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.
(..) ...l'm sorry. I forgive you. But as my own personal form of punishment, I figured out how you're gonna earn that extra credit. What's up? Excellent. Great turnout this year. - All right. It's all you. - OK. - Make me look good out there. (..)2004 Mean Girls