This is typically amongst older generations – but all sorts of people do this – where they view work as life which is a competition, they are unaware of human nature and the fruits of their labor, and try to “one up” you in terms of exploitation. I think these conversations present a genuine argument: are you allowed to complain when people work “harder” than you?
Let’s say X and Y are having a conversation about their jobs.
X: How many hours are you scheduled per week, on average?”
Y: I work a grueling 30 hours a week.
X. 30? Seriously, I work 50 hours, not including overtime!
Y: Okay but this job is really tough on me.
X: You think your job is difficult? You wouldn’t last a week here, quit complaining and enjoy that you have it easier than other people!
How should Y respond without invalidating X, whilst Y is already invalidated?