Growing up in a low-income family can shape you in ways you might not realize until you’re an adult.

It’s not just about the financial struggles, but also the life lessons, values, and habits that are formed. These experiences often lead to distinct behaviors in adulthood.

These behaviors are not limitations, but rather unique characteristics that can be harnessed for success. They can give you an edge, make you more resourceful, resilient, and even guide your path to financial stability.

In this article, we’re going to explore 7 common behaviors displayed by adults who grew up in a low-income family. These may resonate with you or help you understand others better. Let’s dive in.

1) Resourcefulness

Growing up with limited resources can either limit you or make you incredibly resourceful.

For those who grew up in low-income families, it’s often the latter. When you’re used to not having everything handed to you, you learn to make do with what you have. You learn to stretch a dollar, to repurpose items, to make things last.

This trait doesn’t just disappear when these individuals enter adulthood. Instead, it becomes a part of their identity. They tend to be problem solvers, innovators, and people who can find a way out of difficult situations.

Resourcefulness is a valuable trait in any context – personal life, work environment or even in friendships and relationships. It’s about being adaptable and resilient, two qualities that are highly admired and sought after in today’s fast-paced world.

And it’s often cultivated in the crucible of a low-income upbringing. So next time you see someone being exceptionally resourceful, they might just have their childhood to thank for it.

2) Value of hard work

I can still vividly recall my childhood. My parents worked multiple jobs to make ends meet and provide for our family.

There was no room for entitlement. No expectation of handouts, and certainly no room for laziness. Hard work was a value deeply ingrained in me from an early age.

This mindset didn’t magically disappear when I grew up. It stuck with me, influencing my approach to work and life in general. I found myself working tirelessly in school, then in my career, driven not by necessity, but by the understanding that effort and dedication often lead to success.

This is a common behavior among those who grew up in low-income families. The value of hard work and the understanding that nothing comes easy is a trait carried well into adulthood.

3) Financial Literacy

Contrary to what some might expect, individuals who grew up in low-income families often have a strong understanding of financial literacy. When money is tight, you learn quickly the importance of budgeting, saving, and making wise financial decisions.

A study found that children from low-income families are more likely to discuss finances with their parents. This early exposure to financial discussions can foster an understanding and appreciation for financial literacy that carries into adulthood.

As adults, they often exhibit behaviors such as careful budgeting, avoiding debt, and prioritizing savings – all crucial components of financial stability. They understand the value of money and are more likely to make informed decisions about spending and saving.

4) Appreciation for small pleasures

When you grow up with less, you learn to appreciate more. This isn’t about settling for less, but rather about finding joy and satisfaction in the simple things in life.

Individuals who grew up in low-income families often carry this behavior into adulthood. They tend to appreciate small acts of kindness, simple pleasures, and find joy in things that others might overlook.

This might mean savoring a home-cooked meal, enjoying a walk in the park, or simply appreciating a good book. It’s about being grateful for what you have, instead of constantly striving for more.

In a society that often equates happiness with material possessions, this perspective can be both refreshing and grounding. It’s a reminder that happiness doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

5) Strong sense of community

I remember growing up in a neighborhood where everyone knew each other. We didn’t have much, but we looked out for one another. If someone was sick, neighbors would cook meals. If a child needed help with homework, others would step in to tutor. We were a tight-knit community.

This sense of community, of looking out for each other, is something that I’ve carried into adulthood. It’s made me more empathetic, more willing to lend a hand, and more aware of the importance of social bonds.

Many who grow up in low-income families often display this behavior as adults. They understand the power of community and the value of supporting each other. They’re often quick to help others and are deeply invested in their communities.

6) Resilience

Growing up in a low-income family often means facing challenges that others might not encounter. Whether it’s financial struggles, limited opportunities, or societal stigma, these hurdles can be tough.

But they can also foster resilience.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, to keep going in the face of difficulties. And it’s a trait that’s often seen in adults who grew up in low-income families.

These individuals have faced and overcome obstacles from a young age. They’ve learned to adapt, to persevere, and to keep pushing forward.

As adults, this resilience can be a powerful asset. It can mean the difference between giving up or persisting in the face of challenges. It can fuel ambition, drive success, and inspire others.

So while growing up in a low-income family can be tough, it can also cultivate a resilience that serves as a strong foundation for adulthood.

7) Ambition

Growing up in a low-income family often ignites a fire within individuals, a burning ambition to strive for more. It’s a desire to break the cycle, to achieve what might have seemed impossible, and to prove that circumstances do not define one’s potential.

These individuals often display a drive and determination that is fueled by their experiences. They work relentlessly towards their goals, and they don’t let setbacks deter them.

This ambition isn’t just about financial success. It’s about seeking better opportunities, reaching higher levels of education, and making a difference in their communities.

So if there’s one thing you should know about adults who grew up in low-income families, it’s this: they’re often some of the most driven, determined, and ambitious people you’ll meet. And these traits can lead them to achieve remarkable things.