Eh, money itself is not the problem. There is inherently nothing wrong with trading money for labor. It’s capitalism (late-stage especially) that ruins everything. The idea you’ve got to work so hard, for so little, is mind-boggling. And the fact that a lot of people are brainwashed into believing that is a normal and okay thing to do… crazy.
Good for that guy to be able to follow his dreams. If he had the skills for the job, I’d hire him even with the gap, just because of his dedication and bravery.