[dikdik]

I think a better way to frame this is "Hard work barely matters when you work for someone else."

I've been in too many situations and witnessed too many friends and family members that shoot for the moon but are never able to leave Earth as all their extra efforts are usurped by their managers and business owners.

Sure hard work "matters", it can help you get places, but how much does it matter is the question? Does it make 1% difference? 5% difference? 50% difference? I'd bet the difference is <10% compared to someone who does just enough to get by.

I think kids would go furthest of all if we told them "treat yourself as an autonomous being, work hard when you are in a position to realize the benefits of your hard work, otherwise do just enough and save your energy for better days."

[user5994461]

Well, that's another interesting topic for discussion.

Don't work harder if that will give you no returns. (like unpaid extra hours, going to your company funds or manager bonus for saving the project)