This may come as a shock to everyone, but medical device reps are not universally loved at hospitals. Some people see us as immoral, blood-sucking parasites that they are forced to deal with on a daily basis.
I encountered one of these pleasant people today and in passing, mentioned that I would not likely be back at his hospital because I was leaving Medtronic to travel for a year. He responded with a snarl
and the words "Must Be Nice". (Please add the appropriate amount of sarcasm to this statement)
Sadly, I know exactly what his passive-aggressive comment meant: In addition to being a blood sucking parasite, I am a blood sucking parasite who is filthy rich. Because only the wealthy get to do whatever they want in life, right?
Now I'm not going to deny my privilege. I was born white and able-bodied in America to a middle class family who loved me and who encouraged my intellectual and social growth. I am one of the most privileged people on the planet.
However.
Jon and I didn't just decide to do this yesterday. We have been paying off our debt and saving up our money (in that order) for almost four years. We have worked hard to get to this moment in our life. We have made many, many choices that have brought us to a place in our life where we can call the shots.
World travel may not be your dream. But the point is, the point I wish I would have made to the guy who thinks I'm a blood-sucking parasite, is that having a dream and working hard to achieve that dream isn't reserved for the wealthy. It isn't even that hard. All it takes is some patience and perseverance. And perhaps a really awesome husband.
Must be nice? It is.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Photos courtesy of Bjorn A and ktpupp.
I encountered one of these pleasant people today and in passing, mentioned that I would not likely be back at his hospital because I was leaving Medtronic to travel for a year. He responded with a snarl
and the words "Must Be Nice". (Please add the appropriate amount of sarcasm to this statement)
Sadly, I know exactly what his passive-aggressive comment meant: In addition to being a blood sucking parasite, I am a blood sucking parasite who is filthy rich. Because only the wealthy get to do whatever they want in life, right?
Now I'm not going to deny my privilege. I was born white and able-bodied in America to a middle class family who loved me and who encouraged my intellectual and social growth. I am one of the most privileged people on the planet.
However.
Jon and I didn't just decide to do this yesterday. We have been paying off our debt and saving up our money (in that order) for almost four years. We have worked hard to get to this moment in our life. We have made many, many choices that have brought us to a place in our life where we can call the shots.
World travel may not be your dream. But the point is, the point I wish I would have made to the guy who thinks I'm a blood-sucking parasite, is that having a dream and working hard to achieve that dream isn't reserved for the wealthy. It isn't even that hard. All it takes is some patience and perseverance. And perhaps a really awesome husband.
Must be nice? It is.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Photos courtesy of Bjorn A and ktpupp.
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI am one of Jon's ex coworkers that left the company before you guys left AZ. I try to read your postings because it is so inspiring!! and I love the way that you two work as a team, so important in a marriage. I will keep wishing you good luck on your trip...and thanks for sharing!!
Thanks, Axela!! We look forward to having you along for the ride!
ReplyDelete