She's just trying to 'earn a living'. [=to earn the money needed for food, clothing, etc.]
He will do anything to 'earn his keep'. [=to earn what is needed to support himself]
He 'earned/won his spurs' by doubling the company's profits in the past year.
(..) Mr. Benedict, you're employing an ex-convict. As you know-- Goddamn cracker. -Excuse me? -You heard me. Black man can't earn a decent wage? -You wanna throw me on the street. -I'm doing my job. Want me to get on the table and dance? Shine your shoes? Smile at you? (..)2001 Ocean's Eleven