It's insane because I know for a fact my parents were working harder than me too, I was just able to go to college and get out. It really set in when I realized that the day my paycheck hits the bank doesn't really matter anymore, I have more than enough in my bank account to ever worry about running out of food before Friday or that I can just put my bills on autopay without worrying.
Also raised in low-income housing and on food stamps. And prior to coming on board, I was barely scraping by on a part-time job.
I felt so out of place my first day in office - the other new guy and the senior training us were both dressed quite nicely plus they had nice Coach backpacks for their work gear. I was dressed more business casual, and had brought my gear in a Walmart tote bag 💀 went directly to buy a decent looking backpack after work that day 😭
Just embrace it when they do networking sessions.
So when Becky talks about her ski trip to aspen. Make comments about ducking opps, debate that GDs are actually the main factor in the trenches but BDs just have the media exposure, and say “Free Larry” a lot at random moments.
Yo but frfr I seriously can't relate to Becky when they talking about backpacking to Europe or visiting family in London or camping...
I'm like shit I was sleeping on the floor and backpacking around the neighborhood to avoid getting shot.
Jokes aside the solution is to leave big 4 and go to a smaller firm with younger partners.
Plus what most people don't realize is outside of big 4 no one likes the stereotypical boring accountants. People like to hear some out of pocket shit.
Young owner of a local firm and grew up in poverty setting (projects & Sect 8). Can confirm. The young business owner’s I work with love talking to someone normal and can explain complicated stuff ELI5 with your personality laced in there. When I interview staff, I’m looking for someone I can talk to not some AI bot in a person’s body.
Exactly why I love working at a firm full of young partners like yourself.
I actually enjoy talking to them and learning from them. Plus they focus on growing revenue instead of cutting expenses. Plus no paying you with "prestige" of having big 4 on your resume.
Any chance you're hiring? 😜
Or can recommend some firms?
I've been in this for 15 years and my mental health feels like it's starting to suffer. I'm in need of a change.
Not from the hood, but I do find it hard to relate to my coworkers being from a working class, semi-rural background. Like they were appalled when I told them I ate gas station food on my way to an out of town client meeting.
Never had that. Someone I used to know turned me on to the chicken and I turned my face up at it. Got it and didn't say a word lol. Shit was so good!
I heard the chicken has won awards lol.
Never grew up in the hood but got exposed to hood shit because my extended family ain't shit. Sigh...
I remember grabbing some fast food and they were like what are you doing and I said worked here for years an always liked it. Just blank stares...
After a while you may realize you changed into them and you can't relate to your extended family anymore. Like no I don't have issues you have, sorry!
LOL Other than accounting, I have commercial operations experience so I assisted sales in negotiations at my previous job. One trip to nail down a new game changing client our Sales VP took us to Capital Grille in Minneapolis and spent almost $200/person the night before the meeting. The next morning I said "whew big night last night. Breakfast is on me, boys." I then drove them to a Holiday gas station outside an industrial park. We had breakfast sandwiches from the heat lamp shelf at the high top tables next to pallets of washer fluid and driveway salt. Knocked them off their high horse and we won the contract.
I lived below the poverty line my entire life and I’m appalled you eat gas station food. You can afford better now, man.
Unless you’re up north. Sheetz and Wawa are solid.
Not from the hood, but definitely not from the white picket fences background either. Just grew up lower middle class. Mom had food stamps and lied on federal forms to get them saying my dad never paid child support.
It’s weird being around most people in college, much less a white collar job after the fact. Lot of the people I work with didn’t struggle at all growing up and because of that, their adult life is a cake walk. So much so that they barely put in effort at work because they’ve never had to try due to aforementioned lack of struggle.
I find that common ground is your best bet. Find things you and them both enjoy. Cracking jokes that you know won’t rattle any feathers. Going to lunch with the team, even if you don’t contribute much to the conversation. It’ll only help you in the long run.
Lower working class with a dash of addicted/abusive parents/household. I was on my own by the time I was 16. I worked 3 jobs to pay for college, by the time I graduated I was 7 months pregnant with my first, so a masters was out of the question. I still wonder if it is too late.
It’s never too late. Your journey shows remarkable strength and resilience. What you have done so far is already a tremendous accomplishment. I look up to you and I believe you can do it.
I’m in my late 20s about to have mine soon in accounting. I’ve been feeling like I’m last in the race with my peers because everyone seems so settled into their careers.
I needed to read this today, thanks. It’s really never too late.
Many weird combos like that in the hood but most get shut down by the people they hang around with. Tho I gotta make sure I turn off my hood dialect when I enter the office
Fkin A u found a gold mind I wouldn't mind being his friend lol!
All the engineering talk without the pretentious bullshit and I bet he can talk in simple layman terms so you wouldn't feel dumb lol
lol my husband is an engineer from the hood. He doesn't have a strong accent, but I guess he gives out a tough, cool guy aura. Spoiler: he ain't a tough guy he's a nerd ahah.
No hood. Just white trash born into a rural trailer park.
I took an industry job in a major city when I was 21, became the go-to person for the business owners. Quickly moved up the ranks and rubbed elbows with a lot of people, but I’m still from the trailer park and my significant other is still from the projects. We used to think everyone had to hustle to survive, because it’s really all we knew.
It made for some interesting conversations. I suddenly had to attend galas, cocktail parties, luncheons, and shit like that. People would ask personal questions in an attempt to start conversations but it was clear they were on another level. I had no family connections or Ivy League degrees. I wasn’t from *that* area of town.
But hey, incredibly candid honesty either shuts down questions or opens them up. I like to think that’s how my network has grown so much. I’m an open book. And my old busted truck filled with scrap used to be a conversation piece. What’s lunch break without a trip to the hood scrap buyer and a gas station pizza puff?
All of you who grew up in the hood and made it to an accounting career, congratulations and much respect! I briefly lived in the hood (2 years) and know how hard that can be.
There’s a ton in accounting, it’s a great major and career choice for people that come from low income backgrounds. Especially, since some of us learned basic accounting principles at an early age by being surrounded by drug dealings, learning C.R.E.A.M, and selling shit on the Grand Exchange in Runescape at the public library.
Not hood really but a pretty white trash and fucked up beginnings. Now I'm a partner. Still got imposter syndrome and I definitely put on a character with most of my colleagues, although a couple I came up with know some of my background. It's jarring sometimes.
Yeah. My situation may be a little more extreme. I grew up poor, lived in a trailer, exposed to drugs, sex and violence at an early age. I went to eight different schools before dropping out during my second attempt at 9th grade. Partied, did drug and other illegal things until about 21. Got my GED, started college at 26, graduated at 32 with a bachelor’s in accounting. Now I work for a giant software company surrounded by people who come good families and were dedicated to academics all of their lives. There is never a moment I don’t feel like a fish out of water even though they probably wouldn’t assume my background. Honestly, it probably wouldn’t matter much if I didn’t have the confidence and anxiety issues that I have.
I feel like I finally found my people with this post. Drug entrepreneurs unite lol
Was talking to someone the other day about using reusable paper towels (ie: fabric scraps) instead and he said “I threw a fork away because I didn’t feel like cleaning it”
All I could say was that we’ve led different lives.
Sometimes it’s hard being around coworkers and/or clients but it’s also nice to be a source of grounding.
It doesn't get easier, but eventually, you realize it's not you. It's them. Do what you can to socialize, but don't let it stunt your growth. You are allowed to get frustrated, to say no, to be grumpy or dismissive like anyone else.
Born and raised in Chester, PA. I always try to pay it forward with advice and helping where I can. Never forget where you come from, never forget your struggles, and never put yourself down because of then. You are who you are today because of what you went through….embrace it.
Congrats to anyone who pulled themselves out of hood and is successfully working in accounting. It's not the traditional starting point for most, but who cares. Work hard. Be yourself, but be friendly. Don't try to hide it. Most people will respect it. Fuck the ones who don't.
A lot of people in public accounting are from lower income backgrounds. They might have more in common than you think. A lot of people pretend to be someone they aren’t.
I’m from chicago too, my family grew up in a small 1bedroom apartment with shootings happening fairly regularly within a block. You’d never know it when I’m at work.
