The realities of growing up in a lower-middle class background can be unique and varied.
These experiences are often shared, forming a common thread that binds and shapes us. They might even be things that you didn’t realize were unique to your socioeconomic status.
This isn’t about casting judgment or making assumptions. It’s about recognizing those shared experiences that make us who we are today.
In this article, I’m going to walk you through 10 of these experiences. If they strike a chord, then you, my friend, probably come from a lower-middle class background.
Let’s dive in and see how many you recognize.
1) You know the value of a dollar
Growing up in a lower-middle-class family often means understanding the worth of money at an early age.
It’s not about being deprived or living in poverty. Rather, it’s about appreciating what you have and knowing how hard your parents worked to provide it.
Maybe you had chores or a part-time job to earn your pocket money. Or perhaps you learned to save up for something you really wanted rather than expecting it to be given to you.
These experiences aren’t negative. In fact, they are likely to have instilled in you a sense of responsibility and financial awareness that many people lack.
2) Vacations were a luxury, not a given
I remember growing up, vacations were something special, something we saved up for. They weren’t an annual tradition, but a luxury that happened once in a blue moon.
My parents would plan for months, saving every penny they could to afford a week at a modest beach house or a road trip to visit relatives. It wasn’t about luxury resorts or fancy cruises for us.
Those trips, rare as they were, meant the world to me. They were filled with laughter, love and quality time together. Those memories are some of my fondest.
If you find yourself reminiscing about those few but cherished family vacations, you might just share a similar lower-middle class experience.
3) Hand-me-downs were the norm
In lower-middle class families, clothing is often seen as a functional necessity rather than a fashion statement. This means that siblings routinely inherit clothes from their older brothers or sisters.
This practice isn’t just about saving money. It’s also an environmentally friendly choice.
Therefore, if you grew up wearing your sibling’s old jeans or sneakers, it’s not just a sign of your family’s economic status, but also a testament to their practical and sustainable approach to life.
4) Home-cooked meals were a staple
Eating out or ordering takeaways was probably an occasional treat rather than a regular occurrence in your household.
Lower-middle class families often prioritize home-cooked meals, not only because it’s more economical, but it’s also a way to spend quality time as a family.
Your parents might have had a repertoire of hearty, cost-effective recipes that they relied on. You might even have been roped into helping out in the kitchen, peeling potatoes or stirring the stew.
If you have fond memories of family dinners around the kitchen table, this is likely a sign of your lower-middle class background.
5) Thrift stores were your shopping malls
Shopping for clothes or toys often meant a trip to the thrift store or scouring yard sales. The joy of finding a hidden gem or a barely used item at a fraction of the original cost is something you probably can relate to.
These experiences often taught us the value of repurposing and the fact that brand new isn’t always better.
So if you still find yourself drawn to thrift stores and yard sales, even when you could afford to shop elsewhere, it’s likely a vestige of your lower-middle class upbringing.
6) Your community was your extended family
When resources are limited, communities often come together to support each other. In a lower-middle class neighborhood, you might have found that your neighbors were more like extended family members.
There were shared meals, babysitting exchanges, and carpools to school or work. Celebrations, hardships, and everything in between were experienced as a community.
This sense of unity and communal support is something truly special. It creates a bond that often lasts a lifetime.
If you can relate to this, then your roots probably lie in a lower-middle class background. Despite the struggles, there’s a certain warmth and camaraderie that is hard to replicate elsewhere.
7) Education was seen as a ticket to a better life
I remember my parents emphasizing the importance of education from a very early age. It was seen as the key to unlocking opportunities and achieving a better life.
Books were treasured possessions in our house and the local library was a frequent destination. Despite the financial constraints, my parents always found a way to prioritize my education, even if it meant making sacrifices elsewhere.
This mindset might have meant additional pressure to perform well acadically, but it also instilled in me an enduring love for learning and an appreciation for the opportunities it can provide.
If this resonates with you, then your upbringing probably mirrors mine in the lower-middle class.
8) You learned the art of fixing things
In a world where it’s often easier and sometimes cheaper to replace broken items, you might have grown up in a household where fixing things was the first option.
Whether it was a leaky faucet, a torn shirt, or a faulty appliance, the instinct was to repair rather than replace. This might have meant learning some handy DIY skills or becoming creative with quick fixes.
While it may seem like a hardship, this approach actually fosters resourcefulness and resilience. It teaches us that not every problem requires a new solution – sometimes, it just needs a little ingenuity.
If you’re handy with a toolbox or a sewing kit, your lower-middle class background might be the reason why.
9) Extracurricular activities were a luxury
In lower-middle class families, budgeting often means prioritizing needs over wants. This usually translates to basic necessities taking precedence over extracurricular activities.
This isn’t to say that you didn’t participate in any activities outside school. But instead of pricey private lessons or clubs, you might have relied on school programs, community initiatives or simply playing with neighborhood friends.
Looking back, this might have given you a greater appreciation for the opportunities you did have and taught you to make the most of available resources.
If this sounds familiar, your experiences likely reflect a lower-middle class upbringing.
10) You know the value of hard work
One of the most enduring lessons from a lower-middle class background is the value of hard work. You’ve likely witnessed your parents working tirelessly, sometimes juggling multiple jobs, to provide for the family.
This work ethic doesn’t just apply to jobs. It extends to studies, household chores, and any other responsibilities you had.
You learned early on that success isn’t handed to you on a silver platter, it’s earned through dedication and perseverance. And that’s a lesson that serves you well, no matter where life takes you.
Final thoughts: It’s about perspective
The experiences of growing up in a lower-middle class background are diverse and often filled with challenges. But these experiences are not without their silver linings.
In fact, according to a study by the American Psychological Association, individuals who have experienced some adversity in their lives tend to be better equipped to manage stress and face future adversities. Their experiences often build resilience and instill valuable life skills.
Growing up in a lower-middle class family likely taught you the importance of hard work, the value of money, the richness of community, and the preciousness of simple pleasures. These lessons are not just about surviving or making do, but about truly appreciating what we have.
So whether you recognized all these experiences or just a few, remember this: your background is a crucial part of who you are today. It shaped you, but it doesn’t define you.
Your journey might have started in the lower-middle class, but where it leads is entirely up to you.
