Think about supply and demand. They dance together. They create balance. They determine worth. The mathematics of value spring from their interaction.

Consider gold and silver. Gold commands higher prices. Why? Scarcity matters. The rarer something becomes, the more valuable it grows. This principle shapes everything.

Now, let’s talk about work. The job market pulses with this same rhythm, this eternal dance of supply meeting demand. Your earnings reflect your uniqueness. Your value rises when few can offer what you provide. It drops when many share your skills.

Brazil once faced a doctor shortage. The numbers tell the tale. In 2010, Brazil had just 1.8 doctors per thousand people. Far too few. Other nations boasted better ratios. The UK had 2.7. Spain showed 4.0. The gap was clear.

This scarcity created opportunity. New graduates commanded high salaries. The market favored them. Simple economics at work. Low supply, high demand, higher wages.

But times shifted dramatically. Medical schools multiplied. More students graduated. The government’s “Mais Médicos” program expanded access. Foreign doctors arrived. The supply grew steadily.

By 2022, everything changed. Brazil reached 2.7 doctors per thousand people. The market responded naturally. Starting salaries adjusted downward. Basic economics again. Higher supply, steady demand, lower compensation.

But specialists tell a different story. They can earn $100,000 or more monthly. Their expertise sets them apart. Their knowledge carries weight. Their scarcity creates value. The pattern emerges clearly: specialized skills command premium prices.

But here’s a fascinating twist. Perception trumps reality. Sometimes dramatically so. Consider this modern phenomenon: Instagram doctors. They’ve cracked a different code. They’ve mastered perception.

These medical influencers tell a curious tale. Many earn fortunes through social media. Their Instagram feeds sparkle. Their YouTube channels boom. Their expertise? Sometimes questionable. Yet their incomes soar way above their peers.

Meanwhile, veteran specialists toil quietly. They read countless papers. They attend conferences. They perfect their craft. Their knowledge runs deep. Their skill grows profound. Yet often, they earn less.

The lesson stings but instructs. Value doesn’t always equal wealth. Perceived value does. The market responds to what it sees. What it believes. What it feels.

Some doctors understood this shift. They adapted brilliantly. They built personal brands. They created content. They spoke the language of social media. And the market rewarded them handsomely.

Is this fair? Perhaps not. Is this reality? Absolutely. The perception of value can outweigh value itself. The market doesn’t always distinguish between seeming and being.

What about making money online? The question demands careful thought. You must understand your value proposition. You need to know your competition. Your offering must solve real problems. The market must desire your solutions. Let me share a story I encountered a few days ago on X. Silicon Valley companies constantly evolve. They release new products. They upgrade existing ones. They need to showcase these improvements effectively. This creates opportunity.

Enter the motion designer. This specialist creates explanatory animations. They craft compelling visual stories. Their work captures attention. Their skills meet a specific need. Few possess their expertise. Many seek their services.

The result? Substantial income flows. These specialists often earn $70,000 to $100,000 monthly. They work reasonable hours. They maintain work-life balance. But remember this crucial detail: mastery takes time. Excellence demands dedication. Success requires patience.

The formula remains consistent. Find what people need (in YC terms: “Make something people want”). Develop rare skills. Execute brilliantly. The money will follow. Music to your ears, isn’t it?