“Hard work pays off” is a common statement used to reassure people who are facing challenges and suffering. Hard-working individuals, after all, are deserving of success. But while hard work can pave the path to success, it does not always “pay off.” Many people spend their entire lives working hard and are still stuck in the same position.

Success is easier to achieve when an individual is born into wealth and status. If they desire to attend a good college and happen to have a family history at a competitive school, their chances of being granted admission increase. If they attempt to pursue a career and it does not work out, they can work for their family. Or, if they decide to start their own business, it will be much easier if they already have the necessary capital. 

In a capitalist society, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. For anyone to establish their own business, they first need to obtain capital. When someone lacks the funds or tools for production, they have to work under a corporation to earn enough money. If they do not earn a high salary, it will be difficult for them to save money because a majority of what they earn goes towards the costs of living. Capitalism traps the lower classes in this constant cycle of poverty whereas individuals with wealth have a cushion to fall back on no matter where they are in life.

Franciso Jiménez is a Mexican author who published his autobiographical short novel “Cajas de Cartón” or “The Circuit” in 1977. In the story, he depicts his early life experiences migrating to the U.S., starting school and working in the fields. Every day from sunrise to sundown, his family picked either fruits, vegetables or cotton. They faced many hardships as they did not earn a livable wage and work was inconsistent. They could not work if it rained, and once the entire field was harvested, they had to move again to find work.

According to the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs, there are an estimated 400,000 to 500,000 migrant children working in U.S. agriculture. Many migrant children start working in the fields alongside their parents to help them earn more money. They may try to attend school, but it is difficult when their families are constantly moving and following the next harvest. This may result in them falling behind and even having to retake an entire year. Many migrant children eventually drop out and devote themselves to helping their parents. They are unable to get a job that requires an education and spend the rest of their lives working in the fields. Following generations will suffer the same fate, continuing the never-ending cycle.

This is not to say that success does not require hard work; there are many impactful stories about individuals who started from the bottom and worked their way up. However, just because someone works hard it does not guarantee they will be successful. Hard work does not always “pay off.”