# First World Problems **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 18, 2015, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883 "2015-11-18T13:39:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2015, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/1 "2015-11-18T13:39:48Z")
I’m working from home today, a benefit of having a high speed wifi connection and company supplied laptop. As I sit here working (really!), browsing and sipping coffee, my dog lies asleep in his rather plush bed next to my chair, snoring softly - and farting every few seconds. Nasty, paint peeling farts. One of us may have to move to another room, and I doubt it will be him. I realize that there are literally billions of people who care not one whit about my problem, but still… What are your first world problems? ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2015, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/2 "2015-11-18T13:45:25Z")
You think that the minor annoyances of life don’t exist if you live in a developing country? ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2015, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/3 "2015-11-18T14:19:23Z")
I had the same problem as the OP yesterday - only I couldn’t move because a) I usually use my desktop for work-related tasks and b) there was also a workman going in and out and I needed to keep the dog out of the way, so he had to stay in the room with me. An open window and a ceiling fan did help some. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2015, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/4 "2015-11-18T14:35:57Z")
In a few days I will be leaving for an extended vacation, which will involve a very long plane ride. Yesterday I came down with a beauty of a cold! No matter how healthy I get between now and departure, time change, jet lag, and climate change are likely going to set me back hard. Both the journey and the first few days of my holiday may prove to be quite unpleasant. Can’t a girl get a little sympathy? ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2015, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/5 "2015-11-18T17:56:46Z")
> [@AK84](#): > > You think that the minor annoyances of life don’t exist if you live in a developing country? I have spent more time in true 3rd world countries than most North Americans. I know of vanishingly few who: 1. work from home (unless one considers farming WFH) 2. has a computer of any kind (or reliable electricity, if any at all) 3. has a wifi connection of any kind 4. has an indoor pet (pretty difficult in a 1 room mud or cardboard hut and barely/not enough resources to feed themselves) 5. would even know what a pet bed is That’s why the thread is called “ **First** World Problems”. You know, things we complain about that a large percentage of the world population would consider a blessing. Hope this helps your reading comprehension. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Blaster\_Master](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/cab0a1/32.png) [@Blaster\_Master](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blaster_Master)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2015, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/6 "2015-11-18T18:16:49Z")
When I think of First World Problems, I think of problems that only exist because of technology or situations that only exist as part of one’s station in life in a first world country. As such, I wouldn’t think of a first world problem related to teleworking as being a farting dog, but rather something like missing out on the boss bringing in free donuts because you were working from home. One example I remember from a couple years ago was when the end of the fiscal year was coming up and, for most government types, their budget is a use it or lose it type of deal, and if they don’t spend it, it usually gets cut, so often if a section is coming in under budget they’ll go on a spending frenzy in the few weeks. So in this case, there was one guy who had gotten quite adept at this to the point that other people would enlist his help in spending unused portions of their budgets toward a mutual goal. In this one particular case, someone had tried to spend their budget, couldn’t, and had asked for his help spending $4 Million by the end of the day. He was really stressed about trying to find a way to use that much money in 2 hours. I helped lighten his mood by reminding him it was a first world problem to have trouble spending enough money rather than not having enough. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2015, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/7 "2015-11-18T18:21:31Z")
> [@Doctor\_Jackson](#): > > I have spent more time in true 3rd world countries than most North Americans. I know of vanishingly few who: > > 1. work from home (unless one considers farming WFH) > 2. has a computer of any kind (or reliable electricity, if any at all) > 3. has a wifi connection of any kind > 4. has an indoor pet (pretty difficult in a 1 room mud or cardboard hut and barely/not enough resources to feed themselves) > 5. would even know what a pet bed is > > That’s why the thread is called “ **First** World Problems”. You know, things we complain about that a large percentage of the world population would consider a blessing. Hope this helps your reading comprehension. :rolleyes: Really? Which ones? The ones which exist in your head, or the actual real countries. Because, it’s clearly not the latter. An excellent article on this patronising little meme. > **[What's Wrong With #FirstWorldProblems](https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/11/whats-wrong-with-firstworldproblems/248829/)** > > "All the silly stuff of life doesn't disappear just because you're black and live in a poorer country" ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2015, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/8 "2015-11-18T19:57:58Z")
> [@AK84](#): > > Really? Which ones? The ones which exist in your head, or the actual real countries. Because, it’s clearly not the latter. > > An excellent article on this patronising little meme. > [What's Wrong With #FirstWorldProblems - The Atlantic](http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/11/whats-wrong-with-firstworldproblems/248829/) Yes, If Haiti (for one) exists only in my head. Please point out which of the items on my list do not apply there, even in the capitol city. Waiting… Your piddle article points out a cellular phone issue. FYI, cell phone technology is pretty much ubiquitous, because it’s much MUCH cheaper to build/tap into the infrastructure for that than it is landlines. Of course, one still must still find a black market phone and get to a place with a generator - often a 5 mile+ walk - just to hook up two bare wires to the phone battery in order to recharge. Yes in fact, I have done that. Thanks for asking. If you can’t understand how the privilege and ability to have a ready supply of electricity, a laptop computer, and wifi are first world items, and a smelly dog is all I have to complain about (ever smelled the river in an off the grid, third world village? Or the dump in a Central American slum?) then you are way far out of touch. The good news is that , if all you have to do with your time is crap on a light hearted thread, you are truly first world privileged. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2015, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/9 "2015-11-18T20:02:56Z")
