pay your dues
- earnGain by working
- struggleLabored effort against resistance
- hustleEnergetic, aggressive action
- grindCrush into particles
- sacrificeGiving up something precious
work · sweat · climb · toil · persevere · apprentice · rookie · bottom · ladder · hardship · prove · strive · endure · breakthrough · seniority · respect · recognition · initiation
earned status vs. unearned privilege
pay your duesnepotism
Preferring kin in hiring
silver spoon · entitlement · trust fund baby · lucky break · windfall
gradual progression vs. instant success
pay your duesovernight success
Rapid rise to fame
instant gratification · fast-track · hit the jackpot · strike it rich · go viral
obligation fulfilled vs. obligation shirked
pay your duescut corners
Reduce effort or cost improperly
game the system · freeload · coast · phone it in · cut in line