Was I wrong to be offended?

[jdcnow]

I'm going to tell you about this conversation I had the other day, and I'd like feedback from you all whether I was right to take issue.

Good evening everyone. I hope you are doing well, tonight.

So I was walking home from our town's Italian cafe the other day (only about 6 blocks from my house), when I was about 2 and a half blocks from my house, and this guy stopped to talk to me in front of his house. He'd known me from me working at one of our town's convenience stores. He had offered me a ride back to my house, which I declined, because I'm so used to walking everywhere I need to go. And I had told him, that I'm saving up for a car, and trying to get out of debt, etc. (Basically, my plans for the short to medium-term future that I've posted here many times - get out of debt by the end of May, save up for a nice used car, and start the process of going to college to study weather forecasting).

And in just light conversation, when I had gotten to the part about studying weather forecasting, the guy came back with this little gem, "Well they're always wrong, anyways. It never rains when they say it's going to."

I'm polite, and don't say anything. But it just strikes me as a tacet disapproval of me for wanting to go into that particular field. For me, if I were to take his argument to its logical extreme, honestly, why study anything, period, really?

Why study medicine? Everyone eventually gets sick and dies, anyway. Why bother? Why study cooking? There are more than enough restaurants, now. Why study music when you can just turn on the radio? Why study politics? People in power do what they want, anyway. This is what his argument struck me as.

I once had a now-deceased librarian in our town make the same argument to me when I wanted to study drawing and graphic artistry. She asked me, "Can you use it around here (in this town)?" Of course, being that this is a small town, I could not. But I don't plan on being stuck here for the rest of my life.

My mom is the same way - "Why don't you study to be a pharmacy technician?", etc. And my older brother thinks going to school period is a waste because of all of the general studies courses you have to take, and according to him, there's no need for "book-smarts" out in the real world.

Here's my counter-argument >> As an adult, I have the right to do with my life what I choose. Including study whatever profession I choose. When I am told that I shouldn't want to do anything or study a certain field because it is a so-called "waste", I don't think that people around me realize how insulting it is to be told that. As if I'm apparently not smart enough to figure this stuff out for myself. I have the inherent right to do what will make me happy in this one and only shot I have at life. And as an adult, this is my call to make. People around me may have their opinions, which they are entitled to, but this is my call to make.

Am I wrong to feel this way? Your thoughts are welcome. Thanks

 

[Snuffy]

Imagine what would be said if you were going into politics. Suck it up.

 

[jdcnow]

Thanks, Snuffy.

I know I should suck it up and ignore it. But one of these days, I really am going to go off on someone, "Thanks for deciding my life for me. Thanks for letting me know I'm not smart enough to figure out what I want to do with my life on my own." I just feel tired of defending a decision I have the right to make, in the first place.

Thank you, again, and have a good night.

 

[HunterM]

You are not wrong to feel that way. However...

Remember free speech. Everyone has opinions (based on their backgrounds and experiences in life) whether you like them or not. Also, remember you cannot please everyone...and don't even try because you will fail at it.

So you need to focus on yourself...your goals, your plans and your eye on the prize. You cannot control other people's thoughts and actions. However, you can control your own actions and reactions to reality around you. Just like you said. You are an adult. You don't need other people's approvals.

Just don't do anything to land yourself in front of Judge Judy. She'll give you an earful on what you should be doing with your life.

 

[borg69unimatrix]

As far as your mother is concerned, she's just being a mom, and looking out for your best interests. She's trying to get you into a job that pays WELL, and is in high demand. Doing what makes you happy is great and all, but it doesn't always pay the bills/rent/food. Have you researched what percentage of people who study to be weathermen actually GET good paying jobs doing it?

 

[jdcnow]

^^ LOLZ at Judge Judy.

Thanks, Hunter

 

[fetaby]

First off, consider the source. Random guy on street? Not worth thinking about it longer than half a second....

As for your career choice, touching on the "advice" the librarian gave you, it is important to realize the market potential for your chosen field. Her offense was in assuming you couldn't relocate to a place with a higher market. Now, it's all well and good to pursue your passions (I'm doing the same now myself) but you have got to know how those skills are going to pay the bills. And job market realities are not something to take offense. The offense is in assuming you don't know this.

You can avoid this by modifying your spiel.... I know I'm going into a limited field, but I'm prepared to do what I have to do.

 

[BINOWGAYLATER]

I don't figure that the guy said stupid shit to be "offensive" -- his brain was not engaged before he put his mouth in gear. so just ignore him please.

and borg69 said it -- your mom wants you to be successful at something -
it's a fine line between a job that supports you and job you love.

