My life is full of examples when hard works pays off and not. The biggest disappointment comes from school and university. Those who studies hard, those who were total nerds, those who killed themselves in sport activities, not always become successful. For example a friend of my who was one of the best at school and university, a very smart and intelligence guy, now works as concrete fence posts producer. Working with hands, killing his back for small money, when everyone expected him to be a combination of Zuckerberg/Durov/Buterin. Working hard isnt enough for success. A person must be lucky plus be at right time at right place.