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AIBU?

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Original poster

To feel like I’ll never be “middle class”?

79 replies

Workinclasshero · 25/01/2024 20:31

I’m from a working class background - my mum was a receptionist & my dad worked in a factory. Grew up on a council estate and was the first (and only one in my school friend group) to go to uni which always made me feel like a bit of an outsider to some level. My school friends always said I spoke “posh” too!

I now work in the education sector (not the best paid sector) and pretty much all my colleagues are what I would call middle class. Almost all went to private or grammar schools. Their parents were things like journalists, drs and business owners. They have almost all been to Russell group unis (mine wasn’t) and are just from a very different background to me. I have been asked numerous times about where my accent is from (I have the regional accent of the area) despite being from 10 minutes down the road from where I work (and where most of them also grew up and live).

Aibu to think I will always feel like an outsider in this job? Has anyone else experienced this?

OP posts:
echt · 25/01/2024 20:40

With some tweaks this could be me, but I've never felt like an outsider if you mean inferior in any way. When I got to university in the early 70s there were very few working-class students, but that's the way it was.
Throughout my life I've always had moments when I see the social class difference but it's not a big deal.
Anyone looking at my current life would say how middle class it is.

You say outsider, are you treated differently? Or is it your feeling of exclusion?

Thelaundryfairyhasbeenassassinated · 25/01/2024 20:39

Why not just be proud of your background? Your parents had worthwhile and needed jobs. You have achieved getting a degree and now work in education. You have done brilliant. What has bloody class got to do with it?

Is it the comments on being "posh" from back home but not feeling up to standard to your colleagues that is causing this? Not feeling of belonging either side for one way of putting it. Forget about the nonsense of class and be proud of yourself and your achievements.

Devilsmommy · 25/01/2024 20:38

Why do you want to be middle class? Nothing wrong with being working class, which I am too btw. I think you need to care less about what people think you are. Be yourself and if they don't like it they can do one😁

Original poster
Workinclasshero · 25/01/2024 20:37

Forgot to say that I am beginning to feel self conscious about things like my accent in particular and it’s making me wonder whether to find a new job.

OP posts: