There’s a stark divide between the experiences of different income classes—and it’s something you don’t truly get until you’ve lived it.

I’ve always had a keen interest in understanding different perspectives since I came from a lower-middle class home, facing struggles that are unique to that bracket.

In this article, I’m going to share with you seven struggles that only people from the lower-middle class can truly understand.

These are raw, real experiences that have shaped countless lives, including mine.

While this piece won’t fix the socio-economic disparities, my hope is that it will bring some much-needed awareness and understanding.

Whether you’ve lived these struggles or not, stick around—there’s a lot we can learn from each other:

1) The daily juggle

Living in the lower-middle class often means dealing with a demanding balancing act on a daily basis.

We’re not talking about the balancing act of juggling several jobs or responsibilities, although that’s certainly a part of it.

No, this is the emotional balancing act—the constant tension between making ends meet and aspiring for more.

In the lower-middle class, you’re often caught in the middle.

You’re not impoverished, but you’re also far from comfortable.

This creates a sense of being stuck, which can lead to feelings of frustration and hopelessness.

It’s this daily juggle—between basic survival and striving for upward mobility—that is a unique struggle faced by those in the lower-middle class.

As renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow famously said, “What a man can be, he must be.”

For many in the lower-middle class, it’s this struggle to fulfill one’s potential while grappling with economic constraints that defines their experience.

2) The invisible budgeting

Budgeting is a reality for many, but when you’re from the lower-middle class, it takes on a whole new level of complexity.

I remember growing up, my family had to account for every single penny.

We weren’t poor, but there was no room for extravagance.

My parents made a lot of tough decisions, like skipping meals out or buying second-hand clothes, just so we could keep the lights on and the fridge somewhat filled.

This kind of invisible budgeting—the constant financial gymnastics that go unnoticed by many—is a struggle that only those from the lower-middle class can truly understand.

It’s not about living within your means, but rather stretching your means to cover the basic necessities of life.

3) The stigma of class

One of the subtler, but no less painful, struggles of being lower-middle class is dealing with the stigma attached to it.

In a society that often equates success with wealth, being lower-middle class can feel like you’re wearing a sign that says ‘not successful enough’.

It’s a constant battle against the judgment and stereotypes that come with your socio-economic status.

Society has an obsession with material wealth that can distort our self-perception and lead to unnecessary suffering.

This is especially pertinent for those in the lower-middle class who constantly feel the need to prove themselves or hide their financial struggles for fear of being judged.

This alone creates a toxic cycle of shame and secrecy that only adds to the burden of existing financial pressures.

As psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.”

Breaking free from this stigma involves learning about and embracing your own worth, irrespective of your economic standing.

4) The scarcity mindset

One of the psychological struggles often faced by those in the lower-middle class is what psychologists refer to as the ‘scarcity mindset’.

This is a cognitive framework where individuals are hyper-focused on what they lack, rather than what they have.

The scarcity mindset can lead to a variety of maladaptive behaviors, including impulsive decision-making and a short-term focus that sacrifices long-term gains.

In the context of lower-middle class life, this could manifest as taking on high-interest payday loans to meet immediate needs, even though this might lead to greater financial hardship in the future.

Overcoming the scarcity mindset requires a conscious effort to shift focus from what’s missing to abundance that exists in other non-material forms.

5) The struggle of aspiration

Here’s something that may seem counter-intuitive: One of the struggles unique to the lower-middle class is the very aspiration to do better.

While ambition is generally seen as a positive trait, for those in the lower-middle class, it can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword.

On one hand, you’re encouraged to strive for more, to break the shackles of your socio-economic status; on the other hand, every step towards upward mobility can be met with obstacles and setbacks that seem insurmountable.

This constant tug-of-war between aspiration and reality can lead to a sense of disillusionment and resentment.

It’s not just about climbing the socio-economic ladder; it’s about grappling with the harsh truth that the ladder itself is often rigged against you.

6) The financial literacy gap

Another struggle unique to the lower-middle class is the financial literacy gap.

With limited access to quality financial education, many are left to navigate the complex world of personal finance on their own.

This lack of knowledge can lead to poor financial decisions, exacerbating the cycle of economic instability.

It’s not just about making more money, but understanding how to manage it effectively.

This struggle is not about intelligence or capability, but about access to resources and information.

Bridging this gap is crucial in empowering individuals and families in the lower-middle class to build a more secure financial future.

As famed psychologist Albert Bandura said, “In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, to struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life.”

Financial literacy is a key part of building this self-efficacy and resilience.

7) The lack of a safety net

It’s a constant balancing act.

One unexpected expense—a car repair, a medical bill, a sudden job loss—and everything could come crashing down.

The lack of a safety net is one of the most nerve-wracking aspects of lower-middle class life.

Without substantial savings or wealthy relatives to fall back on, you’re always walking a tightrope.

It’s a stress that hangs over you, influencing every decision you make, from career choices to lifestyle habits.

This struggle isn’t just financial; it’s emotional.

It’s about living with the constant fear of what might happen if things go wrong.

As psychologist Viktor Frankl said, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

This lack of a safety net requires not just financial prudence, but also emotional resilience and adaptability.

Final thoughts: Understanding is key

Understanding the lived experiences of the lower-middle class isn’t just about sympathizing with their struggles.

It’s about recognizing the resilience, tenacity, and determination it takes to navigate these challenges every day; acknowledging that while their battles might be different from yours, they’re equally valid and equally deserving of empathy and respect.

The struggles of the lower-middle class are real, but so is their strength. 

Perhaps, by shedding light on these struggles, we can bridge the socio-economic divide just a little bit more.

Acceptance—of ourselves, of others, of our collective struggles—is the first step towards creating meaningful change.