I have been accused of not working hard because I had a white collar job. It is not true, mental work is just as hard as physical work and can be much more stressful.
I’ve worked both, and physical jobs were a lot harder, for a lot less money. When they say don’t work harder, work smarter they aren’t kidding.
I am retired now, but I worked as an engineer. Not only was the work mentally difficult, but I went to school for 4 years undergraduate and 5 years in graduate school to become qualified to do the job.
When people say it wasn't hard work, I just smile and point out that just the math we did makes calculus look like a Sunday School picnic.