I was fortunate enuff to have both -even tho the "other" one I love didn't come around until after retirement - which I'm now convinced there is no such thing.

so you do what you think is best for YOU ! -- and you can't do that wrong.

my response to all other stupid shit people say is - "Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke" --

and

"Don't take seriously, what's poked at you in fun."


so there.

 

[altlover85]

And in just light conversation, when I had gotten to the part about studying weather forecasting, the guy came back with this little gem, "Well they're always wrong, anyways. It never rains when they say it's going to."

I've thought something similar, but I would never say that to someone I didn't know well. If I were to say it at all, it would only be to a friend in a joking manner. Generally the weatherman is right and when he isn't, it's usually not that big of a deal.

My mom is the same way - "Why don't you study to be a pharmacy technician?", etc.

I looked into being a pharmacy tech, but it doesn't pay well and there isn't much room for advancement outside of hospitals.

And my older brother thinks going to school period is a waste because of all of the general studies courses you have to take, and according to him, there's no need for "book-smarts" out in the real world.

I think a balance of book smarts and street smarts is best. You shouldn't listen to someone who may in fact be jealous that you are trying to better yourself.

Here's my counter-argument >> As an adult, I have the right to do with my life what I choose. Including study whatever profession I choose. When I am told that I shouldn't want to do anything or study a certain field because it is a so-called "waste", I don't think that people around me realize how insulting it is to be told that. As if I'm apparently not smart enough to figure this stuff out for myself. I have the inherent right to do what will make me happy in this one and only shot I have at life. And as an adult, this is my call to make. People around me may have their opinions, which they are entitled to, but this is my call to make.

This is just something you have to get used to. People used to go after me about studying art history in college, but the more you hear negatives, the better equipped you are to deal with them the next time you hear them and at some point it stops affecting you to a high degree.

 

[castoono]

It's not that they can speak their minds or not,
the thing is that they do it on your time. And they always will. Take it as a chit chat bla bla

 

[Anders123]

Well, I study psychology (currently on a break from it) and I get the same sort of thing a lot. Surprisingly, a lot of people seem to think it's a useless profession. I get comments from my father all the time about it being a 'girly' career path; though, that's probably just his fucked up way of 'covertly' expressing his disapproval of my being gay.

Anyway, I digress; considering the fact that I get the same sort of thing from people, I can understand why it pisses you off. It's not something that warrants any form of 'retaliation', though. It's the sort of thing that people aren't likely to change their opinion about, considering most of the people who say such things are incredibly ignorant, or obnoxious.

 

[MarquisOrias]

If you're going to be pissy over this guy, you have a loooooooooot coming for you. Everyone is going to give you shit for this career. If you love it, suck it up.

 

[BlondeCanadian]

It sounds like you have completely valid issues with your moms outlook etc etc. But i think your getting yourself worked up about nothing when it comes to that guys comment. I am studying to become a lawyer and when i tell people about that I get all the jokes, doesnt bother me one bit.

 

[gsdx]

When you're a kid, people are constantly telling you that 'you can be anything you want when you grow up'.

Then, when you grow up, they're constantly telling you that you would be crazy to be what you want to be.

They have your own best interest at heart, but they go about it the wrong way.

 

[SLOPPYSECONDS]

I'm going to tell you about this conversation I had the other day, and I'd like feedback from you all whether I was right to take issue.

Good evening everyone. I hope you are doing well, tonight.

So I was walking home from our town's Italian cafe the other day (only about 6 blocks from my house), when I was about 2 and a half blocks from my house, and this guy stopped to talk to me in front of his house. He'd known me from me working at one of our town's convenience stores. He had offered me a ride back to my house, which I declined, because I'm so used to walking everywhere I need to go. And I had told him, that I'm saving up for a car, and trying to get out of debt, etc. (Basically, my plans for the short to medium-term future that I've posted here many times - get out of debt by the end of May, save up for a nice used car, and start the process of going to college to study weather forecasting).

And in just light conversation, when I had gotten to the part about studying weather forecasting, the guy came back with this little gem, "Well they're always wrong, anyways. It never rains when they say it's going to."

I'm polite, and don't say anything. But it just strikes me as a tacet disapproval of me for wanting to go into that particular field. For me, if I were to take his argument to its logical extreme, honestly, why study anything, period, really?

Why study medicine? Everyone eventually gets sick and dies, anyway. Why bother? Why study cooking? There are more than enough restaurants, now. Why study music when you can just turn on the radio? Why study politics? People in power do what they want, anyway. This is what his argument struck me as.

