If you’ve scraped by in your early years, you know the value of a dollar. If you’ve clawed your way up from the lower rungs of the social ladder, you understand hard work.
That’s the basics of life for many who grew up in lower-class families and moved up socially.
However, it’s not always that simple. The human experience is a complex tapestry and being able to navigate it requires certain behaviors.
These individuals frequently display 8 specific behaviors. And here’s the interesting part – they’re not what you might expect.
1) They value money differently
Money can be a slippery concept.
For some, it’s a tool, for others, it’s a status symbol. For those who grew up in lower-class families and moved up socially, it’s often both.
Growing up with less means understanding the hard work that goes into earning each dollar. It means knowing the struggle of stretching that dollar to cover all your needs.
Once you’ve climbed higher on the social ladder, this perspective doesn’t just vanish. Instead, it shapes your relationship with money in a unique way.
You understand its value, but also its transient nature. You know that it can provide comfort and security, but that it doesn’t equate to happiness or self-worth.
In essence, for those who’ve moved up socially, money is not just a necessity, but a lesson learned in the school of hard knocks.
Intriguing, isn’t it?
2) They’re incredibly resourceful
Being resourceful is a way of life when you come from a lower-class family.
I remember, when I was a kid, we didn’t have much. Sometimes, we’d have to make do with what we had. That often meant getting creative with the resources available to us.
Once, when our television broke down and we couldn’t afford a new one straight away, my dad somehow managed to piece together parts from other broken electronics and got it working again. It wasn’t perfect, but it was still a functioning TV.
This resourcefulness didn’t disappear when I moved up socially. Instead, it became a part of how I solve problems. Whether it’s fixing something that’s broken instead of replacing it or finding innovative ways to stretch a budget, that “make do and mend” mentality has stuck with me.
Resourcefulness isn’t just a behavior – it’s a testament to resilience and adaptability. And it’s one of the most enduring traits of those who’ve climbed the social ladder.
3) They invest in education
Education is often seen as a stepping stone to a better life. For those who’ve moved up socially from lower-class backgrounds, this is especially true.
People from these backgrounds understand the transformative potential of knowledge. It’s not just about getting a good job or earning a higher salary. It’s about breaking the cycle of poverty, gaining new perspectives, and creating opportunities for future generations.
In other words, education becomes an investment with immeasurable returns.
4) They cherish relationships
When you come from less, you learn to value the things that money can’t buy.
Growing up in a lower-class family, relationships are often the bedrock of life. The bonds formed through shared struggles and mutual support are powerful and enduring.
As one moves up socially, these relationships don’t lose their importance. Instead, they become a reminder of where one has come from and the journey taken to get to where they are now.
They understand that success isn’t just about wealth or status, but about the people who’ve been there along the way. So, they cherish their relationships, nurture them, and hold them close, understanding their true worth.
5) They’re not afraid of hard work
Hard work is a concept that’s ingrained in those who’ve moved up socially from lower-class families. I know this firsthand.
I remember my first job, working long hours for minimum wage. It was tough, but it taught me the value of hard work. I learned that there’s no shortcut to success and that every step forward is earned through dedication and perseverance.
Even after moving up socially, I’ve never forgotten those lessons. I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get my hands dirty. I understand that nothing worthwhile comes easy, and I’m willing to put in the effort to achieve my goals.
In short, hard work is a behavior that’s not only necessary for social mobility but also a trait that sticks with us long after we’ve climbed the social ladder.
6) They often understate their success
It might seem like those who’ve risen the social ladder would want to shout their achievements from the rooftops. But actually, the opposite is often true.
Many people who’ve moved up from lower-class families tend to downplay their successes. This isn’t out of embarrassment or false modesty, but rather a deep-seated understanding of the transient nature of material wealth.
They know that while they’ve worked hard to get where they are, circumstances can change rapidly. They also understand that success isn’t solely defined by financial or social status.
This mindset leads them to be modest about their achievements, focusing more on personal growth and contentment than flaunting their newfound status. Interesting, isn’t it?
7) They’re advocates for equal opportunity
Having experienced the struggles associated with lower social classes, those who’ve moved up often become champions for equal opportunity.
They know firsthand the barriers that can stand in the way of success – lack of access to quality education, limited job opportunities, and societal prejudices.
These experiences instill in them a strong sense of justice and fairness. They advocate for policies and initiatives that level the playing field, giving everyone a fair shot at success.
Their past experiences shape their values and drive them to make a difference in society. It’s a powerful behavior that stems from their unique journey up the social ladder.
8) They never forget their roots
Regardless of how high they climb, people who’ve moved up socially from lower-class families never forget where they came from.
This fundamental truth is the cornerstone of their identity, shaping their values, actions, and outlook on life.
It’s a constant reminder of their journey and a testament to their resilience and determination.
Wrapping it up
If you’ve come this far, hopefully, you’ll understand that people who’ve moved up socially from lower-class families carry with them a unique set of behaviors.
These behaviors aren’t merely a reflection of their past circumstances, but rather, a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and determination. They’re not just markers of where they’ve been, but signposts pointing to where they’re heading.
Remember, it’s not about where you start, but how you grow and what you become along the way. The journey of moving up socially isn’t just about financial gains or status elevation. It’s about personal growth, understanding the value of relationships, and recognizing the transformative power of education.
As American author and motivational speaker, Les Brown once said, “You don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.”
So the next time you cross paths with someone who’s moved up socially from a lower-class background, take a moment to appreciate their journey. It’s a reminder that where we’re heading is far more important than where we started.
Feeling stuck in self-doubt?
Stop trying to fix yourself and start embracing who you are. Join the free 7-day self-discovery challenge and learn how to transform negative emotions into personal growth.
