While I felt compelled to downvote you, I won't since you ask nicely. You should explain how it doesn't speak well for his judgment. Doing translation work isn't the same as programming on the pay scale, and any respectable employer should realize that when it comes time to discuss compensation for a programming position. In fact, I feel it speaks highly of his character in that A) he's motivated enough to continue with some form of work while looking for a programming job, and B) that he has the talent to do translation work in the first place.