I once had a now-deceased librarian in our town make the same argument to me when I wanted to study drawing and graphic artistry. She asked me, "Can you use it around here (in this town)?" Of course, being that this is a small town, I could not. But I don't plan on being stuck here for the rest of my life.

My mom is the same way - "Why don't you study to be a pharmacy technician?", etc. And my older brother thinks going to school period is a waste because of all of the general studies courses you have to take, and according to him, there's no need for "book-smarts" out in the real world.

Here's my counter-argument >> As an adult, I have the right to do with my life what I choose. Including study whatever profession I choose. When I am told that I shouldn't want to do anything or study a certain field because it is a so-called "waste", I don't think that people around me realize how insulting it is to be told that. As if I'm apparently not smart enough to figure this stuff out for myself. I have the inherent right to do what will make me happy in this one and only shot I have at life. And as an adult, this is my call to make. People around me may have their opinions, which they are entitled to, but this is my call to make.

Am I wrong to feel this way? Your thoughts are welcome. Thanks

before playschool of world cultures turn everythin ta storybooks with CHOP CHOP went supreme leader red ridin hood dat sort out ya balls now it ma chair

life ons planet is still goin OOH YOU NICE DINNER

so like what problem?

 

[JNewYork]

You're not wrong. But since you know there are so many people out there who say inappropriate things, you need to develop a thicker skin for the idiots.

If anybody says that to you again, say: "Well, the reason that they're not right all of the time is the very many factors that play into a day of weather. Then floor him with your talk of barometrics, jetstream low and high pressure and the capricious nature of wind, etc.

 

[hungrybrownbear]

Yeah I mean really, if this was your good friend it'd be a little different....

Some random schmo who doesn't know jack shit about oceanography and meteorology and how freaking hard it is because it requires a specific proficiency in all the natural sciences, doesn't deserve to be thought about lest be a reason of offense. It's much more than just telling when it rains or not.

 

[jdcnow]

Thank you all for the sage advice.

As far as your mother is concerned, she's just being a mom, and looking out for your best interests. She's trying to get you into a job that pays WELL, and is in high demand. Doing what makes you happy is great and all, but it doesn't always pay the bills/rent/food. Have you researched what percentage of people who study to be weathermen actually GET good paying jobs doing it?

As for your specific question as to how many people get jobs in this profession, I have yet to find data on that, but I'm still looking into it. As for pay, not too bad. Whether I decide to go into the National Weather Service, television, or environmental research, the pay is still around the ballpark of $37K to $65K per year. Not too shabby.

First off, consider the source. Random guy on street? Not worth thinking about it longer than half a second....

As for your career choice, touching on the "advice" the librarian gave you, it is important to realize the market potential for your chosen field. Her offense was in assuming you couldn't relocate to a place with a higher market. Now, it's all well and good to pursue your passions (I'm doing the same now myself) but you have got to know how those skills are going to pay the bills. And job market realities are not something to take offense. The offense is in assuming you don't know this.

You can avoid this by modifying your spiel.... I know I'm going into a limited field, but I'm prepared to do what I have to do.

The best of luck to you, Fetaby. And yes, that's exactly what I was thinking when she said that to me. Many of the older townspeople here (of which she was one) were born here, and lived here all their life. And they honestly don't know anything different than that. When someone wants to move away and do something different with their life, it's as if they look at you awkwardly, as if not knowing what to think.

I don't figure that the guy said stupid shit to be "offensive" -- his brain was not engaged before he put his mouth in gear. so just ignore him please.

I think that was the case, in which case I just write it off, like you said.

and borg69 said it -- your mom wants you to be successful at something...

Her intentions are good - noble, in fact. But her ways of going about it, and discussing it with me, always leave me walking away with a bad taste in my mouth. But she's my mom, and I'm aware of her intentions, so on both of those factors, I give her a pass. But that doesn't mean it still won't bug me every now and then...

This is just something you have to get used to. People used to go after me about studying art history in college, but the more you hear negatives, the better equipped you are to deal with them the next time you hear them and at some point it stops affecting you to a high degree.

Thanks for that.

It's not that they can speak their minds or not,
the thing is that they do it on your time. And they always will. Take it as a chit chat bla bla

See my reply to BINOWGAYLATER.

Well, I study psychology (currently on a break from it) and I get the same sort of thing a lot. Surprisingly, a lot of people seem to think it's a useless profession. I get comments from my father all the time about it being a 'girly' career path; though, that's probably just his fucked up way of 'covertly' expressing his disapproval of my being gay.

Anyway, I digress; considering the fact that I get the same sort of thing from people, I can understand why it pisses you off. It's not something that warrants any form of 'retaliation', though. It's the sort of thing that people aren't likely to change their opinion about, considering most of the people who say such things are incredibly ignorant, or obnoxious.

