That's a classic story in a corporate world but I fail to see how is it relevant in the context :) We were talking about 'thinking' being required but nobody said it was sufficient.

I was mostly approaching it from the angle of how overworking and overthinking isn't really necessary to make money. And how doing so can actually lead to burnout.

Please give us your secret to making easy money.

Now what I was saying. Being the person on a team that kills themselves to get a project across the finish line isn't the secret to making money. It doesn't even get you recognition for your efforts most of the time.

> It doesn't even get you recognition for your efforts most of the time.

You've gotta toot your own horn. Relying on others to do it for you is a surefire recipe for disappointment and disillusionment. Think of it like a business. If the business does no marketing, what's going to be the result? Bankruptcy.

I've known many bitter people who did something great, and nobody knew about it because they thought it was unseemly to write papers about it, present about it at conferences, etc.

It doesn't have to be easy, it can just be the correct amount of work, or effort, for you.

What if correct is more than you can actually give?

Correct for you.

> Nobody really noticed.

It's often necessary to make sure they notice, by telling them. A good method is to email your manager a weekly summary of what you accomplished, including extra hours you spent on it. This is especially worth while if you're working remote.