Popa is making a point with his use of the phrase.
The “real world” includes situations which not everyone is familiar with.
He insists that he has a job which requires him to work late on summer Fridays. Why assume he’s making it up?* There are undoubtedly aspects of your life which popa hasn’t experienced – no two people have the same life, but I would hope that he would understand and respect that.
As long as he is making it home in time for Shabbos, I can’t understand what your issue is.
*Yes, I know, his username link. But I think I’m pretty good at sniffing out when he’s serious.