To consider myself working class?

[TheCatsKnickers]

I'm fully aware that it doesn't matter, but for the sake of argument - basically an ongoing debate with friend who insists I am middle class - which of us would be correct?

My background:
Dad probs upper working, good job but no higher education, bought our house and subsequent houses without mortgage. Mum from educated family but was SAHM. Grew up in MC area and schools, kept horses but more rough and tumble than 'posh'. Had a few years off too travel and have fun in late teens largely funded by parents, then went to uni late and studied fine art.
This, according to my friend cements me as MC.

The present day:
Followed my passion and became a painter. Didn't want to marry or have children so chose to rent. Preferred this as could move around and experience different places. Bit of a free spirit, but had to accept some financial insecurity for the pleasure! Am now in 40's and still similar, very content with long term DP but, I presume, not typical for many my age.
I have a decent 5 figure sum in savings although we received only a smallish inheritance due to both parents needing care in old age (they had also given their second property to an aunt and uncle who developed health issues in later life).
My income is somewhat fluid and would possibly terrify some, but I have intermittently earned very, very well and often receive high payments for my work (anywhere from £200 to £1k per commission or piece), but some months are quite the opposite.
So my lifestyle is not standard and has some financial insecurity, but I made my own choices.
Therefore, since I don't own a home or have a private pension I perceive my status to be 'working class', regardless of my background privileges and lifestyle. My friend argues not!

Which of us is correct?

Not even a ting bit working class! Thanks for the laugh.

Zombie thread but nice to have a laugh again.

I don’t think the traditional explanations of class work anymore. Regardless of that, I wouldn’t call you working class.

You had a privileged background and education and freely chose a career that was financially insecure… that in itself is privileged.

The fact you are so casual, and "it'll be what it'll be" about money, and your financial situation, is what defines you as middle class.

(I'm the exact same, so it's not a criticism at all!) But there is sort of an in-built sense of "things will come right in the end" and "I've always managed well enough, so there's no reason to worry." Middle class is a mentality as much as anything.

Working class grow up with that constant nagging worry of "there's not enough and it won't be alright", and that continues throughout life.

Your friend is right. You're MC.

You went to University and went travelling, have five figures in savings, live a bohemian life style. That is almost textbook middle class!

Do you speak with a noticeable regional accent? It's usually a fairly effective way to denote one's class.