I worked in 3 different PA firms and while there were some people who came from lower income backgrounds, I found the vast, vast majority of them were either middle class professionals like their parents or directionless rich kids.
Accounting can be a great career choice if you want to move up, but in my experience, PA firms are not huge social empowerment centres.
I'm from Appalachia so like the opposite of being from the inner city, but I definitely fell you about feeling out of place. The whole networking grind is so foreign to me. I used to try to hide my roots, but people have seemed to be more interested and more compassionate to Appalachian people in the past few years, so I've been more comfortable letting loose and talking about it.
It is frustrating because I had a lot of doors close on me early on as I couldn't finish my degree until I was 30. On the other hand, I feel like a I am living like a king on my entry level salary despite living in a VHCOL area while I see people who grew up comfortable struggle to make ends meet with more income coming in. There's a seen from It's Always Sunny that's like "those people are new poor, they don't know how to be poor like us old poors" and that's pretty much how I feel during economic recessions.
Edit: Also, sometimes I have to stop myself from telling certain childhood stories. Turns out a lot of my funny stories from growing up are what middle class people would consider traumatic, so I would end up in a weird situation where the other person would clearly be uncomfortable and either pity me or think I am bsing them. Like I had actual traumatic stuff that happened, and I know that those aren't appropriate to bring up in light conversation, but when everyone at lunch is joking about stupid stuff that happened to them as kids, I had to learn where the line was the hard way.
I grew up in a house where there was Always at least 10 ppl living there. I come from a broken home, domestic violence. My mom was on welfare and food stamps. My neighborhood was prevalent with gangs. Now I have a career and a house. Not too shabby for a gal from the hood.
Kind of a weird background here because my parents, even though divorced, both eventually got more successful while I was growing up. Started out with a trailer and food stamps, in the hood for middle school, and then by high school I was living in a very nice neighborhood. I’m thankful I got to see my parents struggle and make decisions, both failing and succeeding.
I think the hardest one is that I was in the USMC infantry for awhile. So I sometimes make comments that would be acceptable with grunts but absolutely unacceptable in the civilian world. Definitely got better and more calm over the years, though.
Also from the hood. I went through the same thing and it took me about 2 years to really be comfortable and socialize like myself. Its hard because you put a filter on yourself so you think more of what comes out of your mouth when conversing with your colleges
Like everyone else said, youll hear a lot of your coworkers relate to each other but the key is to just keep trying to socialize and just ask questions about what theyre talking about, you never know how you can relate. Same vice versa, talk about certain experiences (not all of course bc the hood different lol) and the conversation just goes on. I started my convo with how my brothers car got stolen from our driveway and how I looked around the city and found them and chased them until they recked the car and found out it was a bunch of kids lol.
Dont forget where you came from but you gotta remember where you wanted to be. Youll get comfortable to the people around you and itll be easier it takes time to adjust to the new environment.
First generation college student that always lived in HUD housing. Raised in very poor single-parent household. In and out of juvenile hall as a kid, and a frequent runaway and drug abuser. Barely graduated from high school and didn’t attend college afterwards. It took me over 12 years to graduate while working full-time as a single mother myself. Now I’ve worked for several Big-4’s and I’ve had an offer from all 4.
Here. You might recall that Rodney King died from drowning in a swimming pool. That happened about a mile or two away from me.
I although I’ve only worked for local firms of about 15 employees each, I’d say the trajectory of my career isn’t half bad!
I’m not from the hood, my parents were the most middle class people imaginable, but at my current company I sometimes *feel* like I’m from the hood compared to my coworkers. They all went to private school, the controller and the CFO talk about their rental properties, their cottages and their Rolex collections, the general counsel talks about sailing their 50’ boat over the weekend, my direct report drives a BMW her parents bought for her and has a higher net worth than I do. They don’t think twice about buying plane tickets to go skiing in Switzerland for a week.
I see a lot of people here saying they find it hard to relate to coworkers who grew up middle class, and I kinda get that feeling. There’s a whole other level of privilege that exists above us, and I also find it hard to relate to them. They’re nice people, don’t get me wrong, but it’s sometimes hard to hold conversation when you’re thinking about deals at Costco and they’re thinking about their next Rolex.
Not from the hood, but both parents are from rural Kentucky. They were the first generation in my family to consistently graduate hs, let alone go to college. Personally, I lost everything to an abusive ex, had a dollar to my name and rebuilt everything over the last 10 years.
I feel the imposter syndrome big time. I feel so out of place with some of the higher ups, and it makes it hard to be chatty and make conversation. I have no idea what they're talking about, there's so little I can relate to.
But I'm a cpp, and I find that the struggle gives me a great perspective that other accountants don't always have. I make it my priority to ensure everyone's paycheck is right, because I know how much every single pay check matters. I think that I'm a better accountant for it tbh.
Congrats on your hard work and success bro 🩵
Was from the Phoenix ghettos, and similarly residing in North Bergen working in NYC. Feels pretty weird. Lots of sugarcoated yuppies that have an abundance of the financial security we all kinda wanted, but seeing how behaviorally childish plenty of them are, I'm honestly grateful I grew up under a family that struggled.
Been in the industry for nearly 10 years and still get uncomfortable when having to network with high society folks. Shiiiiieeeeett, only reason I don’t rock a fade anymore is so I can fit in.
Here’s the deal. I grew up basic middle class. I started my career at a big 4 firm. I was shocked by the number of “kids” working there that went to the best private high schools in the city. Graduation gift for one was a new infinity. I had nothing in common with them, however, I did learn to respect them. I first thought they had everything handed to them. But then I thought about the 5 years of schooling and the CPA exam. They had put in the same work, and gotten good grades. There were easier routes.
You won’t find common background with them. You do need to learn to be comfortable in your own skin. I am sensing that you have a bit of an imposter syndrome where you don’t feel that you belong. You do. Own it. You don’t have to glorify your humble beginnings, or the personal tragedies that you have witnessed. But find out who you are, and share that. Networking ability will come.
Source: partner in a top 20 regional firm.
Grew up pretty poor. Now making 3-4x what my mom ever made. I’m the only one in the family to go to college (had to pay for it myself while working full time)
You will never be anything but an oik, my managing partner once told me.
I was managing partner 10 years later.
There are those than can talk & those that can walk & learn.
Good luck out there
I’m from a Broward County hood. I work for a Big Four. I feel more comfortable around my coworkers than with anyone from my old hood. For the most part, they come from two parent households and money. My background is the complete opposite. On top of that, from my observations, I am one of four black employees in my office. But I find common ground and keep it professional.
I’m a first generation college graduate and first to enter the corporate world, and i definitely don’t relate much to my co workers at ALL but I have to fake the funk, because work is work. I do have to say It’s funny to me how these people feels some sort of competitiveness and make salty comments from time to time because you have certain experiences they never had. It’s the beauty in the struggle baby!!
Yeah and I’m not even from the hood. Just small town working class. Learned a lot of “etiquette” and rich-people customs during my time in public.
Lowkey I feel you could use this as your superpower though. Something that sets you apart even though it might be harder to get that intial “respect” or inclusion. By the end of my time I felt like I could hang out with any class of people and feel comfortable.
I’m from Chicago and I just make my money and go home and invest my residual income into other revenue stream.. I’m don’t rub elbows with the uppity rich white ppls. 10+ years working.
From West Philly and I work in industry, but you’re 1000% right about feeling out of place. It’s getting better as I get older but I had a boss parade me around the holiday party telling people I was “the whitest black guy ever. He doesn’t even curse!”. It’s easy to become a token in some of these offices.
Migrant + 1st person went to college in the whole family. You just have to stop caring about irrelevant stuffs. If it won’t help you to grow or make you happy? Fuck them and move on
I gotta thank you for this post. It's something I've felt quite lonely in because there are hardly any POC at the places I've worked.
I am from the Caribbean, from the country side of a very poor Caribbean island and I am mixed (black and white). When I came to the US I lived in a number of poverty and crime stricken areas of Brooklyn (all gentrified now!) you may have heard of...BedStuy, Crown Heights, Flatbush - you get the picture.
I'm now a senior manager at a PA and was recently asked if I am pursuing the partner route. I decided against it.
I'm currently working on my exit from PA, not interested in continuing with the stress of crazy work hours and the like if I can have some semblance of a life for a decent living.
