The impact of our childhood on our adult lives is immense, especially when it comes to financial circumstances. Growing up poor can deeply shape our behaviors, habits and mindset.
It’s not about stereotypes or assumptions, but understanding the realities of poverty and how they influence a person’s life. Often, those who have experienced this kind of upbringing display certain behaviors as adults.
In this article, we’ll uncover 9 behaviors that are commonly observed in adults who grew up poor. This isn’t about pointing fingers, but shedding light on the lasting impacts of childhood poverty.
Let’s dive in.
1) They value experiences over possessions
Poverty in childhood often leads to a deep understanding of the impermanence of material things. Growing up poor means learning to live without the latest gadgets or designer clothes, focusing instead on the essentials.
As adults, those who grew up poor often carry this mindset with them. They tend to value experiences over material possessions, preferring to spend their money on creating memories rather than acquiring things.
This isn’t about deprivation, but about understanding what truly matters in life. They know that the joy derived from experiences tends to last longer and be more fulfilling than that derived from material possessions.
But remember, this isn’t a rule set in stone. People are different and their childhood experiences impact them in varied ways. This is just one of the common behaviors observed.
2) They are resourceful and innovative
Growing up poor often means learning to make do with what you have. It’s about being resourceful, innovative, and finding solutions in unlikely places.
I’ll share a personal example. As a kid, my family didn’t have the means to afford expensive toys or video games. But that didn’t hinder our creativity. I remember turning cardboard boxes into forts, using kitchen utensils as drumsticks, and creating entire worlds from Lego blocks.
Now as an adult, I find myself carrying that same resourcefulness into my everyday life. Whether it’s utilizing a small budget to create a gourmet meal or finding innovative solutions at work, the lessons from my childhood have shaped me into a problem-solver.
It’s not uncommon for adults who grew up poor to be resourceful and innovative. It’s a survival skill that becomes a part of their life, even when the circumstances have changed.
3) They often have a strong work ethic
Growing up in poverty can instill an incredibly powerful work ethic. The necessity to contribute to the family’s income at an early age, or witnessing the hard work of their parents just to make ends meet, can have a significant impact.
As adults, this translates into being hard workers and often overachievers. They are driven by the need not to relive the hardships of their childhood.
This strong work ethic is reflected in a study by The National Bureau of Economic Research. According to the study, children growing up in low-income families are more likely to work hard and be successful as adults, as compared to those from high-income families.
This drive and determination are admirable qualities that speak volumes about an individual’s character. It’s not about working relentlessly, but valuing the importance of hard work and diligence.
4) They are empathetic and compassionate
When you’ve experienced hardship firsthand, it can make you more understanding and empathetic towards others going through the same. This empathy is often seen in adults who grew up in poverty.
They understand what it’s like to struggle, to go without, and to face adversity. As a result, they’re often more compassionate and understanding of others in similar situations.
They’re more likely to lend a helping hand to those in need and show kindness where others might overlook it. It’s not about pity, but about recognizing the shared human experience and offering compassion where it’s needed most.
While growing up poor can be challenging, it can also cultivate deep empathy and compassion that enriches their relationships in adulthood.
5) They are cautious with money
Living in a state of financial insecurity can leave a lasting impact. For many people who grew up poor, this translates into being extremely cautious with money as adults.
They are often meticulous budgeters, tracking every penny and making sure they are getting the most out of their hard-earned money. They are also less likely to make impulsive purchases, carefully considering the value and necessity of each item before buying it.
This doesn’t mean they’re stingy or cheap. Instead, it’s about understanding the value of money and making sure that every dollar is put to good use. It’s a financial discipline that can be hugely beneficial in the long run.
Growing up poor can instill a sense of fiscal responsibility and caution that stays with them throughout their lives.
6) They cherish relationships
When material possessions are scarce, relationships often take center stage. Many people who grew up poor tend to place a high value on their relationships as adults.
They understand that possessions come and go, but relationships, once built, can provide a support system, love, and companionship that no amount of money can buy.
They’ve seen firsthand how a loving family or a close-knit community can help overcome even the toughest of times. They understand the importance of sticking together, helping each other out, and the strength that comes from unity.
So while they may not have had the wealthiest of childhoods, they often grow up understanding the priceless value of relationships. This understanding often makes them rich in ways that money can’t measure.
Growing up poor can therefore nurture a deep appreciation for the people in their lives, making them cherish their relationships above all else.
7) They appreciate small pleasures
Growing up without a lot of money often means learning to find joy in the smallest of things.
I remember as a child, we didn’t have much. But I recall how a simple act like sharing a homemade cookie with my siblings became such a treasured moment. Or how we’d all huddle around the radio, listening to our favorite programs, laughing and enjoying those shared experiences.
As an adult, I still find immense pleasure in these small, seemingly insignificant moments. A cup of perfectly brewed coffee, a good book, or a walk in the park on a sunny day brings me as much joy as any expensive purchase might.
Many people who grew up poor often carry this appreciation for small pleasures into adulthood. It’s about finding happiness in the simple things and realizing that these moments are what truly enrich our lives.
8) They are resilient
Resilience is often a trait forged in the fires of adversity. People who grew up poor have often faced more than their share of challenges. These experiences can foster a deep resilience that carries into adulthood.
They’ve learned to cope with uncertainty, to adapt to changing circumstances, and to bounce back from setbacks. This resilience helps them navigate the ups and downs of life with a strength that can be truly inspiring.
Despite the hardships they might have faced, they don’t let these experiences define them. Instead, they use them as stepping stones to build a stronger, more resilient self.
Growing up poor often instills a level of resilience that is truly admirable. It’s about turning adversity into strength, and using that strength to navigate through life’s challenges.
9) They never take things for granted
Perhaps the most significant behavior seen in adults who grew up poor is a profound sense of gratitude. They’ve experienced what it’s like to have very little, and as a result, they rarely take things for granted.
Every opportunity, every kind gesture, every good fortune is deeply appreciated. They know the value of what they have because they understand what it’s like to go without.
This deep-rooted appreciation and gratitude often lead to a more fulfilling life, as they are able to find joy and contentment in what they have, rather than constantly striving for more.
Growing up poor can therefore instill a profound sense of gratitude that enriches their lives in numerous ways. It’s about recognizing the value in what we have and appreciating it fully.
