People Raised In Blue-Collar Homes Usually Respect 8 Unwritten Rules The Elite Reject
Pressmaster / ShutterstockKids who grow up in blue-collar homes often watch their parents work themselves to the bone, with their bodies literally paying the bills. They learn the importance of hard work and often come to respect several essentially unwritten rules that kids raised in elite environments are more likely to reject.
Many people who grew up in homes where their parents worked at desk jobs tend to think physical labor is beneath them. Getting their hands dirty for the sake of a paycheck isn’t an option. Especially if they come from a degree of wealth, they often don't share many of the same basic values that their peers whose parents did physical labor still hold onto as adults.
People who were raised in blue-collar homes tend to respect these unwritten rules that the elite usually reject
1. Favors should be returned
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Someone who lives a more elite lifestyle may not see the importance of doing favors. They may not think they have to return the kindness other people extend to them. That doesn’t mean they are bad people, but growing up under different circumstances can change how they see the world.
People with more blue-collar lifestyles might rely on small favors from others. Whether it’s having a neighbor watch the kids when they have to work overtime, or putting their trash cans in when they’re working a night shift. Researchers found that when someone does little things for you, you’re more likely to return the favor. If someone is constantly going out of their way for others, most people want to pay them back.
2. Stay down-to-earth
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It’s not surprising that people with money frequently portray themselves as being better than everyone else. People born into success are often overconfident. They think everyone envies them and everything they have. While some people may wish they had more money, not everyone finds their attitudes impressive. A superiority complex can be off-putting.
Blue-collar workers are often more down-to-earth. They don’t feel better than other people. In fact, they know everyone around them is working hard to stay afloat. It makes them more gracious and understanding.
3. Do things for yourself
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Growing up with blue-collar parents made them appreciate hard work. They know that things aren’t going to be handed to them. If they want something, they have to work hard for it. Their parents modeled that behavior, which people raised around wealth may not understand. They may have asked for something and instantly got it. Whether it was the latest gadget or a clean house without putting in the work, they didn’t have to do much to get what they wanted.
Blue-collar workers may be counter-dependent, doing everything they can to take care of themselves without depending on others. If someone grew up in a household like this, they know the importance of doing things for themselves and not counting on someone else to save them.
4. Respect others
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I’m not saying all, but certainly some elite people take others for granted. They expect people to respect them while they refuse to give it to others. This often comes with the idea that they are better than others because of their wealth. People who grew up working hard for what they have might have a different mindset.
Watching their parents work tirelessly taught them to respect others. They saw the effort their parents put into building a life for themselves, and who helped them along the way. When they meet someone or work with them, respect comes naturally. They recognize hard work when they see it and show their appreciation in their behavior.
5. Don’t be a show-off
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Some people feel like they have to be flashy. It makes sense that when they have something, whether it's a physical item or a skill, they want to show it off. However, bragging can turn people off. Elite people might struggle to keep to themselves. They get a kick out of the validation that comes with jealousy.
Many people don’t realize how much money there is to be made in blue-collar work. While some people may look down on this kind of work, blue-collar workers are often more successful than they realize, sometimes because they don't show off their wealth, and their kids learn to do the same.
6. Keep complaints to yourselves
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A Pew Research poll found that blue-collar workers were more likely to be dissatisfied with their jobs than people in other fields, which makes sense, as the work is exhausting. The physical toll often affects them long after they retire. However, you may not hear them talk about it often. Whether it’s because they want to look strong, or they don’t want their children to know what’s really happening at work, they can come across as stoic.
Of course, not everyone from an elite background complains about everything, but they often aren't afraid to speak up when they're unhappy with something. Kids from blue-collar households are more likely to stay stoic because they're uncomfortable letting people know when they’re unhappy.
7. Be thoughtful with your money
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Money and status shape the way people interact with the world around them. When someone comes from money, they may think that spending it isn’t that big of a deal. At the end of the day, they will still have more. They don’t have to worry about paying their bills or putting food on the table.
People who grew up in blue-collar homes may have a different experience. Their parents may have struggled with money as they were growing up. It can take time to become financially stable, especially if they recently started the job. This can give their children a stronger appreciation for money and spending responsibly.
8. Respect physical labor
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White-collar jobs rarely involve getting your hands dirty. They involve working behind the scenes, usually in an office somewhere. Meanwhile, the blue-collar workers are outside, sweating in the sun and working with their bodies. It takes a physical toll that people with desk jobs don’t understand.
My dad worked for a moving company when I was growing up. I remember seeing how much it impacted him physically. When I see people doing construction on the side of the street or working on electrical wires, I feel a deep respect for them because their strong work ethic has always inspired me.
Haley Van Horn is a freelance writer with a master’s degree in Humanities living in Los Angeles. Her focus includes entertainment and lifestyle stories.
