He wished to earn a living through writing but despaired of doing so.

他原想通过写作谋生，但却对此绝望了。

First you should consider how to equip yourself to earn a living.

首先你应该考虑如何让自己有能力谋生。

Our school leavers face so much competition that they seldom care what they do as long as they can earn a living.

我们的毕业生面临着十分激烈的竞争，以至于只要能以谋生，他们就很少关心做什么工作。

He's working hard to earn a living.

如今他努力工作养活自己。

Try living outside of how you earn a living.

试着跳出你谋生的方式来生活。