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.
(..) I can't pay for my own shrimp? I got the shrimp. No, that's one thing about me you don't understand. I don't take handouts. I earn my way, every step. I need something extra on the side, like you. What do you mean, like me? - What's that supposed to mean? - That's what I mean. (..)2001 The Fast and the Furious