[jastingo]

I do believe that hard work is not always sufficient for professional success, but I think the author here actually makes a pretty good case for why hard work pays off. Yes, timing is so important, but being ready to take advantage of when the right time comes can be just as crucial as having "good luck".

The reality is there are always externalities that are not under one's control. That's a given. Being prepared, for the good and the bad, is all we can really do to increase our chances of succeeding.