I'm not sure how anyone could believe generalized "hard work" will lead to a lifestyle one desires. To me the idea that "if I work really hard someone will rewa

I'm not sure how anyone could believe generalized "hard work" will lead to a lifestyle one desires. To me the idea that "if I work really hard someone will reward me" is lacking of personal responsibility that comes with freedom. Waiting for someone else to make my life the way I want it isn't how I want to spend my time. Also, the definition in the article of 'pay off' is vague, but seems to allude that getting into a higher income quantile is the goal. If this is the big 'pay off' Americans are looking for, it's a little sad to me.