To ask what 'work hard' means to you? In relation to earnings

[Workhard45]

This phrase often starts a debate (especially now with elections around the corner) and I wanted to know what it means to you.

It's often mentioned when someone tries to explain why they earn so much. Then low earners are offended because they too work hard. First off, I think everyone(well, almost) works hard, but there are different versions of hard work and some gain you more money.

To me, 'work hard' is not just the physical (e.g. Working 3 minimum wage jobs to feed your family - though of course this is hard work!) but rather a long-term thing. So, working hard/smart from GCSE to uni to workplace. I also think 'hard work' can be mental. People often say their managers don't work hard because they don't break a sweat - I don't think you have to to be working 'hard'.
I also think part of this involves making hard choices such as picking a boring job that pays more over one you are passionate about but pays less. Fair enough not everyone picks jobs just for their earning potential, but then I don't think you should then moan about the low pay after if you've traded income for passion.

This has turned out longer than I intended - apologies! I'm interested in other people's definitions of 'work hard'.

I agree with you OP. I'm a lawyer and work full time but usually "sensible" hours 7.30am-5pm (one day a week at home) and commute. I do a good job but I don't usually find it "hard work" - there are some crazy weeks but most of the time it's OK. I earn £80k +bonuses which honestly seems plenty when measured against effort.
Yes it's mentally challenging (but I enjoy the stimulation for my brain) but I found shop work/ bar work/ maternity leave more tiring.
I did "work hard" at law college and do a good job for my employers. I'm not lazy and I'm very conscientious. So in one sense I feel perfectly deserving of my salary. But I'm also aware that a lot is just down to luck - I was born with a good brain, had the benefit of a good education (private/grammar), parents who supported me through university and a husband who took over all domestic duties while I studied for my law school exams in the evenings. I would never say that others who didn't have those benefits and are stuck doing menial work don't work hard just because they earn less than I do now.
I do have limited sympathy for those who have had every advantage but haven't bothered to utilise those opportunities and then whine that its not fair that I have a better job and more money.

*feather

I would say that everyone who earns a lot works hard, but that not everyone who works hard earns a lot. Jobs are paid according to what skills are of value to the market, not according to how hard people work. *
^^

This!

epic bold fail sorry!

It's hard to say isn't it? My dh is a high earner (80k+)- he works hard. This means, to is at least- starting work at home before leaving for work; working every single evening once returned from work; working every single weekend at home; always being 'on call' while on holiday, answering emails ,phone calls and other requests; dealing with compliance and the associated stress of that; carrying out cpd, exams, training, at own expense and in own time; never taking time off sick unless really really ill (he had taken no sick days in 15 years); giving 100% while actually at work; even little things like ensuring his car is always clean when visiting clients, shoes clean, etc etc all add to his 'workload' that is required to do his job.
Incidentally, most of these things I could also apply to my job, as a stay at home parent. I work every evening, I work every weekend and every holiday and never get a day off. I get paid nothing.
I think it's about work ethic isn't it- and dh was fortunate to get a good degree and a good job in an area that he can reap the benefits financially if he works incredibly hard. I am sure, and I was the same when I worked, most people without that kind of earning potential work just as hard as my dh.