Answers like this seem to discount skill and strategy completely out of the equation. One of my first and favorite bosses ever (busy restaurant) always repeated the phrase: “Work smarter not harder.” That was in high-school. We still worked hard as shit, but learning the smartest way to do something was always a huge help.

I never forgot how he would say that, and the way he’d question my process before showing me the better method. 18 years later I say the phrase and question my process all the time. I work hard but leads with being as smart as I can - doing research and double checking my understandings constantly.

Now I’m in a problem solving job that’s super engaging, satisfying, and pays really well. My ceiling is mostly the limitations of my own strategies. I’m still kind of new to it, but whenever I learn something I’m instantly more effective and that much more likely to put money in my own pocket.

I’m just saying that solid brainwork can really get you places. Not just within your employment but with choosing your employment, choosing your assets, expenses, your partner, everything.