So what is your answer or remedy ?
Are we to wash our hands and just say come get on with shafting us for 4 or 5 more years.
WELL, my answer, and I'm not suggesting that it would suit everyone, has been to become cynical.
I appreciate that, on it's own, my single vote is meaningless.
This leaves me free to exercise it without regard to upbringing or family or tribal loyalties.
For example I usually vote for the largest party that isn't in power.
This on the basis that nothing frightens politicians as much as failing to be re-elected.
This in turn might, (perhaps) get them to be more responsive.
I made an exception to this rule while Chris Mullins was my MP because I trusted him.
Since his departure, I've reverted to type.
I adopt the same policy for local elections.
The result is often a vote for one party at a general election and another at local level.
And while this effects nothing, it makes me feel better.
As for getting shafted for x more years just consider the main issues this time round, (ignore Brexit, it's the one off issue).
Both main parties are promising huge new spending.
Some of us MAY benefit from some of this.
But borrowing has to be repaid.
Debts have to be serviced.
Every pound that's need to cover just the interest is £1 less for the NHS, (the opposition, whichever Party that is, will cry).
You mentioned your pride that half of you family had gone to university.
I couldn't go as I needed to get a job to help my mam out. But two of our Kids made it. So I share that with you.
But you surely can not put that achievement down to any one Party.
Since 1945 Labour and Conservatives have swapped being in power 6-11-6-4-5-16-13-9.
Both parties can claim to have improved the lot of the general population at one time or other.
Perhaps another answer to your question could be, 'forget tribal loyalties, consider the issues, (and if I may revert to cynical mode, -- Just because X party wants to saddle my grandchildren with huge debts doesn't mean I have to agree).