"I learned to stretch one lunch meal into two ― eating just enough to quell hunger, but never enough to be satiated. I learned to not reach for the toys and clothes other kids brought and wore to school, if just to avoid the disappointment in my parents' eyes when they told me no. I learned that even if I couldn't legally work until 14, a local business would let me anyway if it meant paying me half the minimum wage."
"My parents were Soviet émigrés who both worked full time and ran side hustles in their limited free time to afford even our substandard quality of life. They never thought of their incomes as their own ― everything they made was pooled together for the good of the family, which meant personal purchases were considered indulgences and usually clouded with guilt on the rare occasions they were made. Spending any money on yourself can feel like betraying the family."
A childhood defined by scarce money produced constant awareness of need and frequent compromises. Daily habits formed around stretching food, avoiding visible purchases, and finding under-the-table work to contribute. Savings and prioritization were practiced rigorously through clearance shopping, cheapest menu options, and youthful concessions to lower costs. Family finances were pooled, and parents treated income as a collective resource, running multiple jobs and side hustles to meet necessities. Personal spending was stigmatized and often accompanied by guilt. Individual self-care and personal interests were deprioritized in favor of the household's survival and future opportunities.
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