This is the 2351st most frequent Arabic word.
بقدر
"بقدر" means "to the extent" or "as much as."
The word 'بقدر' is used here to indicate the extent or amount (as much) of the action 'أعمل' (work) in the sentence.
أعمل بقدر ما أستطيع.
I work as much as I can.
The word 'بقدر' denotes 'according to' or 'to the extent' of someone's requirement or need, specifying the quantity or measure of the action.
أعطيته بقدر حاجته.
I gave him according to his need.
In this sentence, 'بقدر' conveys the limit or scope (as much as) provided by the subject 'الحياة' (life).