> [@elbows](#): > > In a few days I will be leaving for an extended vacation, which will involve a very long plane ride. Yesterday I came down with a beauty of a cold! > > No matter how healthy I get between now and departure, time change, jet lag, and climate change are likely going to set me back hard. Both the journey and the first few days of my holiday may prove to be quite unpleasant. > > Can’t a girl get a little sympathy? I have sympathy for you. Takeoff and landing are fucking miserable when you have a cold and your sinuses are all clogged up. I mean, miserable, want-to-die-misery. ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2015, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/10 "2015-11-18T20:41:39Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > I have sympathy for you. Takeoff and landing are fucking miserable when you have a cold and your sinuses are all clogged up. I mean, miserable, want-to-die-misery. I had a friend who flew with a massive sinus infection. Partway through the flight _something gave away deep in his sinus cavity_ with a loud, audible **POP!** and a large wad of green snot flew into his lap. He said it was beyond disgusting, but he was so relieved that he could both breathe freely and the pain stopped. For me, a true **First World Problem** , is that Bath and Body Works is discontinuing my favorite scent (also the one I get complimented on all the time). So, I am having a wee mental temper tantrum, even though I know it’s a stupid and unimportant problem. ---
**Author:** ![stillownedbysetters](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/41988e/32.png) [@stillownedbysetters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stillownedbysetters)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2015, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/11 "2015-11-18T21:28:20Z")
Marriott bought out Starwood Hotels, which had the best customer loyalty program around. I don’t know what will happen to my accumulated Starwood points and I will probably lose my personal travel ambassador. Marriott doesn’t have the ambassadors. Sniff Sniff Boo Hoo. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2015, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/12 "2015-11-18T21:28:26Z")
Is having to deal with AK84 a first world problem? And what is his position on this question? ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2015, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/13 "2015-11-18T22:38:45Z")
I was mildly stressed by having to straighten up the house before the maids came. They don’t need to know what slobs we are! ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2015, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/14 "2015-11-18T22:53:15Z")
The coolest colors of running shoes don’t come in wide. :mad: ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2015, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/15 "2015-11-19T15:33:31Z")
> [@Rhiannon8404](#): > > The coolest colors of running shoes don’t come in wide. :mad: OK, the other problems made me cry, but this one makes me gnash my teeth as well! WHY can’t I get running shoes in EEE without paying a mint? Ooooh, I feel your pain! ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2015, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/16 "2015-11-19T16:12:57Z")
> [@Doctor\_Jackson](#): > > Yes, If Haiti (for one) exists only in my head. Please point out which of the items on my list do not apply there, even in the capitol city. Waiting… > > Your piddle article points out a cellular phone issue. FYI, cell phone technology is pretty much ubiquitous, because it’s much MUCH cheaper to build/tap into the infrastructure for that than it is landlines. Of course, one still must still find a black market phone and get to a place with a generator - often a 5 mile+ walk - just to hook up two bare wires to the phone battery in order to recharge. Yes in fact, I have done that. Thanks for asking. > > If you can’t understand how the privilege and ability to have a ready supply of electricity, a laptop computer, and wifi are first world items, and a smelly dog is all I have to complain about (ever smelled the river in an off the grid, third world village? Or the dump in a Central American slum?) then you are way far out of touch. > > The good news is that , if all you have to do with your time is crap on a light hearted thread, you are truly first world privileged. I am _not_ from or in the first world, just so you know. Haiti’s mobile phone penetration is[68% (](https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ha.html). So, I seriously doubt you are telling the truth, and even if in the unlikely event you are, there is a world beyond Haiti and N America. ---
**Author:** ![wevets](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e9a140/32.png) [@wevets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wevets)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2015, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/17 "2015-11-19T18:34:34Z")
> [@Doctor\_Jackson](#): > > The good news is that , if all you have to do with your time is crap on a light hearted thread, you are truly first world privileged. I think **AK84** is from Pakistan, and may just have taken offense at the idea that every non-first-world-country is Haiti. Haiti has some unusual problems, even for a developing country, and wouldn’t make a great example of what life outside the U.S. is like. It may be a good example of what life in the bottom 30 countries out of 187 in the Human Development Index is like, though. ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2015, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/18 "2015-11-19T19:31:21Z")
> [@AK84](#): > > I am _not_ from or in the first world, just so you know. > > Haiti’s mobile phone penetration is[68% (](https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ha.html). So, I seriously doubt you are telling the truth, and even if in the unlikely event you are, there is a world beyond Haiti and N America. Not the point of this thread, and I’ll address it no more. If you don’t like the title or premise, you are not forced to be here. Calling me a liar, however, is bad form no matter where you’re from. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2015, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/19 "2015-11-19T20:01:05Z")
You know, this was supposed to be a fun, light-hearted thread. Can’t help but wonder what on earth happened…? Here is my first world problem, just so I am contributing. My tablet is almost out of charge. My charger is at home. Bah. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2015, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883/20 "2015-11-19T20:03:53Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > You know, this was supposed to be a fun, light-hearted thread. Can’t help but wonder what on earth happened…? > > Here is my first world problem, just so I am contributing. My tablet is almost out of charge. My charger is at home. Bah. ☹ Light hearted you want, light hearted [you get.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwvlbJ0h35A) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-world-problems/737883.md?page=2)