In my culture, there is a weird pecking order depending on jobs/ social status etc

I find it stupid

Simply because ppl go bankrupt trying to maintain a I'm a big fish in a small pond attitude

I am saddened to hear your friend thought your job beneath you - it happens when you only look at labels but don't see the person behind it -

I make the time to take a survey/ write a note/have a word with the manager to let them know the customer service was excellent -