Charles Dickens' childhood experiences significantly influenced his literary career. Growing up in poverty, he was forced to work in a blacking factory at age 12 when his father was imprisoned for debt. This early exposure to hardship and injustice informed the themes of social reform found in his works. Dickens' experiences with the education system and his relationships with the poor in London highlighted the struggles of the lower class. Additionally, his deep appreciation for storytelling and his ability to capture the human experience made him one of the most influential novelists of his time.