THE HARDER I WORK, THE LUCKIER I GET. IS THAT TRUE FOR YOU AT YOU JOB OR LIFE?

Question

i saw this quote somewhere, and it is simple but seemingly true. This is a follow on to my prior question, about 'doing the right thing, and your life follows along. The more effort I put in on my jobs the 'luckier' I got, in terms of raises, perks, going off campus in a company car, and similar 'rewards'.

What is your feeling about hard work and getting luckier in your life?

OneViewpoint · Accepted Answer

Luck, random chance, plays a role no doubt... but you can help yourself be ready when the universe tosses you a bone. Hard work helps build skills and demonstrates determination. Recognizing opportunity is critical. Some people go through life never knowing how many unlocked doors they have passed by. Pursuing opportunity is embracing change. A lot of people fail here. Run through those open doors. Building a network of quality people with similar goals and personalities can be valuable for you and everyone else in the network. Learning from your failures will make you tougher and less prone to making those errors again. Keep getting up and moving forward. Have goals and a timeline. But don't be rigid or expect everything to happen the way you want or expect. Stay flexible and keep looking for the next opportunity. It's OK for goals to evolve over time.

lightbulb27 · Accepted Answer

hummm...

It worked at times.

At other times, I was screwed and getting lucky was result of making the right moves at critical points.

Sometimes can work as hard as you want and you'll be 'executed'. Just because of new boss, change, etc..

don't get too comfortable. But yes, if you work hard and as well... smart, demonstrate your value, you'll get to new places, possibly survive.

Some of this answer depends upon private vs public and types of roles.

Nikki1989 · Accepted Answer

I have always been rewarded for hard work in all aspects of my life.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

people f me over right and left, what am i doing wrong

Advisor Smith · Accepted Answer

In my career, that quote has mostly held true—but with nuance.

When I worked hard and on the *right things* (skills in demand, visible projects, relationships), opportunities multiplied: promotions, speaking invites, leadership roles. People called it “luck,” but it was often prepared ground meeting chance.

Where it failed was when I:
- Worked hard in low-impact areas
- Ignored networking or visibility
- Stayed in toxic environments

So: disciplined effort + smart focus + relationships = a lot more “luck.” Hard work alone, in the wrong place, can just make you tired.

Static_In_The_Attic · Answer

THE HARDER I WORK, THE LUCKIER I GET. You get lucky alright when the boss gives you more work & I learned IF YOU GO HOME TIRED IT’S YOUR OWN DAM FAULT.

Cidknee · Answer

In luck do you mean you gain respect of peers, get raises or bonuses, receive blessings from God?  Then sure!

NathanDavis · Answer

working hard does not necessarily means you're doing it right many times... you only work harder because you keep doing it wrong in my experience... working better and smarter, paid off way more

DryGermanGuy · Answer

For some people that might be true and for some more at least true to an extent.

exitseven · Answer

This is a quote by Thomas Jefferson. It is true but not always. sometimes you can work your butt off for something but it never happens.

Anonymous · Answer

I tried that but... unfortunately, nothing changed.

THE HARDER I WORK, THE LUCKIER I GET. IS THAT TRUE FOR YOU AT YOU JOB OR LIFE?

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