Growing up poor isn’t a romanticised notion of humble beginnings or character-building hardship.
It means facing harsh realities that shape every aspect of your life. Poverty affects your relationships, your opportunities, your health, and your future. If you didn’t experience it first-hand, you can’t fully understand the struggles and sacrifices that come with growing up poor. Here are some things you properly understand in your bones if this was your experience.
1. Hand-me-downs are a way of life.
When you grow up poor, you don’t get the luxury of a brand-new wardrobe every school year. You’re stuck wearing your older sibling’s outgrown clothes or whatever second-hand items your parents can scrounge up. And forget about name brands — you’re just happy to have something that fits and doesn’t have too many holes. You learn to rock those hand-me-downs with pride because you don’t have any other choice.
2. Utilities getting shut off is a constant threat.
When money is tight, paying the bills becomes a game of Russian roulette. You never know which utility will be the next to go — electricity, water, or gas. You become an expert at taking cold showers, cooking by candlelight, and finding creative ways to stay warm without heat. It’s a stressful way to live, always wondering if today’s the day you’ll come home to a dark, silent house.
3. Eviction notices may a familiar sight.
Rent is always a struggle when you’re poor, and eviction notices are an all-too-common occurrence. You’ve seen your family pack up and move more times than you can count, always chasing cheaper rent and better opportunities. The constant uprooting takes a toll, making it hard to feel stable or put down roots. You learn to live with the knowledge that your home is never truly secure.
4. Free school lunch is a lifeline.
When your family is struggling to put food on the table, free school lunch is a godsend. It might be the only guaranteed meal you get all day, and you learn to savour every last bite. You also become a master at sneaking extra food into your pockets for later because you never know when you’ll eat again. School lunch isn’t just a perk — it’s a matter of survival.
5. You get creative with entertainment.
When you can’t afford Sky, video games, or trips to the movies, you have to get creative with your entertainment. You become an expert at inventing games out of whatever you have on hand — sticks, rocks, old tires. You also learn to love the library, where books and movies are free for the taking. You find joy in simple pleasures because that’s all you can afford.
6. You know the value of a pound.
Growing up poor teaches you to stretch a pound further than most people thought possible. You know exactly how much you can get for $5 at the discount grocery store, and you’re a master at sniffing out the best deals. You also learn to prioritise needs over wants because there’s no room in the budget for frivolous purchases. Every penny counts when you’re poor, and you never take money for granted.
7. You’re an expert at fixing things.
When you can’t afford to replace broken items, you learn to fix them yourself. You become a master at duct tape repairs, superglue solutions, and jerry-rigging things to work just a little bit longer. You also learn to see the potential in other people’s rubbish, rescuing discarded items and giving them new life. Being poor teaches you to be resourceful and self-sufficient because you have no other choice.
8. You have a complicated relationship with food.
When food is scarce, it takes on a whole new meaning. You learn to eat whatever’s available, even if it’s not particularly appealing. You also learn to hoard food when you have it because you never know when the next meal will come. On the flip side, you may develop a tendency to overeat when food is plentiful because your brain is telling you to stock up while you can. Growing up poor can leave you with a lifetime of food issues.
9. You’re used to being judged.
When you’re poor, you’re often judged and looked down upon by those who are more privileged. People make assumptions about your intelligence, your work ethic, and your character, based solely on your economic status. You learn to develop a thick skin and an “I’ll show them” attitude because you refuse to let other people’s opinions define you. You know that being poor doesn’t make you less worthy of respect.
10. You have a unique appreciation for small luxuries.
When you grow up poor, little things that others take for granted become precious luxuries. A new pair of shoes, a trip to the movies, a meal at a sit-down restaurant — these are the things you dream about and save up for. You learn to savour these small indulgences because you know how rare and special they are. You also learn to find joy in the little things because that’s often all you have.
11. You’re a master at budgeting.
When you grow up poor, budgeting isn’t just a skill — it’s a survival tactic. You learn to track every penny that comes in and goes out because one mistake could mean the difference between eating and going hungry. You become an expert at prioritising expenses, cutting corners, and making do with less. These budgeting skills stay with you for life, even if your financial situation improves.
12. You have a deep understanding of the value of hard work.
When you grow up poor, you learn that nothing in life is handed to you. If you want something, you have to work for it — and work harder than everyone else. You take on odd jobs, hustle for every dollar, and never shy away from a challenge. You understand that hard work is the only way to improve your situation, and you’re willing to put in the effort.
13. You’re not afraid to speak up for yourself.
Growing up poor teaches you to be your own advocate because no one else is going to do it for you. You learn to speak up when something isn’t right, to fight for what you deserve, and to never let anyone take advantage of you. You’re not afraid to stand up to authority figures or challenge the status quo because you know that your voice matters.
14. You have a tight-knit community.
Growing up with no money often means your community becomes your lifeline. You learn to rely on your neighbours, your church, your extended family — anyone who can offer support and resources. You also learn to give back to that community whenever you can because you know how much every little bit helps. Growing up poor teaches you the value of solidarity and the power of coming together.
15. You have a unique perspective on life.
Growing up poor gives you a perspective that those who come from more privileged backgrounds can never fully understand. You know what it’s like to struggle, to go without, to fight for every opportunity. But you also know the value of resilience, resourcefulness, and gratitude. You understand that money isn’t everything, and that the most important things in life — love, family, community — are priceless. Growing up poor shapes you in ways that can never be undone, for better or for worse. But it also gives you a strength and a wisdom that can never be taken away.