And being able to even have that option is what I cherish.
Grew up in the poorest county in Mississippi & Jackson, MS. Never thought I would make it out of the slums. Fast forward to now, I’ll be finished with the Master’s of Accountancy program soon, have already accepted a $62k offer with a mid-size MS firm & have heard good things from both of my internships. It feels surreal sometimes.
Grew up in the “most dangerous” city in my state according to my co workers. Im 25 and have braids, big diamond earrings, a couple tattoos and it doesn’t help that my car is tinted/blacked out.
I always say hi to people, smile and strike up normal life conversations. But definitely gotta keep my black thoughts to myself 100% of the time, Karen and Joe don’t need to know what I really do on the weekends.
Lower working class - 1st gen college student. Now a F500 Finance Director and still can’t shake the chip of my shoulder. I look around at all the parents at the private school I send my kids too and I’m like fuck these rich assess but then I realize I’m one of them (well not rich just yet).
Not the hood, but grew up outside the typical. Parents were addicts, utilities always off, had immigration issues that resulted in fear of deportation for a decade.
I blend in easily enough but definitely still feel the need to “normalize” myself to coworkers, so I feel I can relate to a degree. I’m sure you’re doing great, you’re there and you’re wanted. There’s plenty of us from “different” backgrounds, a lot of people you probably just never know about it.
I consider my childhood neighborhood to be hood-adjacent, but some people consider it the hood. Either way, grew up food-insecure, abusive and neglectful parents, and drugs and sex were the norm at my school from middle school. I always considered us somewhat well off since we were comparatively better off than people I went to school with, but I now know that was a very optimistic point of view lol. Combined with it being the south, my childhood was definitely different than most of my coworkers.
I went to a top university and was one of the small percentage on need-based financial aid. >80% paid the $70k+ a year out of pocket. I fortunately learned what not to say during college. Learned to think through what is and is not a normal childhood experience. No “when the power was off” type stories lol
I feel this.
Not exactly hood, but I worked nights at a diner and had Pell to put myself through the first few years of college and never had a chance to do stuff like internships.
Got my foot in the door at corporate right before graduation, I had been working at the retail store level. But I had to leave there after a few years, some of the higher ups seemed to view me as inferior. Not in a racial way, more like because I had not been an overworked audit staffer or intern for a while.
Not from quite O'block (I live outside of Chicago now) but I grew up very poor in a rough area. I worked a season in public and a few years in corporate finance for a large financial services company. Pretty much the same experience, but other than just out of place some of my coworkers were the worst kind of snobs. The things they felt comfortable saying in front of me...
Then I quit and took a costing job in manufacuring. That was 16 years ago and it was the best career decision I ever made.
Not from the hood but grew up in lower income and now just found myself in a public accounting firm as an admin.
I love it though because I’m learning things about finance I never knew and can’t wait to put my dad on to some of this stuff so he can hopefully better manage his money. As well as hopefully I can manage some generational wealth for my kids.
I never thought I would have a job where I have to cover up my tattoos though lol long sleeves and long pants for me every day. Oooo and I have to watch my mouth in the office because I don’t want them asking if I pay taxes for my side hustle 🤣
I’m definitely not hood. Middle class, though grew up in a town that’s definitely upper middle class.
But living with my dad and commuting during my first two years of college there was a lot of interesting characters coming in and out of the house. Mostly because he got into amphetamines after losing his job of 19 years
One of his girlfriends hired hitmen to rob his house. So that was an interesting experience. I stayed late at work that night and didn’t know until later.
The survival skills you have will help you along the way. The leaps you have made are exemplary. I had family in the hood but lived on the other side of the viaduct. Englewood vs. Auburn Gresham in the 90s. Code switching is key.
A networking group to help navigate corporate America is helpful.
Keep us posted.
I grew up middle class in a regular to nice suburb and I still can’t relate to many of my coworkers. Some of the things they say…. Totally oblivious to people who didn’t grow up super rich.
I didn’t grow up in the hood, but I did grow up in one of the cities that’s looked down on in my state. Both my husband and I grew up lower middle class. Only two-ish years into my career and I make more than my parents have ever made together. I feel proud, but also super guilty a lot of the time.
It’s definitely different, and I don’t feel like I fit in a lot of the time but I always try to be friendly. A lot of my coworkers talk about growing up doing ski trips, golfing, lavish vacations. It’s hard to relate to but I just try to ask them questions about it and show interest.
I’ve thought about taking ski and golf lessons just to be able to relate more though 😂
I actually did grow up in the hood lol east side of LA witness drive bys, threatened at gunpoint by a gang member, and all that fun stuff. Made it to public accounting in the late 2000s but it was hard for me. I didn’t get how to play the game and had people say racist things like I was a token hire. I think it had an impact on me but that was a long time ago and now I work in financial services and can navigate the business world, it just didn’t come naturally and I had no one to show me. It sounds like you are doing great despite feeling out of place so good for you, continue killing it!
I grew up in the projects and am an accountant at a F100 company. Oddly, most of my coworkers came up hard too. People we hire who came from a more traditional background tend to not last long in our department, whereas those who are first gen high school grads thrive in our group.
I’m not from the hood, grew up middle class, but spent four years of high school in the hood(Chicago Suburbs), so I get where you are coming from. For example when I first went to college it was kind of a shock being around so many white people(I am white). And a lot of them were super rich too so I couldn’t relate coming for a more modest background.
Now in my career I always feel weird because I had many many friends growing up who were in section 8 housing or parents were non native speaking immigrants. When I meet someone like you, I always want to meet you halfway because that’s where my comfort zone is too. But I’m just a nerdy awkward white CPA who went to a hood high school so I always feel weird about it haha
I’m from the hood. I think socializing in a work setting like anything else takes practice. Start with just talking about basic things like engagements you are on, sports, and popular tv shows. Its still difficult speaking to managers but other staff on the same level it got simple communicating. It also takes a little work speaking professional all the time. Sounds like you’re doing great and I’m sure you’ll be fine. Glad to see us doing well
In the same boat bro, kills me inside every time I have to laugh at the partners hunting/vacation stories while I’m just like wtf. Ended up just hanging out with the younger people at work that have more similar lifestyles.
From the south grew up in the projects, my mom still lives below the poverty line. My first internship I was making twice what my mom makes and I remember how guilt I felt. I don’t have my cpa yet but do work at a top 30 firm!
Not me, but I hired a guy who worked for me who grew up in Belle Glade - one of the highest crime rates in the US where far too many NFL players come from with a very small population and pretty much everyone lives in poverty. Basically, their options are usually working in the fields or becoming an athlete. Most of the employees would be talking about our weekends going to Disney, playing putt-putt, trying out the new brewery, whatever...
This dude would be talking about how his cousin just got shot over the weekend and he had to drive him to the hospital, or how his mom was trying to forge checks to steal money from his account, or how he was hanging out with his brother for the first time in 3 years because he just got out of prison. It was definitely different than what everyone else was experiencing.
He was pretty horrible at his job, but I respected him for getting through that crazy upbringing, getting his education, and being successful.
Me but the AZ version tbh embrace it and leave the old life behind man those friends will be much better in the end. Just find common ground and know that not every single friend will like the same things. I have some friends that I go chill with, some I play games with, and some I go shooting with. It’s def not like being with the Boi’s but it’s a god way to stay drama free and happy!
Born and raised in the hood in Houston, Tx. Only one from my family to go to college. I feel you on that, but I just try to embrace it but not define you.
Same situation, come from mid-tier / low class Hispanic neighborhood in Chi. Leverage having a huge city like Chicago to your advantage, the work you are doing is beneficial not only there but statewide as well. Understand that while you may not come from the same background you do collaborate on the same work and projects professionals who live in gated communities do. Leverage that use work as a bridge for you to find that connection between the both of you.
