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.
(..) for a job now, right? Dad, maybe you can help him out. - I appreciate it, but I'll be fine. - It's no problem. I'll make a few calls. I couldn't accept it. I'd like to earn what I get. I can find my own work. I respect that. You want to make it on your own steam. That's great. (..)2002 Spider-Man