Growing up in a working-class family, I learned early on that life wasn’t always about having it easy. It was about making the most of what you’ve got and working hard for everything you achieve.

From my own experiences and those of people around me, I’ve seen how being raised in this environment can deeply influence the habits we develop.

Psychology tells us that our upbringing leaves a lasting mark on how we approach life, and for many of us from working-class backgrounds, this means developing some unique traits and habits.

In this article, I’m diving into 9 of these habits that I’ve noticed in myself and others who grew up in similar circumstances.

1) They value hard work

Instilled with a strong sense of respect for hard work, people raised by working-class parents often develop an unwavering dedication towards their tasks.

This isn’t surprising, considering they’ve grown up witnessing their parents’ tireless efforts to provide for the family.

If this is you, you’re likely the first to arrive and last to leave at your workplace. You might also have a tendency to go above and beyond in your job, sometimes even when it’s not expressly required.

Kids of working class parents like us usually carry a firm belief that nothing worthwhile comes easy, and that consistent effort is the key to achieving goals.

This enduring dedication can sometimes be misinterpreted as stubbornness or inflexibility, but it’s simply a testament to our deeply ingrained work ethic.

This habit of valuing hard work doesn’t just extend to our careers, but often permeates all aspects of our lives. From personal projects to hobbies, we are commit fully and give our best effort.

2) They practice frugality

A common habit developed by those raised by working-class parents is frugality.

This isn’t about being stingy or miserly, but rather about understanding the value of money and making careful decisions about how to spend it.

Growing up in a working-class household often means living within your means and prioritizing your needs over wants. This experience tends to nurture an understanding of budgeting and making every penny count.

As a result, you might rarely make impulsive purchases. You likely weigh the necessity and value of every item before buying it.

Also, you might have a knack for spotting deals and discounts, and only spend money on luxury or high-end items if you deem it a necessary expense.

While some people may raise eyebrows at this habit, research shows that frugality often leads to financial stability and an ability to manage money effectively.

3) They embrace failure

You might think that growing up with working-class parents would make someone fear failure, especially with the potential financial or career risks involved.

But from my own experience, it’s often quite the opposite.

I’ve seen firsthand how my parents tackled challenges head-on and bounced back from setbacks.

This taught me early on that failure isn’t the end—it’s just another step on the road to success.

Instead of being daunted by the possibility of failing, we learn to see it as a chance to learn, grow, and improve.

When we hit a bump in the road, it’s not seen as a personal defeat but as valuable feedback. We use those experiences to better prepare ourselves for whatever comes next.

This mindset makes us resilient and adaptable, whether we’re facing personal hurdles or professional challenges.

4) They struggle with entitlement

Growing up in a working-class family can instill a lot of admirable traits, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges.

One thing I’ve noticed is the struggle with feelings of entitlement.

Watching my parents work tirelessly for little recognition or reward, I sometimes found myself feeling like I deserved more from life.

It’s not about being greedy—it’s just that deep-down belief that if you work hard, you should see bigger results.

This can lead to some real frustration when things don’t pan out as expected.

It’s a tough balancing act between the strong work ethic ingrained in us and the sometimes harsh realities of the world.

Many of us raised in working-class backgrounds wrestle with this sense of deserving more, trying to reconcile our hard work with the outcomes we actually see.

5) They offer help readily

People raised by working-class parents often have this incredible habit of being there for others whenever they’re needed.

Growing up in a close-knit community where helping each other out was the norm really sticks with you.

For example, my parents were always extending a hand to neighbors, friends, and even strangers without ever expecting anything back.

Research shows that empathy is often passed down from our parents. Witnessing selfless behavior instills a deep sense of empathy and kindness that carries on into adulthood.

You might notice that folks from this background are often the first to:

• Volunteer for community projects
• Lend a hand to a struggling coworker
• Be there for a friend who’s going through a rough patch

It’s not about obligation or hoping for something in return; it’s about genuinely wanting to make life a little easier for others, even in small ways.

6) They find joy in simple things

Growing up in a working-class family often teaches you to find joy in the simple things. I’ve learned to appreciate the little moments that others might overlook:

• A walk in the park
• A home-cooked meal
• A good book
• A hearty laugh with friends

My parents always showed me that true happiness doesn’t come from flashy possessions or grand experiences. Instead, it’s often found in those small, everyday pleasures.

This down-to-earth outlook helps us feel more content and appreciative of what we have, no matter how much or how little it may be. It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the simplest things can bring the greatest joy.

7) They’re resourceful and creative

Here’s a fun trait you’ll often spot in those raised by working-class parents: resourcefulness and creativity.

Growing up with limited resources really teaches you to make the most out of what you have. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention!

This could mean fixing a leaky faucet themselves instead of calling a plumber or creating a fancy meal out of leftovers.

You might notice them repurposing items that others would toss or coming up with clever solutions to everyday challenges.

Their ability to make something out of nothing isn’t just a survival skill—it’s a testament to their ingenuity and creativity.

8) They can be overly self-reliant

One habit that often comes from a working-class upbringing is a strong sense of self-reliance.

From an early age, many of us learned to depend on ourselves, which can be both a powerful strength and a tricky challenge.

On the bright side, this self-reliance often translates into real resilience and independence. We’re usually quick to tackle problems head-on and find solutions on our own.

But sometimes, this can go a bit too far.

Being overly self-reliant can make it feel like asking for help is a sign of weakness. I’ve caught myself shouldering burdens alone even when support was right there for the taking.

It’s crucial to remember that asking for help doesn’t make us any less strong or capable. We all need a hand sometimes, no matter how fiercely we’ve been taught to rely on ourselves.

9) They persevere

One of the most striking habits that comes from being raised by working-class parents is perseverance.

Despite facing all sorts of challenges and hardships, many of us have an incredible ability to keep going and never give up.

We’ve seen our parents endure long hours, overcome obstacles, and persist in the face of adversity to provide for their family.

This resilience has been passed on to us and ingrained deeply into our character.

The result?

Whether we’re chasing a dream, dealing with personal struggles, or pushing for success at work, we don’t easily throw in the towel. Our tenacity keeps us moving forward, no matter how tough things get.

Final reflections

So, there you have it—growing up with working-class parents can really shape who we become in some remarkable ways.

From developing resourcefulness and self-reliance to finding joy in everyday moments, these habits are more than just survival skills; they’re key to thriving in both our personal and professional lives.

These traits, born out of navigating challenging circumstances, often evolve into powerful strengths that we carry forward. They’re a testament to how our upbringing can endow us with resilience and creativity.