How do we work?

I am trying to pick up a train of thought that left the station a few days ago. That is difficult to do. I believe I was reading in 1 Corinthians 9. The thought that occured to me originated as an inquiry I believe. I was looking for a connection between Paul's freely (i.e. no monetary charge) preaching of the gospel, his reward having offered it free when commonly speakers of that time would charge for the teaching, and my work today. I go back to 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 and the requirement that a man remain in the condition in which he was called. The best application to my work I could make was that I should do the best work I can regardless of how I am compensated. I live in a place where laws regulate, to a degree, how I am paid. But what if I work only to that degree when I am capable of more? Without usurping another's role, without growing resentful for lack of recognition or anything else, shouldn't I work to the best of my ability for the reward of having done so regardless of my earned wage? I am determined to make it a practice to try and work at a level above where I am. I know this could be tricky, but I believe that if I approach this with God's guidance and with humility and compassion for all involved it is possible.