To think a lot of people earning 6 figures aren’t actually that smart, just lucky?

402 replies

SnarkyDenimFox · 20/08/2025 11:13

I’ve met plenty of high earners and honestly, a lot of them don’t seem any sharper than the rest of us. Right place, right time, right connections. AIBU to think it’s often luck, not talent?

OP posts:

whatonearthishappenin · 06/09/2025 20:36

Mushroo · 20/08/2025 11:17

A lot of the time is not smart in terms of intellect necessarily, but hard work, and having the foresight to be in the right place at the right time, by creating those opportunities.

Eg revising well for GCSEs and A levels when others are messing about and partying.
Having the foresight to choose the right a levels / right university to maximise opportunities.
Joining lots of societies / networking instead of drinking (but doing the right amount of drinking to get to know people!)
Securing internships by applying instead of going home to work in a shop

Otherwise having the courage to go for promotions, putting themselves out there.

Simialrly, if self employed, having the courage to take that leap.

Of course, lots of luck will be involved too eg parental help and going to good schools. But all the high earners I know have basically worked really hard for years and years. That is a type of intellect, that’s probably more important in the real world than being a member of MENSA

Nailed it! I am a “high earner”… worked hard for years and years from A Level onwards.

NeedthatFridayfeeling · 06/09/2025 20:40

Not my experience, i know a lot of people who earn six figures and they are extremely clever having had to take many exams post university to get where they are. They earn their salary.

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