What others might see as struggle becomes your training ground. You learn to adapt, solve problems, and move forward with whatever you have. You understand people more deeply because you’ve seen what hardship looks like up close. These are things poor kids carry with them into adulthood — not as burdens, but as badges of strength. Experiences that shaped them, grounded them, and taught them how to survive, create, and hope.
Poor kids often witness the hardships of unemployment within their families. They understand the stress of job instability and the impact it can have on household finances. Rich kids, born into financial security, may not fully comprehend the challenges of job insecurity and the fear of losing a livelihood. Growing up poor shapes not just your childhood, but your worldview. It teaches you how to read between the lines, how to adapt quickly, and how to survive with grace even when life feels unfair. These are experiences that stay in your bones — things you never forget.
