We have to tell the truth. Most people will work hard and not “make it.” Yes, even among the people who have remarkable talent and the right “work ethic.” No, opportunity is not distributed fairly. Disadvantage is complex. And capitalism doesn’t care about who deserves what.

My least favorite Twitter trend is the inevitable bootstraps lecture light from the nouveau successful. You know it.
Some variation of, “I got here because I worked harder than most and that’s the key. Work harder.”

It lacks honest analysis of privilege, proximity, etc.

Yes, I’ve worked hard and I’m talented. In my mid 30s I have what many consider a good salary. I’ve had opportunities to speak for thousands of dollars at a time. I’ve had opportunities to publish content that came to me. Much to do with where I am, who knows me, desirability...

Do you have to be clear about what you do and actually do your work well? Yes, of course. Will you “make it?” Maybe, maybe not. Define success carefully for yourself.

Will people who do the same work less well make it before or farther than you? Yes, that happens.

We don’t all have the same 24 hours. We don’t all have the same start.
We don’t all have the same physical or social advantages.

Working harder is not always enough. That is the hard truth about this life and this society.

I don’t feel more deserving than anyone for what I have. I feel privileged. I feel fortunate. I feel like I’ve been in the right place at the right time to seize opportunities. I feel like it could all be gone as quick as it came. I feel like plenty of people work harder for less