People who grew up poor often display these 9 behaviors as adults

Growing up poor can shape a person in profound ways. It can teach you the value of money, hard work, and resilience. But, it can also leave lingering behaviors that follow you into adulthood.

As adults, those who have experienced poverty in their formative years often manifest certain behaviors, some of which may surprise you.

Here are 9 behaviors that people who grew up poor tend to exhibit in adulthood. 

1) They value money differently

Money has a different meaning for those who’ve grown up in poverty. For them, it’s not just a medium of exchange, but a symbol of security and stability.

Because they’ve experienced the hardship of not having enough, they tend to be more cautious with their spending and often go to great lengths to save. They may avoid unnecessary expenses and prefer practical and long-lasting items over luxury or trendy ones.

That’s not to say they don’t know how to enjoy life or spend on themselves. It’s just that their perspective on money is rooted in a past where every cent counted.

This behavior is often carried into adulthood, shaping their financial habits and decisions. And while it can lead to an admirable level of frugality and budgeting skills, it also reflects the invisible burden carried by those who grew up poor.

2) They’re resourceful

Growing up poor, one thing I learned early on was to make do with what I had. When you don’t have a lot, you get creative.

I remember times when we couldn’t afford new school supplies, so I’d fashion my own book covers from grocery bags and repurpose old notebooks by tearing out the used pages. We couldn’t afford regular trips to the grocery store, so meals often became a game of “what can we make with what’s left in the pantry?”

This knack for resourcefulness doesn’t just disappear when circumstances improve. As an adult, I find myself still being inventive in situations where others might just throw in the towel or open their wallets.

Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet without calling a plumber or creating a gourmet meal from leftovers, this resourcefulness is a strong behavior that those who grew up poor often carry with them into adulthood.

3) They’re empathetic

Those who’ve grown up poor often develop a deep sense of empathy, especially towards others facing hardship. When you’ve struggled yourself, you understand the pain of others in a profound way.

Lower-class individuals are more likely to display empathetic behaviors than their wealthier counterparts. This could be because struggling with scarcity and hardship can heighten emotional responses and foster a stronger sense of community.

So, it’s not uncommon to find adults who grew up poor being the first ones to offer help or support to others. Their experiences have taught them the value of kindness and compassion in ways that many others may not fully comprehend.

4) They appreciate the little things

One noticeable behavior of adults who grew up poor is their ability to appreciate the little things in life. When luxuries are sparse, you learn to find joy in simplicity.

A walk in the park, a good book, a home-cooked meal – these simple pleasures can bring immense satisfaction. They understand that happiness doesn’t always come from material possessions, but often from experiences and relationships.

This appreciation for the simple things often results in a more content and fulfilling life, despite the hardships they may have faced. Their past experience has taught them that joy can be found in the most unexpected places.

5) They’re resilient

Life throws many curveballs, but for those who grew up poor, resilience is often second nature. Constant struggles and hardships have a way of forging an iron will and an ability to bounce back.

Overcoming adversity in their early years enables them to tackle challenges head-on in their adulthood, without easily getting disheartened. They’ve been through tough times and have come out stronger on the other side.

This resilience doesn’t just apply to financial matters. It extends to all aspects of life: personal, professional, emotional. It’s a hard-earned trait that makes them incredibly tough, adaptable, and tenacious.

6) They cherish relationships

Growing up poor, you quickly learn that the most important things in life aren’t things at all – they’re the people who stand by you during your darkest hours.

For many who grew up with scarcity, relationships take on a special significance. The bonds forged in the crucible of hardship are often stronger and more enduring. They understand that love, friendship and family are priceless and can’t be bought.

As adults, they invest in these relationships deeply. They value loyalty, understand the power of community, and often go above and beyond to support their loved ones. In their world, people matter more than possessions. And this heartfelt belief shapes their actions and decisions throughout their lives.

7) They find it hard to ask for help

Asking for help can be a difficult thing. For those of us who grew up poor, it can be especially tough. We’re used to being self-reliant, to solving our own problems.

I remember times when I was too proud to admit that I needed help, whether it was with homework or a ride home from school. I’d rather walk in the rain than impose on a friend.

This reluctance to ask for help can carry into adulthood. We often feel that we need to handle things on our own, even when assistance is available and would make our lives easier. It’s a behavior borne out of necessity and pride, but one that can sometimes make life more challenging than it needs to be.

8) They’re hardworking

One of the most defining behaviors of adults who grew up poor is their work ethic. They understand the value of hard work and are often willing to put in the extra hours to ensure their stability.

Coming from a background of scarcity, they know that nothing comes easy. They’re not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty.

This work ethic can lead to impressive achievements. They are often the people who rise early, stay late, and give their all in every endeavor. It’s a testament to their resilience and determination, shaped by the trials they’ve faced in their early life.

9) They’re grateful

Above all, adults who grew up poor often have a profound sense of gratitude. They understand the value of things that others may take for granted – a warm meal, a stable job, a safe place to live.

These individuals know what it’s like to have less, and as a result, they appreciate more. They are thankful for the opportunities they’ve been given and for the progress they’ve managed to make.

Gratitude is more than just a behavior; it’s a mindset. And it’s this mindset that allows them to find joy in their journey, no matter where they started.

Final thoughts: It’s all about perspective

Understanding the behaviors of adults who grew up poor is more than just an observation. It’s a glimpse into the resilience of the human spirit and the power of perspective.

Growing up in poverty is undeniably challenging, but it also shapes individuals in ways that can foster strength, empathy, and tenacity. It refines their values, teaching them to appreciate the simple things in life and to cherish their relationships.

These behaviors and traits aren’t just reflections of their past; they are testament to their journey and shape who they are as adults.

As American author Regina Brett once said, “If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.”

So, while these behaviors may have been born out of hardship, they stand as a powerful reminder of the human ability to adapt, grow, and find meaning even in adversity.