Growing up poor can shape you in ways you may not even realize. It’s not just about the lack of money, but the struggles and experiences that come with it.
These experiences often leave a lasting mark, influencing your behaviors and decisions as an adult.
People who have experienced poverty have a unique perspective on life. They often exhibit certain behaviors that are a direct result of their upbringing.
In this article, we’ll explore 9 behaviors that are commonly seen in adults who grew up poor. The aim is not to stereotype, but to understand how our past can impact our present.
1) Value for money
Growing up poor often leads to an acute understanding of the value of money.
People who grew up in poverty are frequently the ones who know how to stretch a dollar. They understand that money doesn’t come easy, so they make the most of what they have.
This understanding translates into their adult life as well. You’ll notice that such individuals are often frugal, not because they’re stingy, but because they know the worth of each cent.
They are usually the ones comparing prices at the grocery store, hunting for deals, and resisting impulse purchases. It’s not about being cheap – it’s about getting the most value for their hard-earned money.
It’s a behavior rooted in their upbringing, and it’s one that tends to stick around, shaping their financial decisions as adults.
2) Appreciating the small things
I remember growing up in a household where luxuries were scarce. We didn’t have the latest gadgets or designer clothes. Instead, our joys came from simple things like a family dinner or a game of soccer in the backyard.
This has influenced my perspective as an adult. I’ve noticed that I tend to appreciate the small things in life more than some of my peers who had a different upbringing.
I find joy in a home-cooked meal, a good book, or even a peaceful walk in the park. These simple pleasures, that are often overlooked, bring me immense satisfaction.
This behavior, I’ve noticed, is common among those who had less growing up. They tend to value and appreciate the simpler things in life because those were the moments of happiness in their childhood. It’s a mindset that carries into adulthood, influencing our behaviors and attitudes towards life.
3) Resilience in the face of adversity
Growing up poor often means facing challenges and hardships from a young age. It’s a tough start, but it can also build a high level of resilience.
Studies have shown that those who have faced adversity in their early years often develop a strong ability to cope with difficult situations as adults. They learn to navigate obstacles and keep moving forward, even when the going gets tough.
This resilience is not just emotional or psychological. It’s also about practical problem-solving skills. When you grow up having to figure out how to make ends meet, you learn how to be resourceful and innovative.
This resilience and resourcefulness can become one of their greatest strengths in adulthood.
4) Strong work ethic
One common trait found amongst those who grew up in poverty is a strong work ethic. This is often borne out of necessity, as they may have had to work from a young age to contribute to the family income.
This early introduction to work and the understanding of its value often translates into a strong commitment to their jobs as adults. They understand that work is not just about earning money, but also about personal growth, achieving goals, and making a difference.
Whether it’s pushing for a promotion, starting their own business, or working multiple jobs, they are usually willing to put in the effort required to improve their circumstances. This ingrained work ethic often helps them succeed in their chosen fields and achieve financial stability in adulthood.
5) Money management skills
Growing up poor often requires learning how to manage money from an early age. When resources are limited, you quickly learn the importance of budgeting and saving.
This early exposure to financial planning can often lead to impressive money management skills in adulthood. They’re often the ones who understand the importance of saving, avoid unnecessary debt, and prioritize financial security.
This isn’t to say they’re perfect with money – nobody is. But their early experiences with financial scarcity often make them more aware and cautious when it comes to managing their finances. They know the value of a dollar and the importance of making it last.
6) Empathy and understanding
When you’ve experienced hardship, it can often foster a deep sense of empathy. You understand what it’s like to struggle, to go without, to feel excluded.
This empathy can be a powerful trait in adulthood. It often translates into understanding and compassion for others who are facing difficulties.
They’re often the ones who will lend a hand without being asked, who will stand up for someone who is being treated unfairly, or who will go out of their way to help a stranger.
This empathy is borne from their own experiences of hardship, and it’s a testament to their strength. Despite having faced tough times themselves, they’re often the first ones to offer help to others in need. It’s a behavior that speaks volumes about their character and resilience.
7) Appreciation for education
I often found solace in books as a child. We couldn’t afford many things, but my parents always made sure we had access to education. They believed that learning was our ticket to a better future, and they instilled in us the value of hard work and perseverance.
This appreciation for education stuck with me into adulthood. I see it as more than just a path to a good job – it’s a way to broaden my horizons, challenge myself, and understand the world around me.
I’ve noticed this deep respect for education is common among those who grew up poor. Their humble beginnings make them value opportunities for learning and growth, often driving them to make the most of their educational opportunities. They understand that knowledge is something that can never be taken away from them, and they cherish it.
8) Fear of waste
Growing up with scarcity can often lead to a fear of waste in adulthood. When resources are limited, you learn to make the most of what you have.
This fear of waste extends beyond just money. It could be about not wasting food, not wasting opportunities, or not wasting time. It’s about understanding the value of resources and making the most of them.
This behavior isn’t just about being frugal. It’s about respecting the effort and resources that went into producing something and not taking it for granted. It’s a mindset that can lead to more sustainable and conscious choices in adulthood.
9) Gratitude
Above all, growing up poor often breeds a sense of profound gratitude. When you’ve experienced lack, you learn to appreciate abundance – no matter how small or large.
This gratitude isn’t just about being thankful for material things. It’s about appreciating opportunities, relationships, and experiences. It’s about recognizing the value in every moment and every connection.
This perspective can create a powerful sense of contentment and happiness in adulthood. It’s a reminder that wealth isn’t just about money – it’s about appreciating what you have, while striving for what you want.
Final thoughts: It’s about resilience
The behaviors of those who grew up poor are rooted in their experiences and struggles. They are the result of the resilience they had to develop to navigate a world that often seemed stacked against them.
But it’s important to remember that these behaviors are not a sentence – they’re a starting point. They are the foundation upon which they’ve built their lives, not the ceiling limiting their potential.
It’s also worth noting that these behaviors are not exclusive to people who grew up poor. They can be seen in anyone who has faced adversity or scarcity in their lives. And they can be learned by anyone who seeks to understand the value of money, the importance of resilience, and the power of gratitude.
Growing up poor may have shaped them, but it does not define them. They are not just the product of their past, but the architects of their future.
At the end of the day, these behaviors serve as a reminder that our experiences shape us, but they do not have to confine us. We have the power to learn, grow, and evolve, no matter where we started.
