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.
(..) And I can negotiate the terms of their relocation. Well, then, you'd better get it done, Corporal. The Na 'vi say that every person is born twice. The second time is when you earn your place among The People forever. You are now a son of the Omaticaya. You are part of The People. Come. Come. (..)2009 Avatar