I don’t quite understand why people should work harder than their parents. Isn’t the whole point of progress that ... you know … we progress towards something

I don’t quite understand why people should work harder than their parents. Isn’t the whole point of progress that ... you know … we progress towards something better ? What is the point of the productivity gains we had due to automation, if we never get to enjoy the benefits of that ? Every parent wants their child to have a better life than them, better life to most means more opportunities. More opportunities to do what exactly ? More opportunities to work more hours ? I understand the economy does not quite work like that, but I still think it is something we should strive for.