Craftwork and wage-earning

In Book I (345e-347a) of the Republic, Socrates distinguishes between one's ability to succeed at a craft (to be a craftsman) and one's ability to succeed in being paid (to be a wage-earner); and states that the two abilities should be considered in isolation from one another. One can be a craftsman without receiving a wage; one can receive a wage for doing nothing.

We naturally tie the two together because they are so often paired, but it is worth remembering (and worth hammering home in school) that just because you are skilled at your craft does not mean that you will be paid to perform it.