Mia Zhang
Growing up, money was always tight. We never knew if we would pay the rent on time, and pocket money or vacations were a rarity.
Of course, at the time, I wished we were wealthy and dreamed about what life would be like if we had more money.
But now I’m older, I’ve realised that growing up in a financially unstable household installed many great qualities in me.
If you had a similar childhood to, know that this experience, tough as it may be, has shaped your personality in ways you might not even realize. From how you view money to how you interact with others, it’s an experience that leaves an indelible mark.
Here are 8 little-known ways growing up in an unstable financial environment has shaped my personality, and most likely, also yours!
1) Value for money
Growing up in a financially unstable household can make you a pro at stretching a dollar.
Money is often tight in such situations, and this instills a deep understanding of the value of money from a very young age. You learn to recognize the worth of every penny and to make every dollar stretch as far as possible.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it can lead to increased financial responsibility. You might find that you’re more careful with your money than your peers, and better at budgeting.
Research supports this, as a study published in Family Relations found that young adults from poor families establish financial independence earlier than those with wealthier parents.
However, this upbringing can also lead to anxiety around spending money, even when it’s necessary or would significantly improve your quality of life.
In fact, I’ve found the fear of not having enough can linger long after you’ve achieved financial stability.
2) The value of hard work
In my own experience, growing up in a financially unstable household taught me the value of hard work.
We didn’t have a lot of money, so from a young age, I understood that if I wanted something, I had to work for it.
My first job was a paper route when I was just 11 years old!
I’d wake up at the crack of dawn, deliver newspapers around my neighborhood, and save every penny I earned to buy the things I wanted.
This ingrained in me a deep appreciation for the effort it takes to earn money, which has stayed with me into adulthood. Now, I’m not afraid to put in the hard work necessary to achieve my goals.
It’s a lesson that might have been tough to learn at the time but has proven invaluable throughout my life. Growing up in a financially unstable household can encourage a strong work ethic that stays with you long after you’ve left home.
3) Enhanced creativity
When resources are limited, you often have to think outside the box. This means that children from financially unstable households can develop a knack for problem-solving and creativity.
A study published in Asian Social Science found that children who experience economic hardship tend to score higher on tests of creativity.
The researchers speculate that this might be because these children learn early on how to make do with less, and how to create their own fun when store-bought toys or experiences aren’t an option.
This creativity can serve you well in adult life, helping you to find innovative solutions to problems and to think differently from others.
So while financial instability can undoubtedly create challenges, it can also foster important skills and abilities.
4) Resilience
Living in a financially unstable household can be challenging, but it can also build a great deal of resilience.
You learn to cope with uncertainty and to adapt to changing circumstances. You might have to move house more often, switch schools, or cope with periods of instability.
These experiences, while tough, can give you the ability to bounce back from setbacks and to keep going even when times are tough.
Resilience is a valuable trait that can help you navigate life’s ups and downs with grace. It’s one of the less obvious ways growing up in a financially unstable household can shape your personality, but it’s certainly one of the most valuable.
5) Empathy
According to research, experiencing financial instability can make you deeply empathetic towards others who are struggling.
A UC Berkeley study found that people from low-Income families are quicker to show compassion than those from higher-income homes.
Here’s why…
We know what it feels like to not have enough, to worry about the future, and to face uncertainty.
This understanding can make you more compassionate towards others who are going through similar experiences.
This high empathy can shape your interactions with others and influence your worldview.
It can make you kinder, more patient, and more understanding. It can also motivate you to help others and to strive for a world where no one has to experience the kind of hardship you faced.
Growing up in a financially unstable household can be tough, but it can also help develop a deep well of empathy that enriches your relationships and your understanding of the world.
6) Desire for stability
Growing up, I always longed for a sense of financial stability.
The constant worry about bills, rent, and basic necessities was draining, and I promised myself I wouldn’t let my future family experience the same.
This desire for stability has shaped many of my decisions in life.
I chose a career path that, while perhaps not my dream job, provided a reliable income. I’ve been cautious with my spending and meticulous about saving, prioritizing financial security above all else.
This drive for stability is a common theme among those who grew up in financially unstable households. It’s a guiding principle that can shape your life decisions and your approach to finances.
7) Appreciation for the small things
When money’s tight, you learn to appreciate the small things in life. A homemade meal, a walk in the park, a good book from the library – these simple pleasures can bring immense joy.
Growing up in a financially unstable household often means that extravagant holidays, expensive gadgets, or the latest fashion trends aren’t part of your reality.
But it also teaches you to find joy in what you do have.
This appreciation for the simple things can follow you into adulthood. It can make you more content, more grateful, and less driven by materialism.
8) Determination
Perhaps the most powerful way growing up in a financially unstable household shapes your personality is instilling a fierce determination.
Facing financial struggles head-on can ignite an internal fire, a drive to change your circumstances.
It can make you more ambitious, more persistent, and more determined to create a better future for yourself.
This determination can be a powerful force in shaping your life. It can drive you to:
- Pursue education
- Chase career opportunities
- Strive for financial independence
It’s proof that even in the most challenging circumstances, we have the potential to rise above and create significant change.
Final thoughts: The silver linings
Growing up in a financially unstable household shapes our personalities in more ways than we realize.
This shows that growing up in poverty CAN have a positive impact on our adult lives.
So while your childhood was undoubtably tough, it has made you who you are today! Not only that, but you have the power to use these experiences to create meaningful change in your life.
