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It can be both because all kinds of work can contain huge work loads sometimes or often. In some situations you simply do not have any choise but in some situations you can choose how much work load you want to have. It depends on the situations.
A hard working man sounds also positive! If you are the one and if your work shows good results then you can be a good example for other people. That is great isn't it?A hard working man can also reach a point when he does not have to be a hard working man any more. Why? Simply because he already has done enough and now can enjoy the life. His work has created a ground for the new life style and that means that he can live a relaxed life. That is also great isn't it?