I know firsthand there’s something unique about growing up in a lower middle class family. It’s an experience that shapes you, influences your choices, and leaves a lasting mark on your life.
The signs are subtle, often overlooked, but if you know what to look for, they’re as clear as day.
From the way we value hard work to our outlook on money and life – these signs are a testament to a lower middle class upbringing.
Let’s get started.
1) A sense of frugality
Frugality is a trait that’s often deeply ingrained in those who grew up in lower middle class families.
Everyone knows the saying, “a penny saved is a penny earned”, right? Well, for us, this was more than just a saying – it was a way of life.
Growing up, we didn’t have the luxury to be wasteful. Whether it was making sure every scrap of food was eaten, or clothing was worn until it couldn’t be worn anymore, we knew the value of things.
We learned early on to appreciate what we had and make the most out of it. This isn’t to say we didn’t have fun or enjoy our lives. It simply meant we were mindful about our resources.
It’s not a bad thing – in fact, it’s a value that can serve you well throughout life.
2) Vacations were a luxury
I still remember how our vacations looked like back when I was a kid. They weren’t the extravagant trips to far-flung destinations that some of my friends talked about. No, our vacations were much more modest – but they were no less special.
Our family trips usually involved packing up the car and driving to a nearby camping site or visiting relatives in another town. I remember the joy of setting up our tent, roasting marshmallows over the campfire, and the excitement of exploring new places.
And those trips to Aunt’s house? They were filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of family. I didn’t realize it back then, but those experiences taught me to appreciate the simple things in life.
If your childhood vacations were more about spending quality time with family and less about expensive destinations or fancy hotels, it’s another sign you probably grew up in a lower middle class household. And you know what? Those memories are priceless.
3) Hand-me-downs were the norm
In lower middle class families, it’s quite common to find clothes and toys being passed down from older siblings to younger ones. It’s a practical way of maximizing the use of items and saving money.
In fact, in 2017, it was estimated that the global secondhand market was worth $360 billion. This suggests that not only lower middle class families, but many people across different income levels practice this.
If you grew up wearing your older sibling’s clothes or playing with their old toys, it’s a sign you probably belonged to a lower middle class family. It’s a practice that promotes sustainability and resourcefulness – values that are increasingly important in today’s consumer-driven society.
4) Value of hard work
Lower middle class families often place a high premium on the value of hard work. This is because they understand that nothing in life comes easy, and that to get ahead, you need to put in the effort.
As a kid, you might have been encouraged to take up part-time jobs, earn your own pocket money, or help out with household chores. This was not just to ease the family’s financial burden, but also to instill a strong work ethic in you.
If you find yourself working relentlessly towards your goals, and if you have a deep appreciation for the efforts of others, it’s likely a value that was instilled in you during your lower middle class upbringing. It’s a trait that will serve you well in all aspects of life.
5) Education was a priority
Growing up in a lower middle class family often means understanding the significance of education. Our parents saw education as the key to a better future, the ticket out of financial struggle.
Whether it was stressing over grades, pushing for college, or spending evenings helping with homework, the message was clear: education matters. It was seen as the one thing that could level the playing field and open doors to opportunities.
This focus on education is a testament to their belief in its power to change lives.
6) Family meals were sacred
In lower middle class families, there’s something sacred about sitting down together for a meal. It’s not just about sharing food, it’s about sharing love, stories, and creating memories.
It’s at these family meals where we learned to listen, interact, and care for each other. We shared laughter and sometimes tears, but most importantly, we shared our lives.
These moments, gathered around a simple dinner table, might not have been grand, but they were genuine and full of warmth. They taught us the importance of family and togetherness.
If you cherish the memory of family dinners, where everyone came together at the end of a long day to share more than just a meal, it’s another sign you probably grew up in a lower middle class family. And those memories are something to hold onto because they remind us that love doesn’t come with a price tag.
7) You learned to appreciate small pleasures
I remember as a child, waiting eagerly for the ice cream truck to pass by our neighborhood. It wasn’t an everyday occurrence, but on those special days when we were allowed to buy an ice cream, the joy was incomparable.
In a lower middle class family, such small pleasures hold great value. We didn’t have extravagant toys or go on lavish trips. Instead, we found happiness in simple things – an ice cream on a hot day, a game of catch in the park, a well-loved book borrowed from the library.
If you find yourself appreciating those little things in life and realizing they bring you immense joy, it could be because you grew up in a lower middle class family. It’s a beautiful lesson on finding happiness in simplicity.
8) Understanding the importance of savings
One might think growing up in a lower middle class family means spending every penny you earn. But it’s often quite the opposite. We learn early on about the importance of saving for the future.
Whether it was a piggy bank or a small savings account, the idea was to always keep aside a part of what we earned or received. The amount didn’t matter as much as the habit itself.
If you find yourself instinctively stashing away a part of your income, even when you’re not saving for anything in particular, it’s likely a behavior ingrained from growing up in a lower middle class household. It’s a habit that reflects financial prudence and foresight.
9) Community mattered
Growing up in a lower middle class family, you quickly learn the value of community. Whether it’s neighbors helping each other out, or local gatherings and events, the sense of togetherness is strong.
There was a shared understanding that we were all in this together. That we could rely on each other for support, be it emotional or practical.
It’s a testament to the power of community and shared resilience.
10) Resilience was bred into you
The most important sign of growing up in a lower middle class family is the resilience it instills in you. Life wasn’t always easy and we faced our fair share of challenges. But we learned to bounce back, to keep moving forward no matter what.
This resilience becomes a part of who we are. It shapes our character and influences our approach to life. We learn to face adversity with courage, and to never let our circumstances define us.
If you find yourself facing life’s challenges with a never-give-up attitude, it’s likely a trait you’ve carried over from your lower middle class upbringing. It’s a testament to your strength, your courage, and your ability to overcome.
Final reflection: It’s about perspective
Growing up in a lower middle class family might not have been an easy journey, but it’s one that has shaped us and made us who we are today.
The struggles, the joys, the lessons learned – they’re all part of our story. They’ve taught us to value what we have, to work hard for what we want, and to find happiness in the simplest things.
A 2015 study from the University of California found that individuals who experienced some adversity in their childhood were better at handling stressful situations in adulthood. This resilience is a testament to our upbringing.
Yet, it’s important to remember that these signs are not limitations or definitions of our worth. They are merely reflections of our past, shaping stones for our present, and stepping stones for our future.
As we look back, let’s do so with gratitude for the journey that has brought us here. For it’s not just about where we started or where we are now, but how far we’ve come.
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