There’s a unique sense of belonging that comes from a lower-middle class background. It’s like a secret club, with shared experiences and rites of passage that are all too familiar.
These experiences shape us, mould us and often stay with us, no matter where life takes us. They’re subtle, yet powerful reminders of our roots.
In this piece, we’ll explore these shared experiences. If you can relate to these 10 experiences, then you’re likely to be a card-carrying member of the lower-middle class club. It’s not about labels – it’s about understanding where we’ve come from and how it shapes who we are today.
Let’s dive in.
1) Bargain hunting
It’s a skill, a pastime, and often a necessity. Bargain hunting is a common theme amongst those from lower-middle class backgrounds.
The thrill of finding a great deal, the satisfaction of stretching your dollar – these aren’t just financial necessities, they are a way of life.
From trawling through thrift stores to clipping coupons, these habits aren’t just about saving money. They are indicative of resourcefulness and resilience.
If you’ve found yourself holding up a checkout line while you count out exact change or argue about a coupon’s validity, there’s a good chance you come from a lower-middle class background.
And it’s not just about the money saved – it’s about the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve gotten the most value for your hard-earned cash. It’s a small victory in the daily struggle to make ends meet.
Bargain hunting might seem like a small thing, but it’s one of those experiences that leaves an indelible mark. It’s an experience that binds us together, that makes us who we are.
2) The value of hard work
I remember my first job like it was yesterday. I was 15, working at a local grocery store, bagging groceries and helping customers to their cars. The hours were long, the pay was low, but it taught me the value of hard work.
It’s a lesson I’ve carried with me into adulthood. The idea that nothing comes easy, that you have to earn your way in this world – it’s a common thread among those who come from a lower-middle class background.
We know what it means to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty. We understand the satisfaction that comes from seeing the fruits of our labor – whether it’s a well-earned paycheck or the sight of a well-kept home.
We may not have had a lot growing up, but we learned the importance of hard work. It’s an ethic that has served us well in life, and it’s something we’ll always carry with us.
3) DIY Everything
From fixing leaky faucets to assembling furniture, there’s a strong do-it-yourself spirit in lower-middle class households.
It’s not just about saving money – although that’s definitely a part of it. It’s also about self-reliance and the satisfaction that comes from solving problems on your own.
In 2012, a study found that lower income households are more likely to engage in DIY activities than their wealthier counterparts. This isn’t surprising when you consider the resourcefulness and resilience often found in lower-middle class families.
The DIY mentality goes beyond home repairs and extends into other areas of life too – like cooking meals from scratch instead of dining out, or sewing and mending clothes instead of buying new ones.
If you grew up knowing the ins and outs of a toolbox or can navigate your way around a sewing machine, you might have this background to thank for your handy skills.
4) Financial prioritizing
Growing up in a lower-middle class family means learning about financial prioritizing at an early age.
You understand that sometimes, you have to go without certain things to make ends meet. You learn the difference between “wants” and “needs,” and that sometimes, those “wants” have to be put on hold.
It’s about making choices – choosing to pay the electricity bill instead of going out for dinner, or saving up for a much-needed pair of shoes instead of buying that new video game.
This financial prioritizing often extends into adulthood, even when circumstances may have changed. The lessons learned from growing up in a lower-middle class home stay with you, influencing your decisions and shaping your approach to money management.
If you’ve found yourself weighing every purchase or foregoing luxuries for practical necessities, it’s a sure sign of your roots. And while it may have been challenging, it’s also given you a valuable skill set in money management that many people lack.
5) Hand-me-downs and secondhand items
If the phrase “it still has a lot of use left in it” rings familiar, you probably grew up in a lower-middle class household.
Hand-me-downs and secondhand items were often the norm, not because they were trendy, but because they were practical and cost-effective.
Older sibling’s clothes would find a new life with the younger ones. Furniture would be passed down from relative to relative, carrying with them stories of past generations.
Garage sales were treasure troves, not places to discard junk. And the idea of throwing something away just because it was old was almost unheard of.
This experience teaches us the value of things beyond their price tag. It’s not about how new something is, but how useful it can be. And it’s a mindset that stays with us, long after we’ve left our childhood homes.
6) The importance of family and community
In lower-middle class households, family and community aren’t just important – they’re everything.
You learn early on that it’s not about what you have, but who you have. You learn to lean on each other in tough times, to celebrate together in good times, and to always, always have each other’s backs.
The bonds formed in a lower-middle class family are often strong and unbreakable. They’re forged in shared struggles and shared triumphs, in laughter and tears, in love and understanding.
And it’s not just about the family you’re born into. It’s also about the community around you – the friends and neighbors who become like a second family. It’s about knowing that if you ever need help, there are people who will be there for you.
If your family and community played a crucial role in your upbringing, shaping your values and your outlook on life, then you likely share this common experience with others from a lower-middle class background.
7) The luxury of leftovers
I remember the times when dinner wasn’t just a meal, it was a strategy. We didn’t just cook for one night, we cooked for the week. Leftovers weren’t just convenient; they were a lifeline.
Every Sunday, my mother would pull out her largest pot and make a big batch of something – soup, stew, pasta sauce. And that would be our dinner for the next few days.
It wasn’t fancy, but it was filling and nutritious. And more importantly, it was affordable.
This practice instilled in me an appreciation for resourcefulness in the kitchen and an understanding of how to make a little go a long way. It’s a skill that has served me well into adulthood, both in saving money and reducing waste.
If you grew up with the luxury of leftovers, savoring the flavors that seemed to get even better with each passing day, you’re not alone. It’s a common thread among those of us who come from lower-middle class backgrounds.
8) The upside of struggle
Growing up in a lower-middle class household often means facing struggles and hardships. But interestingly, these challenges can also be a source of strength.
Facing financial constraints teaches resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness. It forces you to learn how to make do with less, to find solutions to problems, and to persevere even when the odds are stacked against you.
These experiences can be tough, but they can also shape your character in profound ways. They can instill in you a drive to succeed, a determination to overcome obstacles, and a deep appreciation for the things you have.
So while growing up lower-middle class can be challenging, it can also equip you with invaluable life skills and qualities that can serve you well throughout your life. It’s a silver lining that’s not immediately apparent, but it’s there nonetheless.
9) Public transportation adventures
If your childhood memories include waiting for the local bus or navigating the subway system, you’re in good company.
Public transportation is often a mainstay in the lives of those from lower-middle class backgrounds. It’s more than just a way to get around – it’s a part of daily life.
From learning to plan your schedule around bus timetables, to understanding the intricacies of different routes and transfers, these experiences teach us some early lessons in logistics and time management.
And while it may not have always been the most convenient or comfortable way to travel, it offered its own unique opportunities. The chance to observe different walks of life, to appreciate the hustle and bustle of the city, and even to find a moment of quiet reflection amidst the chaos.
Whether it was a daily commute or an occasional ride, if public transportation played a significant role in your upbringing, then you likely hail from a lower-middle class background.
10) The richness of simplicity
Growing up lower-middle class teaches you that richness doesn’t always come from material wealth. It comes from the simple things – a home-cooked meal, a game of catch in the backyard, or a family movie night huddled around the TV.
These experiences teach us to find joy in simplicity. We learn to appreciate the small moments, the everyday pleasures that don’t cost a thing but are priceless nonetheless.
It’s about understanding that happiness isn’t tied to how much you have, but how much you value what you do have.
This is perhaps the most important lesson one takes away from a lower-middle class upbringing. And it’s one that enriches your life in ways far more meaningful than material wealth ever could.
