Meet Nathan and AncientMesopotamia, two friends who bonded over their shared misery at a prestigious finance firm. While Nathan continued to climb the corporate ladder, making over $300K a year, AncientMesopotamia chose a different path, moving into the non-profit world and earning a respectable $80K a year. When AncientMesopotamia excitedly shared news of a dream job offer, Nathan’s response was far from supportive, accusing his friend of having the “financial privilege” to take a pay cut. This sparked a heated debate, leaving AncientMesopotamia questioning whether to apologize or stand their ground.
The Finance Firm Friendship
Career Paths Diverge
Nathan’s Success Story
Different Backgrounds, Different Privileges
Dream Job Offer
Nathan’s Unexpected Response
Clashing Over Privilege
Heated Conversation
Feeling Angry and Defensive
Generational Wealth vs. Income
Financial Independence
An Unexpected Turn
A Lesson in Empathy
Reconciliation and Growth
A Happy Ending
A Lesson in Empathy and Friendship
After reading many perspectives and taking a step back, AncientMesopotamia realized they may have approached Nathan’s situation with ignorance. They decided to call Nathan and apologize, explaining how they felt hurt and unsupported by his initial reaction. It turns out Nathan was going through a tough time at work, and they both apologized for their missteps. The two friends had a heart-to-heart, opening up a dialogue to learn more about each other’s experiences and support one another. In the end, they even planned a baseball game outing, with Nathan offering to buy the tickets since he’s “loaded” and AncientMesopotamia is a “non-profit schlub” (said with love, of course).
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NTA. Dream job vs. privilege debate sparks defensive but honest exchange.
NTA. Friend’s jealousy stems from childhood insecurities.
NTA: Rude comment sparks discussion on pressure and family support
NAH. Friend feels bitter about financial inequality, but not an a**hole.
NTA. Friends should support each other, not tear each other down.
Friend accuses newly rich buddy of being privileged, sparks debate
NTA. $300k? C’mon, Nathan! But OP has a support system.
ESH: Friend’s poverty mindset causes tension, but empathy is key
Compassion and understanding can help mend a strained friendship.
Friendship turned competitive and resentful. Time for introspection and reconciliation!
ESH: Friends compete over jobs and money, jealousy ensues.
Opinions clash as privilege and condescension take center stage!
NTA: Friend judges you based on parents’ income, not current situation
Friend turns abusive, accuses non-profit buddy of being privileged!
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ESH. Misunderstanding wealth vs privilege led to hurtful comments. Apologies needed.
Financial insecurity doesn’t excuse looking down on others.
“300k to support yourself or your family vs. lifting extended family out of poverty. No privilege here.”
Both parties made sly remarks, agreed to chill and apologize.
ESH: Privilege, burnout, and strained friendship. Time for reconciliation.
No AH here. Misunderstanding can’t ruin a genuine adult friendship.
OP accused of privilege, YTA for throwing it in friend’s face
ESH but your friend is an a**hole for dragging you down
Different money places, but both building for future generations.
Slight ESH, talk it out and explain your new job ️
