That's what it looks like from the outside doesn't it? His pain is real certainly, and like all experience relative to his situation. When you look at it from a perspective of responsibility without an option to stop working, or the fear of not finding work with which you can fulfill your responsibilities his position is a lot tougher to identify with.

I hope I can work hard enough to someday be able to have the luxury of that choice and that I'll remember my current perspective at that time.