‘I didn’t earn this’: The silent shame of inheriting family wealth

August 25, 2026 — 1:16pm

You have reached your maximum number of saved items.

Remove items from your saved list to add more.

There’s a conversation I have with people privately that rarely reaches mainstream discourse – the challenges that come with receiving significant financial advantages.

Your parents did well, and you reaped some of the rewards. Maybe you grew up with an awareness that your family was considerably wealthier than others. Maybe you have received – or know you’re due to receive – significant financial support (e.g. help buying a home, a significant inheritance, large cash gifts and so on).

You’re aware of your privilege and, as nice as it is, it also feels uncomfortable. You may feel a bit guilty, or embarrassed. You may feel judged – like people think you had it easy, you didn’t work for your successes, or didn’t earn it. But it’s difficult to talk about, for obvious reasons. It’s not the kind of problem that garners much sympathy. For most, it would be a nice problem to have.

Nevertheless, it does come with its own set of unique challenges. Today, I’m sharing some of those challenges, and some of what I’ve found helpful in working through them with clients.

Proving or over-compensating

How this shows up: You work extra hard to “become something” – not because it brings you joy, meaning, or fulfillment, but because you feel the need to........

© The Sydney Morning Herald