---
title: "Your effort will not be rewarded"
date: 2025-04-13
description: "Markets do not pay for effort. They pay for perceived value, and perceived value is subjective."
tags: ["career","mindset"]
lang: en
source: https://www.lincoli.me/articles/your-effort-will-not-be-rewarded/
author: "Lincoli Xavier"
---

A lot of people carry the illusion that their effort deserves a reward.

But in the market society we live in, what gets rewarded is the value delivered. The amount of effort does not matter. And that perceived value is subjective.

That is why Neymar earns millions and teachers earn pennies. That is why TikTokers who dance earn millions and supermarket packers earn pennies. That is why plenty of people work ten hours a day and never get a raise. No doubt those people work hard. But that alone will never guarantee any kind of success.

We have to stop making value judgements about it and play the game as it is:

*What is this market's perception of value?*

*How can I deliver more of it?*