devanir
Newfag
So a buddy of mine I hadn't heard from in a while decided to hit me up tonight through a messaging app. We hadn't talked for the past couple of years due to a number of reasons (no unpleasantness) and I was happy to hear from him. I even suggested me calling him on the phone in order to talk more naturally but he insisted we kept chatting.
At some point he asked me what I'm up to these days and I told him that I'm currently doing a PhD while making some money on the side by translating stuff. Now I realize that a PhD sounds real impressive to most people, especially those outside the academic community who haven't had the chance to see for themselves how the whole thing works. But it really isn't much to write home about, especially the kind that is exclusively focused on literature like the one I'm currently doing.
I therefore talked about what I do in a clearly non-flexing way and ended the message with a meant-to-be fun "so how are you killing your time?". Because honestly that is how I perceive what I do, as little more than just killing time while putting certain other things off.
There was no reply. Initially I didn't think much of it but I now realize that he was probably offended by that "killing time" remark I made. You see, this guy didn't go to college, which in our absurd culture automatically brands you as a loser. So he carries this chip on his shoulder and probably felt like I was making fun of him for not "accomplishing" the same bullshit things I have.
*sigh*
As much as I try to avoid it, I always get caught up in the ridiculousness.
At some point he asked me what I'm up to these days and I told him that I'm currently doing a PhD while making some money on the side by translating stuff. Now I realize that a PhD sounds real impressive to most people, especially those outside the academic community who haven't had the chance to see for themselves how the whole thing works. But it really isn't much to write home about, especially the kind that is exclusively focused on literature like the one I'm currently doing.
I therefore talked about what I do in a clearly non-flexing way and ended the message with a meant-to-be fun "so how are you killing your time?". Because honestly that is how I perceive what I do, as little more than just killing time while putting certain other things off.
There was no reply. Initially I didn't think much of it but I now realize that he was probably offended by that "killing time" remark I made. You see, this guy didn't go to college, which in our absurd culture automatically brands you as a loser. So he carries this chip on his shoulder and probably felt like I was making fun of him for not "accomplishing" the same bullshit things I have.
*sigh*
As much as I try to avoid it, I always get caught up in the ridiculousness.
?