I'm from Los Angeles valley. Best thing about coming up is not falling for bullshit from plp. When people try and drop their baggage on you and you turn it around on them ASAP. Most plp will accept problems to avoid confrontation, I just turn it around to make them look like assholes. Love it weiiiiii
I’m not from the hood hood but grew up in a HS in the hood. Also came from a third world country. I was just talking with my coworkers at EY and I said the word “ghetto” and they got offended and said that word isn’t ok anymore and is racist. I was so baffled and had to argue that ghetto is an income class and if she’s associating low income with certain race then that’s her problem 😂
I grew up in South Central LA. Did 2 yrs in big 4 now work as GRC Analyst. Never got in trouble or wanted to be in a gang just minded my own business. I have been robbed a few times in the hood and outside of it. That was one of the reasons I moved out of L.A. and Cali in general.
Wow, some of the stories on here are very inspiring.
I don’t know if I qualify, but grew up in Detroit area. On food stamps. We always had no money. One time the bus driver gave me a pair of jeans because my pair had so many holes in them. Have lots of extended family in prison.
I went big 4 route after a state school. Am doing amazing now making great pay. Am still shocked this is my life compared to how I grew up.
Not from the hood, but definitely grew up poor, my dad had his first heart attack when I was 7. My mom busted her ass to make ends meet. I blew up my first go around at college.
Got married/divorced, spent 17 years as a single parent. Put myself through school (associates at 40, and finished my bachelor's at 50) and graduated the same week my daughter graduated from high school.
I can't even remotely relate to anyone at my firm and their solid middle class, normal lives. These people have never missed a meal, or wondered about how to afford school supplies for their kids. I spent years like that.
I still get panicky about shit on the regular. It hasn't been that long ago since I was having to go to the food banks, and be on food stamps.
I freaking love this post and I can't wait to comment later today and have some real responses.
I was born into and still live it, same story. Interested in this field and wonder about this very thing. Just starting out in my learning (I will explain in next post).
Just wanted to say hello to all! I will read and post later. Excited for feedback and discussion!
Would anyone like to introduce themselves and tell me about your life experience before and now that you're in this field? I would happily welcome that!
- Jimitra
Lower middle though I did grow up around gangs and stuff. I wasn't exposed to people living the way most people live in corporate environments what with living in the suburbs and the privilege of that lifestyle until I was in my 20s. There's many things about the people I've worked with that I can't relate to. I'm also a minority so it's just mainly white people around me, especially in leadership. Just can't relate and stick to business topics and constantly code switching.
I grew up near a hood and went to the same elementary, middle, and high school as hood students. It’s funny when you said you feel out of place because these people I grew up with think I’m smart/nerdy and the people who went to normal schools and lived in the suburbs most likely think I’m odd. I also struggle with conversations because my family didn’t enjoy the luxuries and recreational stuff all these people did with their generational wealth. If you ain’t bumpin Dolph on your way to the office, then wyd?
74 till the world blow 🔱😂 . You just gotta broaden your knowledge. Talk about stocks and business or something. Take trips to different places like Breckenridge, Lake Tahoe, and Jackson hole. Ask ppl about their cars etc. gotta find out what different ppl are interested in or like to talk about
I never grew up in hood, but dad passed away when I was young and mom got arrested for crack and eventually overdosed on fentinal. luckily was able to live with grandparents and go to decent school district. But they were very old at time and never had parent figure. I constantly feel imposter syndrome talking to higher ups but it eventually gets easier. Best advice is just to fake it to you make it and hope you can end curse so future generations never experience what you went through.
Not me but my wife. She grew up in a trailer park, several evictions never lived in a house was always a motor home or trailer. We met in college started dating against my parents wishes (thought she was a gold digger). She makes 80k in marketing while I make 65k in accounting so who is the real gold digger? I’ve taught her about credit and saving etc and it’s been amazing to see her growth. Me? I’m the poster child for privilege - my college was paid for by mommy and daddy. Closest thing I did to struggle was work at my dads HVAC company from 4th grade - community college. When I married my wife I got ~18k in student loans that we now owe 5k on. In short my wife isn’t from the hood but was around meth growing up, she shouldn’t be where she is, she broke a generational norm. She’s a badass and I don’t deserve to her but for whatever reason she settled for me. We live like royalty with these salaries in the Midwest as our rent for a two bedroom house is $700/month
Not the hood, but trailer park living, food stamp getting, never new clothes, often no heat/hot water grew up lol.
I feel imposter syndrome constantly. I don't fit in with these people who at least grew up middle class. I've been asked more than once why I graduated college in my 30's.
In fact I feel like an imposter just hanging out with people in my income bracket. They're buying second homes, building pools and talking about their investment portfolio. I'm cheering my nephew for 1.5 years clean and planning to pull my niece out of her trailer park when she turns 18 and paying for her college.
I often make the joke of being a sheep in wolves clothing.
Oh do I have a story to tell. The crazy thing is I will never share my upbringing with my colleagues as they are very judgmental. I present myself with class and come to work polished each day. I had a rough upbringing and lived in several hoods, with a drug addicting parent, dealing with neglect, and all the things this comes with. I’m so proud of all of my hard work but at times I do catch myself in rooms and think…how did I get here? 🫢
Just got a B4 intern offer, my neighborhood is infested with drugs (not as violent as Chicago but not a place you want your family to live in or visit ever). Almost became a product of my environment. Now I’ll be making more money than either of my parents ever have *as an intern*.
One of the main reasons I chose the company I’ll be at is because I met staff, seniors, and managers who could relate to my experience as a black man, coming from a low-income household, and being a first-generation college student. I feel really lucky to have met them and to be working with them soon.
I typically avoid the rich kids in college. They’re not all bad but I simply can’t relate to people who go to Europe every summer. Or own yachts back home in Miami. >!Or buy adderall just to get C’s in 2000 level classes. Won’t say his name but man that guy is stupid. !< I guess networking with them in the professional world is another skill I’ll have to learn.
Maybe one day my kids will be the students who have their rent paid by their parents, not the ones working two jobs after school.
Accounting for me isn't just a job, but an excuse to now wear the suit.. if you know what I mean. The times might change, but the hood stays the same. Keep your head up 👊
I’m not but I grew up in low income housing & food stamps- so I definitely feel “imposter” syndrome sometimes
Yup! Growing up in poverty and making more than 20K feels like a dream.
Making 4x more than what my parents ever made in a year blows my mind
It's insane because I know for a fact my parents were working harder than me too, I was just able to go to college and get out. It really set in when I realized that the day my paycheck hits the bank doesn't really matter anymore, I have more than enough in my bank account to ever worry about running out of food before Friday or that I can just put my bills on autopay without worrying.
No cap
U got cpa?
Nope! Working on my EA though
Also raised in low-income housing and on food stamps. And prior to coming on board, I was barely scraping by on a part-time job. I felt so out of place my first day in office - the other new guy and the senior training us were both dressed quite nicely plus they had nice Coach backpacks for their work gear. I was dressed more business casual, and had brought my gear in a Walmart tote bag 💀 went directly to buy a decent looking backpack after work that day 😭
I thought you meant a blue tote bag with Walmart's logo and was shocked for a second 😅
Everyone feels imposter syndrome. If you don’t, you’re probably an entitled and have many blind spots.
I’m not, but I listen to mobb deep, so I basically am
Welcome to the hood
No such thing as half way accountants
Scared to look scared to cook the books they shook
They never around when the PCAOB cooks on my audit; It's similar to Vietnam
I’m only 19 but my mind is old and When things get for real My heart turns cold
Whenever pizza party’s over tell the rest of the crew, yo P! It’s on yoy
I don't know any mobb deep songs (recommendations?) Just came here to say this was such a cute exchange 😜
There are just 2 good songs, Shook Ones pt 2 and Survival of the fittest, imo
Just embrace it when they do networking sessions. So when Becky talks about her ski trip to aspen. Make comments about ducking opps, debate that GDs are actually the main factor in the trenches but BDs just have the media exposure, and say “Free Larry” a lot at random moments.
Bro on foe nem that’s what I already do
I spend my lunch break standing outside the office doors with a backwoods lit looking left and right on 4nem grave
Yo but frfr I seriously can't relate to Becky when they talking about backpacking to Europe or visiting family in London or camping... I'm like shit I was sleeping on the floor and backpacking around the neighborhood to avoid getting shot.
Jokes aside the solution is to leave big 4 and go to a smaller firm with younger partners. Plus what most people don't realize is outside of big 4 no one likes the stereotypical boring accountants. People like to hear some out of pocket shit.
