My Journey Through Different Economic Classes: Insights from a Midwestern Childhood

It is a question that I have pondered for much of my life: Did I grow up in middle class, lower class, upper middle class, or lower middle class?

Finding an answer has been a lifelong endeavor because my interpretation of 'middle class' may differ from yours. To better understand my own experience, I will share some of the key factors that influenced my family's economic status during my childhood in a modestly affluent Chicago neighborhood.

Living Conditions

My family did not own a home. My parents chose to rent an apartment for both the convenience and lower maintenance costs. Despite this, our apartment was located in a 1920s building in a picturesque neighborhood.

Chicago neighborhoods experience cyclical trends, moving up or down the desirability ladder, which is something I have witnessed firsthand. The neighborhood where I lived was a prime example, cycling through multiple stages and eventually settling into a middle-to-lower middle-class status. Despite this fluctuation, our permanent residence provided a sense of stability and comfort for 16 years.

The rental apartment was spacious with original architectural details and hardwood floors, often mistaken for a condominium. The rent was higher than average, but the proximity to public transit and ample taxi services made owning a car unnecessary. This decision was particularly insightful, as it reflected my parents' understanding of the value of urban living.

Financial Stability and Investment

Despite the relatively modest income from my father's union-protected job, our family enjoyed a steady financial situation. Here are a few key factors that contributed to our stability:

Education and Compensation: My father was a printer with a college degree obtained on the GI Bill. His job with a popular city newspaper provided him with a fair wage, better than many professors. Investments: My mother made sound financial decisions during her working years as a bookkeeper, setting aside funds for the future. These investments supplemented our income.

Combined, these factors allowed us to maintain a comfortable lifestyle and build savings for future endeavors.

Consumer Habits and Preferences

Our family's consumer habits were marked by a unique approach to shopping, often referred to as the 'high/low strategy' by our British counterparts. We made strategic choices based on the item's function and personal preference.

Clothing and Undergarments: We purchased outerwear from upscale stores like Marshall Field’s, where quality and style were paramount. Meanwhile, our undergarments were sourced from Sears and Wieboldt’s, where affordability was the priority. My mother’s reasoning was that "no one sees it, so why spend a fortune?" Grocery Shopping: We relied on affordable supermarkets like Jewel and Hillman’s for staples, but also made the occasional trip to Stop Shop for our more indulgent items. The Stop Shop was a cultural landmark, known for its gourmet offerings including imported cheeses, sausages, and holiday chocolates that transcended regular grocery items.

Through these strategic choices, we managed to balance luxury with economy, ensuring that we could enjoy the finer aspects of middle-class life without breaking the bank.

Education and Beyond

Our financial stability allowed us to fund my post-secondary education, but unfortunately, my academic journey was cut short due to personal challenges. That said, we managed to save enough to cover the entire cost in cash, a testament to my parents' thoughtful planning.

This experience highlights the challenges and advantages of growing up in a specific economic class. It has shaped my understanding of wealth, responsibility, and the importance of making informed choices in both work and consumption.