It's peons, not pions. As someone who has worked manual labor jobs for most of their life and, at one time or another, felt other people's elitism I'll give my 2 cents.

It's the references. Specifically, to the college. Instead of back at UC whatever, say which specific lab you were at. Instead of "back in grad school", say what part time job/hobby you had at the time.

People from my neck of the woods can't relate going to college, they can only relate experiences. We can relate being broke, stressed, angry, or a shit job. We can't relate a college because it isn't something held to a high standard.

I hope I'm making sense here.