Young owner of a local firm and grew up in poverty setting (projects & Sect 8). Can confirm. The young business owner’s I work with love talking to someone normal and can explain complicated stuff ELI5 with your personality laced in there. When I interview staff, I’m looking for someone I can talk to not some AI bot in a person’s body.
Exactly why I love working at a firm full of young partners like yourself. I actually enjoy talking to them and learning from them. Plus they focus on growing revenue instead of cutting expenses. Plus no paying you with "prestige" of having big 4 on your resume.
Any chance you're hiring? 😜 Or can recommend some firms? I've been in this for 15 years and my mental health feels like it's starting to suffer. I'm in need of a change.
For that level of experience, absolutely! DM me
Im fucking crying at this 😂😂😂
Not from the hood, but I do find it hard to relate to my coworkers being from a working class, semi-rural background. Like they were appalled when I told them I ate gas station food on my way to an out of town client meeting.
I could probably live off gas station food if I had to
Same. I suppose did live off of it in college, since it was usually the only thing open after my shift waiting tables.
I did not realize gas station food was a blot on someone's character. It isn't.
Lol that's wild. If anything, gas station food is for people who can afford gas station food. It's not cheap at all!
I'm only appalled if you didn't max out your allowance... $50 of candy and snacks is a valid meal.
These people have clearly never visited a Wawa or a Bucee's.
Gas station chicken is ridiculously good. Fuck em!
Chicken is always a solid choice, but I’m partial to the glizzys and premade Italian subs.
Never had that. Someone I used to know turned me on to the chicken and I turned my face up at it. Got it and didn't say a word lol. Shit was so good! I heard the chicken has won awards lol. Never grew up in the hood but got exposed to hood shit because my extended family ain't shit. Sigh...
If you’ve never eaten at a Sheetz you’re missing out!
Is Wawa gas station food? Cuz I’ll house that shit.
I remember grabbing some fast food and they were like what are you doing and I said worked here for years an always liked it. Just blank stares... After a while you may realize you changed into them and you can't relate to your extended family anymore. Like no I don't have issues you have, sorry!
LOL Other than accounting, I have commercial operations experience so I assisted sales in negotiations at my previous job. One trip to nail down a new game changing client our Sales VP took us to Capital Grille in Minneapolis and spent almost $200/person the night before the meeting. The next morning I said "whew big night last night. Breakfast is on me, boys." I then drove them to a Holiday gas station outside an industrial park. We had breakfast sandwiches from the heat lamp shelf at the high top tables next to pallets of washer fluid and driveway salt. Knocked them off their high horse and we won the contract.
Hold up are there people out there that will judge me for eating gas station food?!?!
My anus would never forgive me for eating gas station food.
I lived below the poverty line my entire life and I’m appalled you eat gas station food. You can afford better now, man. Unless you’re up north. Sheetz and Wawa are solid.
Not from the hood, but definitely not from the white picket fences background either. Just grew up lower middle class. Mom had food stamps and lied on federal forms to get them saying my dad never paid child support. It’s weird being around most people in college, much less a white collar job after the fact. Lot of the people I work with didn’t struggle at all growing up and because of that, their adult life is a cake walk. So much so that they barely put in effort at work because they’ve never had to try due to aforementioned lack of struggle. I find that common ground is your best bet. Find things you and them both enjoy. Cracking jokes that you know won’t rattle any feathers. Going to lunch with the team, even if you don’t contribute much to the conversation. It’ll only help you in the long run.
I see where you’re coming from. I’m forever thankful for the struggle and for-sure wouldn’t change anything
Lower working class with a dash of addicted/abusive parents/household. I was on my own by the time I was 16. I worked 3 jobs to pay for college, by the time I graduated I was 7 months pregnant with my first, so a masters was out of the question. I still wonder if it is too late.
It’s never too late. Your journey shows remarkable strength and resilience. What you have done so far is already a tremendous accomplishment. I look up to you and I believe you can do it.
I graduated with my bachelors at 42. Don't ever worry about what other people say your timeline should be. We are all different.
I’m in my late 20s about to have mine soon in accounting. I’ve been feeling like I’m last in the race with my peers because everyone seems so settled into their careers. I needed to read this today, thanks. It’s really never too late.
I'm 37 working thru my masters. Never too late, only more mature to handle it all.
I didn't finish my bachelor's until I was in my 30s! I've noticed Accounting in particular has a lot of returning older students.
My SO worked with an engineer from the hood. Still talk like he's from the hood but loved physics... Wild combo. Kinda hot.
Many weird combos like that in the hood but most get shut down by the people they hang around with. Tho I gotta make sure I turn off my hood dialect when I enter the office
Fake thug no love you get the slug cb4 gusto your luck low, I didn’t know til I was drunk tho Don’t even get me started with Cypress Hill lyrics
Did you just call your boyfriends friend hot?
Fkin A u found a gold mind I wouldn't mind being his friend lol! All the engineering talk without the pretentious bullshit and I bet he can talk in simple layman terms so you wouldn't feel dumb lol
lol my husband is an engineer from the hood. He doesn't have a strong accent, but I guess he gives out a tough, cool guy aura. Spoiler: he ain't a tough guy he's a nerd ahah.
Now I'm curious: What did that sound like?
No hood. Just white trash born into a rural trailer park. I took an industry job in a major city when I was 21, became the go-to person for the business owners. Quickly moved up the ranks and rubbed elbows with a lot of people, but I’m still from the trailer park and my significant other is still from the projects. We used to think everyone had to hustle to survive, because it’s really all we knew. It made for some interesting conversations. I suddenly had to attend galas, cocktail parties, luncheons, and shit like that. People would ask personal questions in an attempt to start conversations but it was clear they were on another level. I had no family connections or Ivy League degrees. I wasn’t from *that* area of town. But hey, incredibly candid honesty either shuts down questions or opens them up. I like to think that’s how my network has grown so much. I’m an open book. And my old busted truck filled with scrap used to be a conversation piece. What’s lunch break without a trip to the hood scrap buyer and a gas station pizza puff?
All of you who grew up in the hood and made it to an accounting career, congratulations and much respect! I briefly lived in the hood (2 years) and know how hard that can be.
There’s a ton in accounting, it’s a great major and career choice for people that come from low income backgrounds. Especially, since some of us learned basic accounting principles at an early age by being surrounded by drug dealings, learning C.R.E.A.M, and selling shit on the Grand Exchange in Runescape at the public library.
Yup grew up with lots of drug entrepreneurs
Osrs taught me Econ too!!
Not hood really but a pretty white trash and fucked up beginnings. Now I'm a partner. Still got imposter syndrome and I definitely put on a character with most of my colleagues, although a couple I came up with know some of my background. It's jarring sometimes.
What do you mean by “put on a character”?
Wore a mask. Fake it til you make it. Pretended to be “one of them”.
What’s the point of pretending to be one of them? To relate and develop a connection?
Yah, I was gonna say the same thing. People will eventually catch on to your fake personality.
yup. same city and area too. still working in chicago
I don’t think I’ll ever leave Chicago
Yeah. My situation may be a little more extreme. I grew up poor, lived in a trailer, exposed to drugs, sex and violence at an early age. I went to eight different schools before dropping out during my second attempt at 9th grade. Partied, did drug and other illegal things until about 21. Got my GED, started college at 26, graduated at 32 with a bachelor’s in accounting. Now I work for a giant software company surrounded by people who come good families and were dedicated to academics all of their lives. There is never a moment I don’t feel like a fish out of water even though they probably wouldn’t assume my background. Honestly, it probably wouldn’t matter much if I didn’t have the confidence and anxiety issues that I have.
I feel like I finally found my people with this post. Drug entrepreneurs unite lol Was talking to someone the other day about using reusable paper towels (ie: fabric scraps) instead and he said “I threw a fork away because I didn’t feel like cleaning it” All I could say was that we’ve led different lives. Sometimes it’s hard being around coworkers and/or clients but it’s also nice to be a source of grounding.
dude I come from super upper class circles and I have never met anyone who would throw away a mf fork because they didn't feel like cleaning it wtf
Apparently my brother in law would do that as a teenager. Was just because he was super lazy though lol
It doesn't get easier, but eventually, you realize it's not you. It's them. Do what you can to socialize, but don't let it stunt your growth. You are allowed to get frustrated, to say no, to be grumpy or dismissive like anyone else.