OMG, yes. Thank you!

If you're going to be pissy over this guy, you have a loooooooooot coming for you. Everyone is going to give you shit for this career. If you love it, suck it up.

It sounds like you have completely valid issues with your moms outlook etc etc. But i think your getting yourself worked up about nothing when it comes to that guys comment. I am studying to become a lawyer and when i tell people about that I get all the jokes, doesnt bother me one bit.

Replying to the last two posters at once, it's not who said it to me. My issue is I've heard the same thing from others as well. Repeatedly. And it just rubs me the wrong way every time. Good luck, BlondeCanadian on becoming a lawyer. And yes, I love studying weather. This is something that I've wanted to do since I was little. And I'm thusly going to dig my heels in and take Marquis' advice.

Thank you all

 

[borg69unimatrix]

http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2010/12/06/best-careers-2011-meteorologist

The most interesting part of this article wasn't the article, but the posts readers added at the bottom of the page.

You can find more related stuff here:

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&q=what+percentage+of+people+who+study+meteorology+get+jobs&cp=56&qe=d2hhdCBwZXJjZW50YWdlIG9mIHBlb3BsZSB3aG8gc3R1ZHkgbWV0ZW9yb2xvZ3kgZ2V0IGpvYnM&qesig=qFiRJ_PS0f5vI8EGEmsOeA&pkc=AFgZ2tk7sKy6E9s4KV4wKdSkwVLMMBhkPvRg3hATa_zs7zlIa3hMDa53tWyCiEbqxtzzMy5WZ-IAeOxhdfxJ2t8UC2F6IKjAPw&pf=p&sclient=psy&safe=off&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=what+percentage+of+people+who+study+meteorology+get+jobs&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=a0e1d04ac32ef934


Looks like a rough road to me, but if that's your dream, go for it!!!

 

[rjmrjm21]

I'm going to tell you about this conversation I had the other day, and I'd like feedback from you all whether I was right to take issue.

Good evening everyone. I hope you are doing well, tonight.

So I was walking home from our town's Italian cafe the other day (only about 6 blocks from my house), when I was about 2 and a half blocks from my house, and this guy stopped to talk to me in front of his house. He'd known me from me working at one of our town's convenience stores. He had offered me a ride back to my house, which I declined, because I'm so used to walking everywhere I need to go. And I had told him, that I'm saving up for a car, and trying to get out of debt, etc. (Basically, my plans for the short to medium-term future that I've posted here many times - get out of debt by the end of May, save up for a nice used car, and start the process of going to college to study weather forecasting).

And in just light conversation, when I had gotten to the part about studying weather forecasting, the guy came back with this little gem, "Well they're always wrong, anyways. It never rains when they say it's going to."

I'm polite, and don't say anything. But it just strikes me as a tacet disapproval of me for wanting to go into that particular field. For me, if I were to take his argument to its logical extreme, honestly, why study anything, period, really?

Why study medicine? Everyone eventually gets sick and dies, anyway. Why bother? Why study cooking? There are more than enough restaurants, now. Why study music when you can just turn on the radio? Why study politics? People in power do what they want, anyway. This is what his argument struck me as.

I once had a now-deceased librarian in our town make the same argument to me when I wanted to study drawing and graphic artistry. She asked me, "Can you use it around here (in this town)?" Of course, being that this is a small town, I could not. But I don't plan on being stuck here for the rest of my life.

My mom is the same way - "Why don't you study to be a pharmacy technician?", etc. And my older brother thinks going to school period is a waste because of all of the general studies courses you have to take, and according to him, there's no need for "book-smarts" out in the real world.

Here's my counter-argument >> As an adult, I have the right to do with my life what I choose. Including study whatever profession I choose. When I am told that I shouldn't want to do anything or study a certain field because it is a so-called "waste", I don't think that people around me realize how insulting it is to be told that. As if I'm apparently not smart enough to figure this stuff out for myself. I have the inherent right to do what will make me happy in this one and only shot I have at life. And as an adult, this is my call to make. People around me may have their opinions, which they are entitled to, but this is my call to make.

Am I wrong to feel this way? Your thoughts are welcome. Thanks

lol I don't think they mean any harm. They are probably just trying to help in their own way. Your brother is right, you do not need to be educated these days. You just need experience for the job that you seek. I've met some really stupid people who function like robots at work. Try to discuss anything other than titties or fitties or 40s and 20's or bitches and hoes or clubbing and grinding, forget it! They'll look at you like you're from Mars.