It takes more than hard work and reliability or we would not be seeing the layoffs we are seeing now.

I once was manager of a retail chain bank. I thought I would retire with that employer at some point. Then, my bank was acquired in a hostile takeover. My branch was suddenly redundant in that community and was closed. I was laid off along with many others.

Now, in government we are seeing mass layoffs. Same with tech companies.

Being in the right place at the wrong time does not protect a job holder.

My 38 years of professional entrepreneurial success stems from the relationships I nurture, transforming them into advocates through exceptional service and hospitality. I prioritize being relational over transactional, embracing a lifelong commitment to learning, growing, and staying current. While I work hard and adapt my efforts to the situation, I also take days off and vacations without hesitation or fear. It's A Good Life!

Different generations have different expectations.  I can speak with authority as an employer and earlier in my career as an employee.  Accountability and work ethic can not be taught or stressed to all generations,  But one persons myth might be another person's reality 

We were taught the work ethic when we were children.   But we were also taught that the only "job security" is when you are Self-Employed.  

   Right now we are seeing thousands of people with no work ethic getting pink-slipped.  Federal bureaucrats who thought that they could make twice the money that the Citizens make (average Federal salary = $127K, average American worker = $66K).  And, they want to be paid for staying home and doing nothing.   

    The only check they will see now is a reality check!

Hard work and being reliable makes one valuable to an employer. That doesn't mean a company will keep you (based on company financials, potential mergers, etc). It means you learn skills during that time that will help anywhere you wind up going. And it means you have something useful to put on a resume.

Hard work has worn out my joints. Work smarter not harder is the way to go.

My Best foot is always forward here Richard Alan Naggar  - I was raised by a Military father. Respect. Discipline. Work Hard Ethics. Study. Learn. Do good. Help Others ... you get the idea - right? 

I recall very clearly when I was scheduled to get married my boss was not happy I would be taking a 3-week honeymoon during the busy season. He basically gave me a choice as to whether to go on my honeymoon or keep my job. I chose the honeymoon. Guess what? My job was waiting for me when I got back.  Ironically, my boss was let go before I left the company to start my own business. They gave me a going away dinner at the Country Club when I left. I guess that qualifies as showing value. 😊

Used to be that if you worked hard, kept your nose to the grindstone... you would have a job for life and work for the same company for 30-40 years.

That's no longer true.  Those that advance in today's workplace are those that jump around from job to job.

Let's just say when one door shut other doors opened. I sometimes asked through the wrong doors. No regrets, it worked out.

Richard Alan Naggar 

Your question reminds me of: 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

It sounds like you were taught well and I believe that hard work and reliability has paid off for me for the most part, haha.

It worked for me but does not appear to work for thousands of workers being fired this year.

Definitely no guarantees in life, that's for sure, except for death of course.  Typically hard work pays off more than hardly working.

Hard work doesn't mean a better income.  If that were all that was needed a ditch digger would be the riches profession.