Growing up poor isn’t just about the lack of material things. It can also shape your character and outlook on life in ways you may not even realize.
Often, adults who grew up in poverty develop certain traits that are a direct result of their upbringing. These characteristics can be seen as both strengths and challenges.
In this article, we’ll shed light on these often overlooked traits and behaviors. Whether you grew up in poverty or know someone who did, this insight can help better understand the impact of such experiences in adulthood.
Below are the common traits people who grew up in a very poor household often show as adults.
1) Resourcefulness
One common trait found in adults who grew up in very poor households is resourcefulness.
These individuals often had to make do with what was available, which required creativity and innovation.
Whether it was finding ways to stretch a meal to feed a large family or coming up with inventive solutions to everyday problems that couldn’t be solved by throwing money at them.
This upbringing often leads to adults who are adept at thinking outside the box. They know how to utilize resources effectively and aren’t afraid to tackle problems head-on.
Growing up poor can mean developing a knack for seeing potential where others might see lack. It’s a trait that can serve well in many areas of life, from personal finance to career and beyond.
However, it’s also important to remember that there’s a fine line between being resourceful and feeling like you must always do more with less. It’s a balance that individuals from poorer backgrounds often have to navigate in adulthood.
2) Empathy
Another trait often found in those who grew up in poverty is empathy.
I can personally attest to this from my own upbringing. Growing up in a low-income household, I saw firsthand the struggles that my family and others in our community faced. It wasn’t easy, and it often felt like the world was against us.
But through it all, I developed a deep sense of empathy for others. I understood the pain of not having enough, and it made me more compassionate toward those who were struggling.
As an adult, this trait has stayed with me. When I see someone in need, I’m reminded of my own past and feel compelled to help. I’ve learned that showing kindness and understanding can go a long way, especially when someone is going through a tough time.
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Empathy isn’t about pity or feeling sorry for someone. It’s about understanding their situation and offering support without judgment. And for many who grew up poor, it’s a trait that’s been hard-won through personal experience.
3) Resilience
Growing up in a very poor household often requires individuals to face numerous challenges from an early age. These obstacles can foster an incredible amount of resilience.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity and keep going despite hardships. It’s about adapting to difficult circumstances and finding ways to thrive, even under stress.
A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that children who faced certain types of adversity, including poverty, were more likely to develop greater resilience in adulthood.
This resilience can manifest in different ways, from pursuing education despite financial limitations to maintaining optimism in the face of life’s ups and downs.
While resilience can be a powerful asset, it’s also important to acknowledge the toll that constant struggle can take on a person’s mental and physical health. Navigating this balance is often a key part of the journey for adults who grew up in poverty.
4) Value of relationships
In a very poor household, material possessions are often scarce. As such, many individuals who grow up in these circumstances develop a deep appreciation for the non-material aspects of life, particularly relationships.
In the absence of material wealth, relationships – with family, friends, and community – become even more important. They can provide emotional support, mutual aid, and a sense of belonging.
As adults, individuals from low-income backgrounds often place a high value on their relationships. They understand that these bonds are integral to both surviving and thriving.
However, it’s also crucial to recognize that this focus on relationships can sometimes lead to placing others’ needs before their own, which can be emotionally draining. Learning to balance caring for others with self-care is an important challenge that many people from poor backgrounds face as adults.
5) Gratitude
In the midst of hardship, it often becomes essential to find joy and appreciation in the smallest of things. Many people who grow up in very poor households learn this lesson early.
Even when material possessions are few, there can still be so much to be grateful for. A warm meal, a safe place to sleep, the love and support of family – these become treasures beyond measure.
As adults, this sense of gratitude often stays with them. They know the value of seemingly simple blessings and appreciate what they have, however small or big it may seem.
This doesn’t mean they don’t aspire for more or work towards improving their situation. But it does mean that they often have a deep-seated ability to find contentment and happiness in whatever circumstances they find themselves in.
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Gratitude is a powerful trait. It has been linked to increased happiness, improved health, and stronger relationships. For those who grew up in poverty, it’s often a beacon of hope and a source of strength in the face of adversity.
6) Determination
Growing up in a very poor household, I learned the meaning of determination at a very young age. I saw my parents work tirelessly, juggling multiple jobs just to put food on the table. I saw them strive to provide us with the best life possible, despite the financial constraints.
This exposure to hardship instilled in me an unwavering determination. I knew that if I wanted to change my circumstances, I would have to work hard and never give up, no matter how tough things got.
This determination has been a driving force in my life. It pushed me to excel acadically and pursue higher education, despite being the first in my family to do so. It’s what fuels me to keep striving for better, not just for myself, but for my family as well.
Determination is a powerful trait that many adults who grew up in poor households possess. It’s a testament to their strength and their ability to rise above their circumstances.
7) Conscientiousness
One trait often found in people who grew up in very poor households is conscientiousness.
Conscientiousness is a personality trait characterized by being thorough, careful, or vigilant. It implies a desire to do a task well and is related to being efficient and organized.
In a low-income household, there’s usually little room for wastefulness or carelessness. Every resource has to be used carefully and every decision has to be thought out. There’s a constant awareness of the consequences of one’s actions.
As adults, this can translate into a high level of conscientiousness. They are often meticulous and careful, whether it’s in their personal life or at work. They understand the importance of responsibility and are usually reliable and efficient.
However, an excess of this trait can sometimes lead to stress and anxiety. Therefore, it’s important for these individuals to also learn how to relax and let go when necessary.
8) Strength
Perhaps the most significant trait that adults who grew up in very poor households possess is strength.
This strength isn’t just about physical power. It’s about emotional and psychological resilience. It’s about the ability to endure, to keep going despite the odds.
Strength is about standing up to adversity, facing challenges head-on, and pushing through even when it’s tough. It’s about overcoming obstacles and turning hardships into stepping stones for success.
Strength is a testament to the human spirit and its capacity to endure and overcome. And for those who grew up in poverty, it’s often a defining characteristic of their adulthood.
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Final reflection: The power of adversity
The experiences we have growing up, particularly those that challenge us, have a profound impact on shaping who we become as adults. This is especially true for individuals who grow up in very poor households.
These experiences often give rise to traits like resilience, empathy, determination, and strength. While these traits are born out of adversity, they can also be powerful assets. They are testaments to the human spirit’s ability to endure and overcome.
Yet it’s important to remember that these traits aren’t exclusive to people who grew up in poverty. They are universal human characteristics that can be cultivated by anyone, regardless of their upbringing.
Life is a mosaic of experiences, both good and bad. Each one shapes us, molds us, and leaves an indelible imprint on our character. Whether we grew up in affluence or poverty, the traits we develop and the people we become are a reflection of those experiences.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
Growing up in a very poor household is undoubtedly challenging. But it can also foster a unique set of strengths that equip individuals with the tools to succeed in life. The key is to harness these traits in a positive way and use them as stepping stones towards a better future.
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