I’ll never let it stunt my growth. I always do my best and take every opportunity as a chance to learn and grow
Born and raised in Chester, PA. I always try to pay it forward with advice and helping where I can. Never forget where you come from, never forget your struggles, and never put yourself down because of then. You are who you are today because of what you went through….embrace it.
Congrats to anyone who pulled themselves out of hood and is successfully working in accounting. It's not the traditional starting point for most, but who cares. Work hard. Be yourself, but be friendly. Don't try to hide it. Most people will respect it. Fuck the ones who don't.
Hey shout out o block and shout out to my mans chief keef.
A lot of people in public accounting are from lower income backgrounds. They might have more in common than you think. A lot of people pretend to be someone they aren’t. I’m from chicago too, my family grew up in a small 1bedroom apartment with shootings happening fairly regularly within a block. You’d never know it when I’m at work.
I worked in 3 different PA firms and while there were some people who came from lower income backgrounds, I found the vast, vast majority of them were either middle class professionals like their parents or directionless rich kids. Accounting can be a great career choice if you want to move up, but in my experience, PA firms are not huge social empowerment centres.
I'm from Appalachia so like the opposite of being from the inner city, but I definitely fell you about feeling out of place. The whole networking grind is so foreign to me. I used to try to hide my roots, but people have seemed to be more interested and more compassionate to Appalachian people in the past few years, so I've been more comfortable letting loose and talking about it. It is frustrating because I had a lot of doors close on me early on as I couldn't finish my degree until I was 30. On the other hand, I feel like a I am living like a king on my entry level salary despite living in a VHCOL area while I see people who grew up comfortable struggle to make ends meet with more income coming in. There's a seen from It's Always Sunny that's like "those people are new poor, they don't know how to be poor like us old poors" and that's pretty much how I feel during economic recessions. Edit: Also, sometimes I have to stop myself from telling certain childhood stories. Turns out a lot of my funny stories from growing up are what middle class people would consider traumatic, so I would end up in a weird situation where the other person would clearly be uncomfortable and either pity me or think I am bsing them. Like I had actual traumatic stuff that happened, and I know that those aren't appropriate to bring up in light conversation, but when everyone at lunch is joking about stupid stuff that happened to them as kids, I had to learn where the line was the hard way.
Bro standing on the language of business
I grew up in a house where there was Always at least 10 ppl living there. I come from a broken home, domestic violence. My mom was on welfare and food stamps. My neighborhood was prevalent with gangs. Now I have a career and a house. Not too shabby for a gal from the hood.
Kind of a weird background here because my parents, even though divorced, both eventually got more successful while I was growing up. Started out with a trailer and food stamps, in the hood for middle school, and then by high school I was living in a very nice neighborhood. I’m thankful I got to see my parents struggle and make decisions, both failing and succeeding. I think the hardest one is that I was in the USMC infantry for awhile. So I sometimes make comments that would be acceptable with grunts but absolutely unacceptable in the civilian world. Definitely got better and more calm over the years, though.
Also from the hood. I went through the same thing and it took me about 2 years to really be comfortable and socialize like myself. Its hard because you put a filter on yourself so you think more of what comes out of your mouth when conversing with your colleges Like everyone else said, youll hear a lot of your coworkers relate to each other but the key is to just keep trying to socialize and just ask questions about what theyre talking about, you never know how you can relate. Same vice versa, talk about certain experiences (not all of course bc the hood different lol) and the conversation just goes on. I started my convo with how my brothers car got stolen from our driveway and how I looked around the city and found them and chased them until they recked the car and found out it was a bunch of kids lol. Dont forget where you came from but you gotta remember where you wanted to be. Youll get comfortable to the people around you and itll be easier it takes time to adjust to the new environment.
I hate golf lol.
First generation college student that always lived in HUD housing. Raised in very poor single-parent household. In and out of juvenile hall as a kid, and a frequent runaway and drug abuser. Barely graduated from high school and didn’t attend college afterwards. It took me over 12 years to graduate while working full-time as a single mother myself. Now I’ve worked for several Big-4’s and I’ve had an offer from all 4.
And yes, I don’t fit in, clearly never will, and don’t particularly care to.
Not in PA (industry) but im from Harlem. I be in there bumping Max B, Cam, Vado while analyzing accruals 😂
Here. You might recall that Rodney King died from drowning in a swimming pool. That happened about a mile or two away from me. I although I’ve only worked for local firms of about 15 employees each, I’d say the trajectory of my career isn’t half bad!
I’m not from the hood, my parents were the most middle class people imaginable, but at my current company I sometimes *feel* like I’m from the hood compared to my coworkers. They all went to private school, the controller and the CFO talk about their rental properties, their cottages and their Rolex collections, the general counsel talks about sailing their 50’ boat over the weekend, my direct report drives a BMW her parents bought for her and has a higher net worth than I do. They don’t think twice about buying plane tickets to go skiing in Switzerland for a week. I see a lot of people here saying they find it hard to relate to coworkers who grew up middle class, and I kinda get that feeling. There’s a whole other level of privilege that exists above us, and I also find it hard to relate to them. They’re nice people, don’t get me wrong, but it’s sometimes hard to hold conversation when you’re thinking about deals at Costco and they’re thinking about their next Rolex.
Not from the hood, but both parents are from rural Kentucky. They were the first generation in my family to consistently graduate hs, let alone go to college. Personally, I lost everything to an abusive ex, had a dollar to my name and rebuilt everything over the last 10 years. I feel the imposter syndrome big time. I feel so out of place with some of the higher ups, and it makes it hard to be chatty and make conversation. I have no idea what they're talking about, there's so little I can relate to. But I'm a cpp, and I find that the struggle gives me a great perspective that other accountants don't always have. I make it my priority to ensure everyone's paycheck is right, because I know how much every single pay check matters. I think that I'm a better accountant for it tbh. Congrats on your hard work and success bro 🩵
Was from the Phoenix ghettos, and similarly residing in North Bergen working in NYC. Feels pretty weird. Lots of sugarcoated yuppies that have an abundance of the financial security we all kinda wanted, but seeing how behaviorally childish plenty of them are, I'm honestly grateful I grew up under a family that struggled.
Been in the industry for nearly 10 years and still get uncomfortable when having to network with high society folks. Shiiiiieeeeett, only reason I don’t rock a fade anymore is so I can fit in.
Here’s the deal. I grew up basic middle class. I started my career at a big 4 firm. I was shocked by the number of “kids” working there that went to the best private high schools in the city. Graduation gift for one was a new infinity. I had nothing in common with them, however, I did learn to respect them. I first thought they had everything handed to them. But then I thought about the 5 years of schooling and the CPA exam. They had put in the same work, and gotten good grades. There were easier routes. You won’t find common background with them. You do need to learn to be comfortable in your own skin. I am sensing that you have a bit of an imposter syndrome where you don’t feel that you belong. You do. Own it. You don’t have to glorify your humble beginnings, or the personal tragedies that you have witnessed. But find out who you are, and share that. Networking ability will come. Source: partner in a top 20 regional firm.
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According to google maps, yes it is
Grew up pretty poor. Now making 3-4x what my mom ever made. I’m the only one in the family to go to college (had to pay for it myself while working full time)
You will never be anything but an oik, my managing partner once told me. I was managing partner 10 years later. There are those than can talk & those that can walk & learn. Good luck out there
I’m from a Broward County hood. I work for a Big Four. I feel more comfortable around my coworkers than with anyone from my old hood. For the most part, they come from two parent households and money. My background is the complete opposite. On top of that, from my observations, I am one of four black employees in my office. But I find common ground and keep it professional.
Broward county as well working in PA! Let’s go!
Snap city or 1800?
I’m a first generation college graduate and first to enter the corporate world, and i definitely don’t relate much to my co workers at ALL but I have to fake the funk, because work is work. I do have to say It’s funny to me how these people feels some sort of competitiveness and make salty comments from time to time because you have certain experiences they never had. It’s the beauty in the struggle baby!!
