Misaligned Your Effort with Value Creation — You’ll Be Burnt Out and Die!
A Smart Student with a Unique Approach
Many hardworking people end up burnt out, underpaid, and frustrated.
My ex-student was one of them—until he realized that effort alone wasn’t enough.
Years ago, when he was in college, he was always on time, and the quality of his work was good.
The smart thing about him? His work always seemed simpler and effortless, yet it was effective.
Effort vs. Complexity
In contrast, his peers' work was complex and packed with details.
Their projects required more effort to produce, but in the end, they all received good grades.
He finished his work on time, while the others barely made the deadline.
Years Later: A Lunch Invitation
Years later, he invited me for lunch.
That’s when I found out that his traits back then had given him a major edge in his career.
The Reality of Burnout
Like many professionals in fast-paced industries, employees often experience burnout.
He was no exception.
Soon, he realized that his workload did not align with his income.
The production system and the workload simply did not make sense.
The Turning Point
He needed a change—an opportunity to turn the tables.
So, he stepped up to his boss.
But he didn’t just ask for a small raise—he asked for a completely different role.
A producing role.
From Artist to General Manager
He transitioned from being an artist to an animation producer, and eventually, a general manager.
During the MCO (Movement Control Order), he helped the company survive.
He played a key role in ensuring the company bounced back when it was on the verge of being bought out by a bigger studio.
Now, he continues to make a big impact on his organization.
The Power of Self-Awareness
He may have been gifted with certain traits, but more importantly, he had awareness.
He knew that if he continued to work endlessly, he would burn out.
He understood that effort alone does not lead to higher income.
So, he made the right move—switching from an effort-based worker to a value-based creator.
The Lesson for Us
No one taught him this—he figured it out on his own.
But for us, we have the opportunity to learn from him now.
We can reevaluate our mindset, our work approach, our career, and our income.
Work smart, not just hard. Create value, not just effort.
Here’s what his journey teaches us:
1) Your Worth Is Not Determined by Price
Your worth should not be defined by a “price.”
Salary is simply the profit you receive.
It is the outcome of the work you’ve been doing.
2) Work Is an Exchange
Work is a transaction. The salary you receive is the result of an agreement between both parties—your employer and you.
Each side has its own perspective on value, which ultimately translates into money.
3) The Misconception of Effort = Money
Feeling underpaid often comes from the misconception that effort equals money.
But putting in more effort does not automatically mean earning more.
Why?
Because companies don’t pay for effort—they pay for value created.
4) Effort vs. Value: The Waitress vs. The Chef
A waitress can work hard for 8 hours a day. Does that mean she creates a lot of value?
No. Her role is supportive and easily replaceable.
A chef, on the other hand, creates a unique dish that people are willing to travel far to enjoy.
That is value.
The key lesson: Being busy does not always mean being valuable.
5) You Can’t Trade Effort for Money—Only Value
If you measure money by effort, it doesn’t make sense.
You can’t trade effort for money.
You can only trade value for money.
6) Why Do People Pay for a Car?
People don’t buy a car because the car worked hard.
They buy it because it creates value:
Saves travel time.
Provides air conditioning.
Protects from danger, rain, and heat.
People don’t pay for effort. They pay for the benefits they receive.
7) Why Some Roles Pay More Than Others
The effort you put into your company does not always yield value equivalent to what the company needs.
That’s why salaries differ.
A waitress can’t expect to earn as much as a chef. One creates, while the other supports.
Final Thoughts
If you misalign effort with value, you’ll always feel underpaid.
To earn more, stop focusing on effort and start increasing your value.