Moving up in life is tough, no matter where you start, but when you’re from a working-class background, it comes with more than a few extra challenges.
The pressure to succeed, the unspoken expectations, and the constant feeling of being stuck between two worlds can make the journey feel isolating. You’re working hard to create a better life, but at the same time, you’re dealing with things that people from wealthier backgrounds never have to think about. These are just a few of the struggles that come with moving up in life when you weren’t born into privilege.
1. Feeling like you have to work twice as hard just to get half as far
When you come from a working-class background, opportunities aren’t just handed to you. You don’t have family connections to open doors or financial support to fall back on. Everything you achieve comes from your own effort, and that means working harder than those who had a head start.
It can be frustrating to see people with safety nets and connections glide into jobs or opportunities that you have to fight for. But while it’s unfair, it also builds resilience. Knowing you’ve earned everything through your own hard work can make success feel even more meaningful.
2. Struggling with imposter syndrome in new environments
Stepping into spaces where most people come from money can make you feel like you don’t belong. You might second-guess yourself, wondering if you’re “good enough” to be there. It’s hard not to compare yourself to people who grew up with confidence, polished social skills, and an ease in professional settings.
Of course, the truth is, you do deserve to be there just as much as anyone else. Imposter syndrome thrives on self-doubt, but reminding yourself of how far you’ve come and the work you’ve put in can help quiet that voice in your head.
3. The guilt of leaving family and friends behind
Success isn’t just about personal growth; it can also create distance from the people you grew up with. When your lifestyle changes, it can feel like you’re moving away from your roots, and that can be hard to navigate. You might feel guilty for having opportunities that other people didn’t get.
However, growth doesn’t mean you’re abandoning where you came from. It’s possible to evolve while still staying connected to the people who matter. The right ones will celebrate your progress, even if your paths look different now.
4. Not having a financial safety net to fall back on
For many working-class people, there’s no backup plan if things go wrong. If you lose a job, face an emergency, or need extra help, there’s no family money to catch you. Every financial decision carries more weight because there’s no cushion to soften the blow. That pressure can be stressful, but it also teaches financial awareness and responsibility. While other people might take risks without worry, you learn how to manage your money wisely, which is a skill that will serve you for life.
5. Navigating spaces where you feel out of place
Moving into professional or social circles that weren’t made for people like you can feel uncomfortable. Whether it’s work events, networking opportunities, or even casual gatherings, the unspoken rules and expectations can make it clear that you weren’t raised in the same world as your peers.
At first, it can feel awkward, but over time, you learn how to adapt without losing who you are. Being able to move between different spaces is a skill that not everyone has, and it can be a huge advantage in the long run.
6. The pressure to succeed for more than just yourself
When you’re the first in your family to break into new levels of success, it’s not just about you. There’s often an unspoken expectation to help other people, whether that means providing financial support, giving advice, or being the one who “made it” and now has to figure everything out.
While it’s rewarding to be in a position to help, it can also be overwhelming. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to carry everything alone. Success should be something you enjoy, not just another burden to manage.
7. Having to unlearn limiting beliefs about money and success
Growing up with financial struggles often means internalising beliefs like “money is always tight” or “rich people are different from us.” These thoughts can make it harder to accept your own success or feel comfortable with financial growth.
Unlearning these ideas takes time, but it’s necessary if you want to move forward. Money isn’t the enemy, and success doesn’t mean you’re turning your back on where you came from. Letting go of these old mindsets allows you to fully embrace your progress.
8. Dealing with the fear of losing everything
When you’ve seen financial hardship up close, it’s hard not to live with the fear that everything could disappear. Even after you’ve built a stable life, there’s often a lingering anxiety that one bad move could send you right back to where you started.
The fear can be motivating, but it can also hold you back from taking risks. Learning to trust that you’ve built a strong foundation — and that setbacks don’t automatically mean failure — can help you move forward with confidence instead of fear.
9. Facing judgement from both sides
When you move up in life, you might feel like you don’t fully fit anywhere. Some people from your old life might think you’ve “changed” or become too different, while people in your new circles might see you as an outsider. It’s frustrating, but at the end of the day, you don’t have to prove yourself to anyone. Growth means evolving, and that’s something to be proud of. The people who truly care about you will respect your journey, no matter where you end up.
10. Learning how to advocate for yourself in unfamiliar situations
When you come from a background where speaking up wasn’t always encouraged, advocating for yourself in professional or social settings can feel unnatural. You might hesitate to negotiate a salary, ask for opportunities, or assert your needs because it feels like you’re being “difficult.”
However, self-advocacy is a skill that can change your life. The more you practice standing up for yourself, the easier it becomes to claim what you deserve without second-guessing yourself.
11. Dealing with burnout from constantly pushing yourself
When you come from a working-class background, you’re used to the idea that hard work is the only way forward. But this mindset can lead to burnout, especially if you feel like you always have to be grinding to keep up. Success shouldn’t come at the cost of your mental or physical health. Learning to balance ambition with rest is key to sustaining long-term growth without burning out.
12. Realising that success doesn’t always feel how you expected
Many people think that once they reach a certain level of success, all their struggles will disappear. But moving up in life doesn’t erase every hardship; it just brings new challenges. It’s important to remember that success isn’t just about reaching a goal; it’s about enjoying the process.
Happiness doesn’t come from status or income alone. Building a fulfilling life means surrounding yourself with people who support you, taking pride in your journey, and remembering that growth is about more than just financial success.