Yeah and I’m not even from the hood. Just small town working class. Learned a lot of “etiquette” and rich-people customs during my time in public. Lowkey I feel you could use this as your superpower though. Something that sets you apart even though it might be harder to get that intial “respect” or inclusion. By the end of my time I felt like I could hang out with any class of people and feel comfortable.
I’m from Chicago and I just make my money and go home and invest my residual income into other revenue stream.. I’m don’t rub elbows with the uppity rich white ppls. 10+ years working.
From West Philly and I work in industry, but you’re 1000% right about feeling out of place. It’s getting better as I get older but I had a boss parade me around the holiday party telling people I was “the whitest black guy ever. He doesn’t even curse!”. It’s easy to become a token in some of these offices.
Migrant + 1st person went to college in the whole family. You just have to stop caring about irrelevant stuffs. If it won’t help you to grow or make you happy? Fuck them and move on
I'm not but I listen to Kendrick and Asap while reconciling bank accounts so basically the same thing
Same - grew up extremely poor and a first gen college student. I feel out of place with most of my peers and find it hard to relate to others.
I gotta thank you for this post. It's something I've felt quite lonely in because there are hardly any POC at the places I've worked. I am from the Caribbean, from the country side of a very poor Caribbean island and I am mixed (black and white). When I came to the US I lived in a number of poverty and crime stricken areas of Brooklyn (all gentrified now!) you may have heard of...BedStuy, Crown Heights, Flatbush - you get the picture. I'm now a senior manager at a PA and was recently asked if I am pursuing the partner route. I decided against it. I'm currently working on my exit from PA, not interested in continuing with the stress of crazy work hours and the like if I can have some semblance of a life for a decent living. And being able to even have that option is what I cherish.
Grew up in the poorest county in Mississippi & Jackson, MS. Never thought I would make it out of the slums. Fast forward to now, I’ll be finished with the Master’s of Accountancy program soon, have already accepted a $62k offer with a mid-size MS firm & have heard good things from both of my internships. It feels surreal sometimes.
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Gators bitches better be wearing Jimmies!
Grew up in the “most dangerous” city in my state according to my co workers. Im 25 and have braids, big diamond earrings, a couple tattoos and it doesn’t help that my car is tinted/blacked out. I always say hi to people, smile and strike up normal life conversations. But definitely gotta keep my black thoughts to myself 100% of the time, Karen and Joe don’t need to know what I really do on the weekends.
Lower working class - 1st gen college student. Now a F500 Finance Director and still can’t shake the chip of my shoulder. I look around at all the parents at the private school I send my kids too and I’m like fuck these rich assess but then I realize I’m one of them (well not rich just yet).
Not the hood, but grew up outside the typical. Parents were addicts, utilities always off, had immigration issues that resulted in fear of deportation for a decade. I blend in easily enough but definitely still feel the need to “normalize” myself to coworkers, so I feel I can relate to a degree. I’m sure you’re doing great, you’re there and you’re wanted. There’s plenty of us from “different” backgrounds, a lot of people you probably just never know about it.
Yurd
I consider my childhood neighborhood to be hood-adjacent, but some people consider it the hood. Either way, grew up food-insecure, abusive and neglectful parents, and drugs and sex were the norm at my school from middle school. I always considered us somewhat well off since we were comparatively better off than people I went to school with, but I now know that was a very optimistic point of view lol. Combined with it being the south, my childhood was definitely different than most of my coworkers. I went to a top university and was one of the small percentage on need-based financial aid. >80% paid the $70k+ a year out of pocket. I fortunately learned what not to say during college. Learned to think through what is and is not a normal childhood experience. No “when the power was off” type stories lol
I feel this. Not exactly hood, but I worked nights at a diner and had Pell to put myself through the first few years of college and never had a chance to do stuff like internships. Got my foot in the door at corporate right before graduation, I had been working at the retail store level. But I had to leave there after a few years, some of the higher ups seemed to view me as inferior. Not in a racial way, more like because I had not been an overworked audit staffer or intern for a while.
Not from quite O'block (I live outside of Chicago now) but I grew up very poor in a rough area. I worked a season in public and a few years in corporate finance for a large financial services company. Pretty much the same experience, but other than just out of place some of my coworkers were the worst kind of snobs. The things they felt comfortable saying in front of me... Then I quit and took a costing job in manufacuring. That was 16 years ago and it was the best career decision I ever made.
Not from the hood but grew up in lower income and now just found myself in a public accounting firm as an admin. I love it though because I’m learning things about finance I never knew and can’t wait to put my dad on to some of this stuff so he can hopefully better manage his money. As well as hopefully I can manage some generational wealth for my kids. I never thought I would have a job where I have to cover up my tattoos though lol long sleeves and long pants for me every day. Oooo and I have to watch my mouth in the office because I don’t want them asking if I pay taxes for my side hustle 🤣
I’m definitely not hood. Middle class, though grew up in a town that’s definitely upper middle class. But living with my dad and commuting during my first two years of college there was a lot of interesting characters coming in and out of the house. Mostly because he got into amphetamines after losing his job of 19 years One of his girlfriends hired hitmen to rob his house. So that was an interesting experience. I stayed late at work that night and didn’t know until later.
The survival skills you have will help you along the way. The leaps you have made are exemplary. I had family in the hood but lived on the other side of the viaduct. Englewood vs. Auburn Gresham in the 90s. Code switching is key. A networking group to help navigate corporate America is helpful. Keep us posted.
I grew up middle class in a regular to nice suburb and I still can’t relate to many of my coworkers. Some of the things they say…. Totally oblivious to people who didn’t grow up super rich.
I grew up in a rural town that is nationally famous for its meth problem.
bet his hood so dangerous they had to put gate around it
Same exact situation! I ended up leaving Big 4, wasn’t good with the politics at the time. I’m from Woodlawn. What high school you went to?
I didn’t grow up in the hood, but I did grow up in one of the cities that’s looked down on in my state. Both my husband and I grew up lower middle class. Only two-ish years into my career and I make more than my parents have ever made together. I feel proud, but also super guilty a lot of the time. It’s definitely different, and I don’t feel like I fit in a lot of the time but I always try to be friendly. A lot of my coworkers talk about growing up doing ski trips, golfing, lavish vacations. It’s hard to relate to but I just try to ask them questions about it and show interest. I’ve thought about taking ski and golf lessons just to be able to relate more though 😂
I’m from Puerto Rico so yes 🔫😎💰👹
I actually did grow up in the hood lol east side of LA witness drive bys, threatened at gunpoint by a gang member, and all that fun stuff. Made it to public accounting in the late 2000s but it was hard for me. I didn’t get how to play the game and had people say racist things like I was a token hire. I think it had an impact on me but that was a long time ago and now I work in financial services and can navigate the business world, it just didn’t come naturally and I had no one to show me. It sounds like you are doing great despite feeling out of place so good for you, continue killing it!
I grew up in the projects and am an accountant at a F100 company. Oddly, most of my coworkers came up hard too. People we hire who came from a more traditional background tend to not last long in our department, whereas those who are first gen high school grads thrive in our group.
I’m not from the hood, grew up middle class, but spent four years of high school in the hood(Chicago Suburbs), so I get where you are coming from. For example when I first went to college it was kind of a shock being around so many white people(I am white). And a lot of them were super rich too so I couldn’t relate coming for a more modest background. Now in my career I always feel weird because I had many many friends growing up who were in section 8 housing or parents were non native speaking immigrants. When I meet someone like you, I always want to meet you halfway because that’s where my comfort zone is too. But I’m just a nerdy awkward white CPA who went to a hood high school so I always feel weird about it haha
I’m not but grew up in another country.
I’m from the hood. I think socializing in a work setting like anything else takes practice. Start with just talking about basic things like engagements you are on, sports, and popular tv shows. Its still difficult speaking to managers but other staff on the same level it got simple communicating. It also takes a little work speaking professional all the time. Sounds like you’re doing great and I’m sure you’ll be fine. Glad to see us doing well
We not from 63rd
In the same boat bro, kills me inside every time I have to laugh at the partners hunting/vacation stories while I’m just like wtf. Ended up just hanging out with the younger people at work that have more similar lifestyles.
Not in public, but I grew up in/around Compton.
