Why do you think hardwork is no longer enough, not everybody can get the connection to secure jobs therefore as you are not privilege to get connection, it is only hard work that can help you and while working hard also be smart because hardwork without modernization is not going to give you what you want. I know someone that use the power of social media to get her dream job. She was posting her CV online and doing other social media content to create awareness about herself and she is now an oil worker. The same thing might not happen to everyone but there are many ways we can get our dream jobs or something similar that pays well, therefore do not give up because you do not have connection, you can be the start of the connection for your family through working smart and making a name for yourself.