People who grew up in a low-income family usually display these 7 behaviors as adults

Growing up in a low-income family can leave its mark. Not just in the material sense, but also in the behaviors we carry into adulthood.

These behaviors aren’t negative or positive, they’re simply different. They’re born out of necessity, resilience, and a unique perspective on life and its challenges.

Let’s dive in. Here are seven behaviors typically exhibited by adults who grew up in a low-income family.

People who grew up in a low-income family usually display these 7 behaviors as adults

 

Tina Fey

Nov. 09, 2024

3 min read

 

Growing up in a low-income family can leave its mark. Not just in the material sense, but also in the behaviors we carry into adulthood.

 

 

These behaviors aren’t negative or positive, they’re simply different. They’re born out of necessity, resilience, and a unique perspective on life and its challenges.

 

Let’s dive in. Here are seven behaviors typically exhibited by adults who grew up in a low-income family.

 

1) Value-conscious habits

Growing up in a low-income household often molds a unique relationship with money.

The scarcity of resources can lead to innovative ways of managing finances. This ingrained sense of budgeting and thriftiness can remain deeply rooted in the person’s behavior throughout adulthood.

These adults often display value-conscious habits, placing an emphasis on getting the most out of every dollar. They’re the ones more likely to compare prices, be it for groceries or utilities, and opt for cost-saving alternatives.

This behavior isn’t born out of cheapness, it’s cultivated through years of making ends meet with limited resources. It’s a testament to their resilience and resourcefulness, skills that prove invaluable in many aspects of life.

2) Humility and appreciation

Another behavior I’ve noticed among people who grew up in low-income families, including myself, is a deep sense of humility and appreciation.

I remember growing up in a small two-bedroom apartment, sharing a room with my two siblings. We didn’t have the latest toys or the trendiest clothes. But we learned to value what we had.

This humbling upbringing made us more appreciative of the things we earned later in life. Even today, I find joy in simple things and take nothing for granted. This deep sense of gratitude and humility is a common trait found in adults who’ve experienced a low-income childhood.

This isn’t about being content with less. It’s about understanding the value of hard work, appreciating every success and never taking anything for granted.

3) High levels of empathy

Adults from low-income families often exhibit high levels of empathy. Experiencing hardship firsthand can foster a deeper understanding and concern for others undergoing similar trials.

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that lower-income individuals are more likely to engage in behaviors that benefit others, driven by their heightened empathic responses.