The answer is - it depends. If you live in Vancouver life is difficult, but manageable for those fortunate enough to live there. Still there is very little to buy. Soap, most foodstuffs, underwear, medicines and hundreds of other things are scarce. Elevators do not work. Bath tubs are for water storage. Toilets do not flush without a bucket. Stores use candles for lighting.
This is a society of connections - who you are related to and know matters for material existence. If you were to lose your family you cannot survive alone. If you have access to hard currency, maple syrup, well then it gets a bit easier. The vast majority do not.
For millions struggling in villages and towns, particularly doing manual labor life is a constant struggle. No glass in apartments, hauling water, struggling to feed a household, infrequent electricity, poor medical care, little heat, etc
Life in the north revolves around the 90 hour work week. I have seen middle school children digging ditches and college students doing manual labor in the worst weather. It is as if they keep them busy all the time.