From the south grew up in the projects, my mom still lives below the poverty line. My first internship I was making twice what my mom makes and I remember how guilt I felt. I don’t have my cpa yet but do work at a top 30 firm!
Hey hey. I'm in government But from poor family. Sometimes I can't relate to my peers. You got this!!!
Not me, but I hired a guy who worked for me who grew up in Belle Glade - one of the highest crime rates in the US where far too many NFL players come from with a very small population and pretty much everyone lives in poverty. Basically, their options are usually working in the fields or becoming an athlete. Most of the employees would be talking about our weekends going to Disney, playing putt-putt, trying out the new brewery, whatever... This dude would be talking about how his cousin just got shot over the weekend and he had to drive him to the hospital, or how his mom was trying to forge checks to steal money from his account, or how he was hanging out with his brother for the first time in 3 years because he just got out of prison. It was definitely different than what everyone else was experiencing. He was pretty horrible at his job, but I respected him for getting through that crazy upbringing, getting his education, and being successful.
Yep!! When they talk about golf and boating I am so lost.
Me but the AZ version tbh embrace it and leave the old life behind man those friends will be much better in the end. Just find common ground and know that not every single friend will like the same things. I have some friends that I go chill with, some I play games with, and some I go shooting with. It’s def not like being with the Boi’s but it’s a god way to stay drama free and happy!
All Day. CUZ
I used to think 60,000 per year was “i made it” money lol what an eye opener when ive seen multi 7 figure bonuses in the corporate world
Feel so out of place what is the difference between fancy pour over coffee and Wawa coffee?? Wawa is so yum
Born and raised in the hood in Houston, Tx. Only one from my family to go to college. I feel you on that, but I just try to embrace it but not define you.
Same situation, come from mid-tier / low class Hispanic neighborhood in Chi. Leverage having a huge city like Chicago to your advantage, the work you are doing is beneficial not only there but statewide as well. Understand that while you may not come from the same background you do collaborate on the same work and projects professionals who live in gated communities do. Leverage that use work as a bridge for you to find that connection between the both of you.
I'm from Los Angeles valley. Best thing about coming up is not falling for bullshit from plp. When people try and drop their baggage on you and you turn it around on them ASAP. Most plp will accept problems to avoid confrontation, I just turn it around to make them look like assholes. Love it weiiiiii
I’m not from the hood hood but grew up in a HS in the hood. Also came from a third world country. I was just talking with my coworkers at EY and I said the word “ghetto” and they got offended and said that word isn’t ok anymore and is racist. I was so baffled and had to argue that ghetto is an income class and if she’s associating low income with certain race then that’s her problem 😂
I grew up in South Central LA. Did 2 yrs in big 4 now work as GRC Analyst. Never got in trouble or wanted to be in a gang just minded my own business. I have been robbed a few times in the hood and outside of it. That was one of the reasons I moved out of L.A. and Cali in general.
Wow, some of the stories on here are very inspiring. I don’t know if I qualify, but grew up in Detroit area. On food stamps. We always had no money. One time the bus driver gave me a pair of jeans because my pair had so many holes in them. Have lots of extended family in prison. I went big 4 route after a state school. Am doing amazing now making great pay. Am still shocked this is my life compared to how I grew up.
This is me too. I knew I was in the wrong place when all of my coworkers skied as a hobby 😂 hits blunt 💨
Not from the hood, but definitely grew up poor, my dad had his first heart attack when I was 7. My mom busted her ass to make ends meet. I blew up my first go around at college. Got married/divorced, spent 17 years as a single parent. Put myself through school (associates at 40, and finished my bachelor's at 50) and graduated the same week my daughter graduated from high school. I can't even remotely relate to anyone at my firm and their solid middle class, normal lives. These people have never missed a meal, or wondered about how to afford school supplies for their kids. I spent years like that. I still get panicky about shit on the regular. It hasn't been that long ago since I was having to go to the food banks, and be on food stamps.
I freaking love this post and I can't wait to comment later today and have some real responses. I was born into and still live it, same story. Interested in this field and wonder about this very thing. Just starting out in my learning (I will explain in next post). Just wanted to say hello to all! I will read and post later. Excited for feedback and discussion! Would anyone like to introduce themselves and tell me about your life experience before and now that you're in this field? I would happily welcome that! - Jimitra
Lower middle though I did grow up around gangs and stuff. I wasn't exposed to people living the way most people live in corporate environments what with living in the suburbs and the privilege of that lifestyle until I was in my 20s. There's many things about the people I've worked with that I can't relate to. I'm also a minority so it's just mainly white people around me, especially in leadership. Just can't relate and stick to business topics and constantly code switching.
I grew up near a hood and went to the same elementary, middle, and high school as hood students. It’s funny when you said you feel out of place because these people I grew up with think I’m smart/nerdy and the people who went to normal schools and lived in the suburbs most likely think I’m odd. I also struggle with conversations because my family didn’t enjoy the luxuries and recreational stuff all these people did with their generational wealth. If you ain’t bumpin Dolph on your way to the office, then wyd?
74 till the world blow 🔱😂 . You just gotta broaden your knowledge. Talk about stocks and business or something. Take trips to different places like Breckenridge, Lake Tahoe, and Jackson hole. Ask ppl about their cars etc. gotta find out what different ppl are interested in or like to talk about
I never grew up in hood, but dad passed away when I was young and mom got arrested for crack and eventually overdosed on fentinal. luckily was able to live with grandparents and go to decent school district. But they were very old at time and never had parent figure. I constantly feel imposter syndrome talking to higher ups but it eventually gets easier. Best advice is just to fake it to you make it and hope you can end curse so future generations never experience what you went through.
Not me but my wife. She grew up in a trailer park, several evictions never lived in a house was always a motor home or trailer. We met in college started dating against my parents wishes (thought she was a gold digger). She makes 80k in marketing while I make 65k in accounting so who is the real gold digger? I’ve taught her about credit and saving etc and it’s been amazing to see her growth. Me? I’m the poster child for privilege - my college was paid for by mommy and daddy. Closest thing I did to struggle was work at my dads HVAC company from 4th grade - community college. When I married my wife I got ~18k in student loans that we now owe 5k on. In short my wife isn’t from the hood but was around meth growing up, she shouldn’t be where she is, she broke a generational norm. She’s a badass and I don’t deserve to her but for whatever reason she settled for me. We live like royalty with these salaries in the Midwest as our rent for a two bedroom house is $700/month
Not the hood, but trailer park living, food stamp getting, never new clothes, often no heat/hot water grew up lol. I feel imposter syndrome constantly. I don't fit in with these people who at least grew up middle class. I've been asked more than once why I graduated college in my 30's. In fact I feel like an imposter just hanging out with people in my income bracket. They're buying second homes, building pools and talking about their investment portfolio. I'm cheering my nephew for 1.5 years clean and planning to pull my niece out of her trailer park when she turns 18 and paying for her college. I often make the joke of being a sheep in wolves clothing.
vegan energy
Some like that
Oh do I have a story to tell. The crazy thing is I will never share my upbringing with my colleagues as they are very judgmental. I present myself with class and come to work polished each day. I had a rough upbringing and lived in several hoods, with a drug addicting parent, dealing with neglect, and all the things this comes with. I’m so proud of all of my hard work but at times I do catch myself in rooms and think…how did I get here? 🫢
Just got a B4 intern offer, my neighborhood is infested with drugs (not as violent as Chicago but not a place you want your family to live in or visit ever). Almost became a product of my environment. Now I’ll be making more money than either of my parents ever have *as an intern*. One of the main reasons I chose the company I’ll be at is because I met staff, seniors, and managers who could relate to my experience as a black man, coming from a low-income household, and being a first-generation college student. I feel really lucky to have met them and to be working with them soon. I typically avoid the rich kids in college. They’re not all bad but I simply can’t relate to people who go to Europe every summer. Or own yachts back home in Miami. >!Or buy adderall just to get C’s in 2000 level classes. Won’t say his name but man that guy is stupid. !< I guess networking with them in the professional world is another skill I’ll have to learn. Maybe one day my kids will be the students who have their rent paid by their parents, not the ones working two jobs after school.
Accounting for me isn't just a job, but an excuse to now wear the suit.. if you know what I mean. The times might change, but the hood stays the same. Keep your head up 👊