Hard Work Still Fuels Real Wealth Creation

A simple question exposed a hard truth: most people want more balance even if it means less money. The prompt was clear. Would you rather work 25 hours a week and make $125,000 a year, or work 70 hours and make $300,000? My answer was instant. The results from tens of thousands of responses surprised me even more.

“98.2%” chose the 25-hour, $125,000 option. Only “1.8%” chose 70 hours for $300,000.

Here’s my take as Erik Huberman: wealth follows sacrifice more often than not. That doesn’t make one path morally better. It does make the trade-off clear. If you want top-tier outcomes, your time and energy are the price. If that price feels too high, fair. But let’s be honest about what it takes to win at the highest level.

The Trade-Off Most People Won’t Make

Many of my peers—founders and operators—would not blink at the 70-hour choice. They already live it. That doesn’t make them heroes. It makes them committed to a specific outcome. More hours do not guarantee success, but the top end of financial results is rarely built on 25-hour weeks.

Recently, at an event with a group of wealthy friends, a young guy helping out asked what they all had in common. I know these people well. The common thread was obvious.

“They all probably work seventy plus hours a week.”

That pattern shows up across business owners, top salespeople, and high-performing leaders I’ve worked with. From growing Ellie.com to a million dollars in four months to building Hawke Media, the same lesson repeats. Effort compounds. So does skill. So does time spent on the field.

What I’ve Seen Up Close

Let’s talk about what that means in practical terms. It means fewer people want to compete at that level of intensity. And that creates an opening.

• Time is the tax you pay for outsized outcomes.
• Your choice defines your league. Both are valid.
• High hours narrow the field. Fewer rivals, more upside.
• Balance is a choice, not a flaw.

The point isn’t to shame anyone who picks balance. It’s to highlight how opportunity works. If only 1.8% choose the hard road, you’re competing with a very small pool. That is a massive edge for those willing to push.

Some will say, “But you can work smarter, not longer.” True—strategy matters. Leverage matters. Great teams and great systems matter. And yet, the people at the top tend to do both. They work smarter and longer. They stack advantages. That combination is brutal to beat.

The Counterpoint—And Why It Falls Short

The strongest counterargument is health and family. Burnout is real. So are regrets. That’s why this is a values question first. But once you set the target—financial freedom, ownership, wealth—then the math kicks in. The market rewards rare effort. Comfort rarely builds empires.

Another pushback: “Some people got lucky.” Sure, luck exists. But relying on luck is not a plan. Consistent output increases surface area for luck to find you. You meet more people. Learn faster. Spot more openings. That comes from hours invested.

Choose With Eyes Open

I respect anyone who wants a balanced life. For many, $125,000 for a 25-hour week is a dream deal. But let’s not pretend those hours stack up to the same outcome as 70 hours applied with focus and grit.

If you want the top tier, here’s the reality.

“If you want to create that life for yourself—and I respect if you don’t—understand that is where it comes in.”

This isn’t about hustle for hustle’s sake. It’s about clarity. Choose the trade-off that matches your goals. Then own it fully.

Call to Action

Pick your path this quarter. If you’re aiming high, block 70-hour weeks for the next 12 weeks. Cut noise. Track output. Build leverage. If you’re choosing balance, set firm boundaries and optimize for joy and health. Either way, commit. The fence is the worst seat in the house.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to work 70 hours to succeed?

No. You can build a good career at fewer hours. But the top end of wealth often correlates with more time, intensity, and ownership.

Q: How do I avoid burnout if I increase hours?

Set blocks for deep work, sleep seven hours, train your body, and protect one recovery window each week. Intensity needs recovery to be sustainable.

Q: Isn’t working smarter better than working longer?

Both matter. Smart systems multiply your output. Extra hours expand your learning and opportunities. The combination is what separates the few from the many.

Q: What if I have family commitments?

Define non-negotiables with your partner and kids. Design your peak hours around those. Trade nights out and low-value tasks, not family time.

Q: How can I test whether the 70-hour path is for me?

Run a 90-day sprint. Track hours, outcomes, and stress. If results rise and you can recover well, you’ve got a signal. If not, recalibrate.