but just a responsible adult... As hard as that may be. Great words Kristin.