Both are true, of course. Working smart is of course easier if you have options other than working at McDonalds vs. Burger King, and if you can grow in them. If you don’t have too many pressing needs that are so immediate that you can’t spend time on the side studying etc.

It’s good to be born with the privilege of being able to take time off or do your work in a smarter way, but that is a privilege not everyone has