BobR wrote:

Not to mention the simple fact that I never said I earned $70 an hour
but that I was making $70 an hour for my efforts. That doesn't mean
that I have to be paid for it only that it is a measure of the value
of the effort.

making. The means of gaining success or realizing potential:

Absolutely. Your property is now worth considerably MORE than the $35 you
saved simply because it has a neatly-trimmed lawn.