AITA Post Goes Viral In Which Man, Definitely Not A Pilot, Insists On Being Introduced As A Pilot

As many folks who work a relatively normal job know, one's profession is often not the most exciting thing about them. Oftentimes, folks are much more interested to talk about their hobbies, passions and ideal careers than what they actually do to make a living. But does being interested in a profession actually mean you have that profession?

Analyzing the data from a recent case study in the form of an /r/AITA (am I the asshole) post, many people seem to say "no."

The woman--me--was too stunned to speak. pic.twitter.com/pCIeTTjGsR

— Abby Vesoulis (@abbyvesoulis) February 1, 2023

Recently, a man went to /r/AITA, Reddit's premier destination to watch people tell on themselves, with a question: "Am I the asshole for asking my wife to respect my title as a pilot?"

First things first: This man does not have a title as a pilot. As he explains in the opening paragraph of his now-viral post, the anonymous man is a restaurant manager. He is, however, an aviation enthusiast in his spare time. He has learned quite a bit about planes and how to fly them, but crucially, he has not actually flown a plane, which many might consider the most important credential one needs to call themselves a pilot.

This confusion came to a head at a recent party he and his wife attended. While doing normal small talk, his wife introduced him to some party guests by saying, "He manages a [restaurant chain location]." The man says he quickly corrected his wife by saying he's "a pilot."

"My wife already knows how insecure I am about my job and how I'd much rather be introduced by my hobby," he wrote. "I've earned the title of pilot by putting 500+ hours on sim and thousands of dollars put into my craft. Just because I don't have the title of pilot on an overpriced piece of paper doesn't mean I'm not a pilot."

The man says he went on to insult his wife's memory to the other guests at the party and the pair later argued because she does not think he is actually a pilot, which readers would later note was on account of him … not being a pilot.

"This can’t be real. It doesn’t take a pilot (something that you are literally not) to tell that you’re a huge AH [asshole]," reads the top comment on the now-deleted /r/AITA post.

While Redditors thoroughly assured the man that he is indeed the "AH" in this situation, Twitter users found it hilarious and began introducing themselves with what their "real" jobs would be if they followed this man's logic.

I have spent tens of hours farming a 60×60 plot of land in Stardew Valley, romancing the fair members of the town, and restoring my grandfather's legacy. I am a professional farmer. No one can take this valor from me, even my beleaguered husband. https://t.co/j7K4psDWHn

— ✨ amber ✨ ttrpg performer & writer (for HIRE!) (@thespacejamber) February 3, 2023

I find it disrespectful not being introduced as an idol, with the amount of time and knowledge and time I've put on the idol matter I demand being respected and being called an idol, not that I work as an idol or anything tho https://t.co/cOWYHwczrH

— 🚨Neeko⁴ˣ⁴ Has a Reason✌️🎙️🚨 (@nekowaii_) February 3, 2023

Me when my wife doesn't introduce me as a 15x Super Bowl and World Cup champion after I play Madden and FIFA: https://t.co/TTzX5ZDEVF pic.twitter.com/rlgSuGo8cH

— Jared Radford (@jaredradford) February 3, 2023

It seems social media agrees that just because one pursues a passion in their spare time, that doesn't mean they can really say they do that passion for a living — which is a shame because yours truly has been telling people he's a rock star and professional Super Smash Brothers player for years.